Designing a Mid- Century Modern Dining Room

Designing a mid-century dining room involves incorporating elements from the mid-20th century (roughly the 1940s-1960s) that emphasize simplicity, functionality, and organic forms. Here are some tips to help you achieve a mid-century modern dining room:

Furniture

  1. Dining Table: Choose a table with clean lines, often made from wood like teak, walnut, or rosewood. Round or rectangular shapes with tapered legs are common.

  2. Chairs: Select chairs with simple, ergonomic designs. Look for wooden frames with upholstered seats or molded plastic chairs. The iconic Eames chairs are a great example.

  3. Sideboards and Buffets: Opt for low, long sideboards with sleek designs and minimal hardware. These pieces often have sliding doors and ample storage.

Here is an image featuring a set of Eames-style molded plastic chairs with wooden legs.

Materials

  1. Wood: Use warm woods like teak, walnut, and oak for furniture pieces.

  2. Metal: Incorporate metal accents, such as brass or chrome, for a modern touch.

  3. Glass: Add glass elements in light fixtures or table tops for a sleek look.

Color Palette

  1. Base Colors: Start with neutral bases like white, beige, or light grey for walls and larger furniture pieces.

  2. Accents: Incorporate bold colors such as mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, or turquoise through accessories like cushions, rugs, and art pieces.

Patterns and Textiles

  1. Geometric Patterns: Use geometric prints on rugs, cushions, or curtains. Patterns like starbursts, atomic designs, or simple stripes work well.

  2. Natural Textiles: Choose natural fibers like wool, cotton, and leather for upholstery and accessories.

Lighting

  1. Pendant Lights: Install statement pendant lights or chandeliers with clean lines and geometric shapes, often made of metal or glass.

  2. Floor Lamps: Add floor lamps with thin profiles and interesting shapes to create ambiance.

Accessories

  1. Art and Decor: Hang abstract or pop art pieces on the walls. Look for sculptures or ceramic vases with organic shapes.

  2. Plants: Incorporate greenery with potted plants in simple, ceramic pots.

Layout and Space

  1. Open Space: Keep the layout open and uncluttered. Mid-century design favors functional spaces with minimal distractions.

  2. Flow: Ensure there's a good flow between furniture pieces, making the dining area accessible and inviting.

Tips

  1. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix vintage pieces with modern replicas to create a cohesive look.

  2. Functional Decor: Choose decor items that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a purpose, such as stylish storage solutions.


By focusing on these elements, you can create a mid-century dining room that is both functional and stylish, evoking the timeless appeal of mid-20th-century design.

Here are two images of a mid-century modern dining room, incorporating the design tips provided. The space features a clean and functional aesthetic with characteristic mid-century elements.


**All the images I provided were generated by AI. If you need any further assistance or more specific designs, feel free to let me know, I can create or find the specific images you need! Shelley @ Adorn Design Group. 630.800.5720

A Touch Of Elegance

Designing an Elegant Earth-Tone Living Room

When it comes to creating a sophisticated and inviting living room space, earth tones can be the perfect choice. Incorporating hues inspired by nature such as greens, browns, and tans can bring a sense of warmth and tranquility to the room.

Start by selecting a neutral base color for the walls, such as a soft beige or subtle whites. This will provide a versatile backdrop that allows your earth-tone furnishings and decor to shine. Consider adding texture with a plush area rug in a rich brown or a velvet sofa in a deep olive green.


Why Not ~ Blend A Little Tradition With Modern

Incorporating a blend of traditional and modern elements into your space can create a dynamic and eclectic design scheme. By merging pieces from different eras, you can add depth and character to your interior while showcasing your unique style. Explore the contrast between old and new to craft a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.


To add depth and interest to the space, incorporate accent pieces in darker shades like espresso or charcoal. This could include a sleek coffee table, a set of ceramic vases, or even a statement wall art piece in a bronze finish. Or perhaps some killer wallpaper, LETS GO!


Don't forget to bring in elements of nature to complete the look. Incorporate houseplants to add a pop of greenery and life to the room. Natural materials like wood and stone can also be included through furniture pieces or decor accessories.


At Adorn Design Group, we understand the importance of pulling design concepts together to create cohesive and impactful solutions. Our team of experienced professionals excels at blending creativity and functionality to elevate every project we undertake. Whether you seek a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a bold, vibrant look, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Let us ADORN your space with design that not only meets your needs but surpasses your expectations.


