We loved Mad Men as much as the next person. But now that mid-century modern has gone mainstream, and there are Eames knockoffs everywhere you turn, certain aspects of the movement are beginning to feel annoyingly ubiquitous. (If we see one more overly elaborate bar cart, we're going to scream.)Which is where interior decorator Christopher Kennedy comes in. Each spring, design lovers and architecture fiends from around the country descend on Palm Springs, CA, for Modernism Week, which Kennedy celebrates by inviting his favorite designers to decorate rooms in his eponymous showhouse. Since there's no nervous homeowner who wants to go more bland (or pre-existing furniture that needs to be worked in), this can be a