Furniture and Accessories

To enhance the elegance of the space, consider incorporating metallic accents through gold or silver finishes on drawer pulls, lamp bases, and decorative items. A statement chandelier in a modern design can add a touch of glamour and elevate the room's aesthetic.

Textiles and Finishing Touches

To add warmth and texture to the room, incorporate soft textiles such as silk curtains, plush rugs, and velvet throw pillows. Layering different textures will create depth and visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look.

For the finishing touches, consider adding artwork or decorative mirrors in ornate frames to elevate the sophistication of the space.

Final Touches and a Finished Space


Seasonal Living Design Challenge 2021

 

Where do I begin.. Ok let’s start with who is Seasonal Living? And what is this Design Challenge. ( Yep I jumped right in.)

A leader in multifunctional furnishings and accessories with a prime focus on wellness. Seasonal Living “Invites client’s to connect with the outdoors and live in rhythm with the four seasons.” Seasonal Living’s prime focus is supporting the “in-the-trade” design community with renewable, recyclable and easy to care for materials whenever possible. And as a bonus their stuff is AMAZING!

Bottom Line. SL is a “go to” for us designers looking for distinction and luxury in both indoor and outdoor furnishings for our clients. The best part about Seasonal Living is how they support designers by showcasing their work in both virtual designers show houses and the Seasonal Living magazine. Check out their products here.

https://www.seasonalliving.com/

Now for the 2021 Designers Challenge:

“Seasonal Living and eDesignTribe (a leading platform for interior designers rendering both 2 and 3D design (and of which I am a featured member) are once again teaming up to create more exciting ways that the Architecture & Design (A&D) community can engage to showcase their creative skills and for Seasonal Living to support and promote designer excellence to the A&D Industry.”

When I heard about this I couldn’t wait to get started.

Check out this link of last year’s challenge. https://issuu.com/seasonallivingmagazine/docs/seasonal_living_magazine_special_edition_2020/24.

Come on ! “Let me in coach.”

Here’s a link to learn more about eDesign and all their awesomeness!

 https://www.edesigntribe.com/

MISSION STATEMENT
“We arm our designers with cutting-edge industry tools to impeccably communicate interior design concepts. We provide a personal touch to the search for the right designer for your next project. Whether you are a homeowner or an industry member- we have the perfect designer for you!”
— edesigntribe
 

Now for the deliverables in this year’s challenge. (Let me know at the end of this blog if I met the challenge and presented the deliverables as require.)

  • Create and emphasize a seamless flow of both indoor and outdoor products

  • A feeling of wellness

  • Furnishings to be used both indoor and outdoor with a living style of transitional and modern.

  • One room two seasons.

  • Modern to Modern Farmhouse Home - Higher End Home

  • Each space to reflect a season ( I chose Fall and Spring. )

    Drum Roll Please…


For this project I chose a higher end modern luxury home in a country setting. I chose both fall and spring.

When considering this project and when I decided to design this room I wanted to create a space with intention.

My takeaways while approaching this space centered around an intentional reflection of calmness, comfort, sustainability, solitude and the comforts of home. Grand and welcoming.

Spring reflecting renewal of new life, fresh air and vibrant colors.

Fall, is there any better season than fall? Crisp hoodie weather, peaceful bursts of color followed up with cozy fireplace evening’s, a glass of red wine and yes Football…..

Most products in this project are curated from Seasonal Living’s Provenance Signature Collection.

Here’s a link to Laura Muller’s collection with Seasonal Living.

https://www.seasonalliving.com/collection/provenance-collection/

 

So let’s start with fall, oh of course.

Take a walk through this space and feel the wellness and warmth a fall day brings with fires lite and cocktails waiting on the patio as you watch leaves fall from the trees and smell winter coming.

Remittances of greenery as the colors change, yet still welcoming the season and all its beauty.


The slideshow below is a representation of the fall season bringing the outside in and enjoying the change of season offering an open space for outdoor entertaining and gathering.

 

All The Comforts Of Home

Now let’s take a walk inside before spring arrives. Staying true to the deliverables, this space offers a modern high end luxury feeling with a touch of farmhouse. I know there’s a cocktail party just waiting to happen.

The front door screams “your invited, come in side.”

 

The slideshow on the interior of this project include Seasonal Living outdoor floor lamps, side table, pillows, planters,and ottomans. So cool that outdoor furnishings can transition from the outside to the inside seamlessly and with so much sophistication. Open up those sliding doors and it’s one big party!

 

Spring has arrived!

Come on out, it’s been a long winter and the patio is ready for entertaining.

Nothing better than living in a four season climate and opening those doors to the smell of spring. A time to enjoy three seasons of pure bliss, family entertaining and that first barbecue. Don’t forget that first vase of tulips.


The slideshow below is welcoming the inside back out. Time for fresh gardening, cut flowers and rejuvenation after a long winter. A feeling of wellness sitting by a fire smelling the new spring season.

 

One Space Two Seasons



And this all started with a vision.

Well that and an awesome rendering program that takes a designer’s vision and makes it reality for our clients.

Thanks @edesigntribe and @seasonal_living_trd for the best tools and designer support out there today. The possibilities are endless and way too much fun.

Thanks for joining me on the 2021-22 Seasonal Living Design Challenge and don’t forget to leave comments or questions below. Winners will be announced in February , I’ll be sure to update everyone. Fingers crossed…



Interior Designers Reveal the Most Common Design Mistakes

Check out our feature in Redfin’s latest article: “Interior Designers Reveal the Most Common Design Mistakes”

Impulse Buying : Shelley at Adorn Design Group Talks About the Three M’S When Measuring Sofa’s.

Yes.. Another Guide to Sofa Styles.

Picking A Sofa Is Simple Right? You See A Sofa Online Or In A Store And Boom ! It’s Love At First Sight Or Sit, If I May .

Actually for most of us picking a sofa is like walking into the stroller section of a babies r us store. Have you ever been to B.R.U to pick out a stroller? Horrifying just saying. Honestly there’s really no right or wrong style when it comes to sofa’s so take a breath and try not to get too overwhelmed.

On The Hunt For Wallpaper?

On The Hunt For Wallpaper?

OK, I’ll be honest I’m really not over the whole wallpaper thing. As a matter of fact, I try to incorporate it into every one of my designs. If done right, wallpaper can be just as effective in achieving that wow factor as that great chandelier or that heirloom anchor piece everyone sees when they first walk into the room.

Is Mid Century Modern Still A Thing?

Is Mid Century Modern Still A Thing?

Mid Century Modern is still considered one of the greatest influencers of modern interiors. This Iconic look became famous by combining urban decor with natural materials, exposed woods, earthly hues and natural lighting.

It’s important when designing MidCentury to incorporate sleek silhouettes. Find pieces with clean lines, urban vibes and tapered legs.

Lets explore this Mid Century Modern design I did this summer as we go from a simple inspirational drawing to a 3D render to final project proposal.

Follow along if you’re looking for guidance to achieving this BOLD and textured look in your home.

How Color Impacts Your Buyers First Impression

How Color Impacts Your Buyers First Impression

Color can be one of the most important conversations you have with your clients, of course everything else matters too right down to the curb appeal. Once a client selects a color palette the mood has been set and everything else can fall into place more easily. With so many gorgeous colors to choose from, selecting the perfect color can be difficult and confusing.

Tips and Tricks for Styling Bookshelves in Small Spaces

Tips and Tricks for Styling Bookshelves in Small Spaces

Almost every home I’ve ever design has that space! That little cove hidden somewhere in the corner of your home screaming Help Me!!

You know that junk drawer in your kitchen? Well bookshelves that are not given the proper attention can over time look like that junk drawer that needs a good cleaning out.

Presenting the One Room Challenge hosted by media partner Better Homes and Garden. When Hiring an Interior Designer Virtually Here's What To Expect

Recently I participated in a One Room Challenge hosted by media partner Better Homes and Garden. As a guest participant I took on the challenge of completing a design project from measurement take off to install and reveal. I had 8 weeks to complete the task and present to the client and Better Homes and Garden.

Coastal Chic Living Room: Let's Walk Through This From Drawings To Design As We Master Modern Coastal Decor

Coastal Chic Living Room: Let's Walk Through This From Drawings To Design As We Master Modern Coastal Decor

Coastal Chic is one of the most soothing design styles today. With soft simple colors, luxury finishes, linen fabrics and distressed woods. Trending to be one of the fastest growing decorating styles, Coastal Chic reaches far inland as more and more of us are incorporating natural materials and fabrics into our home and everyday life.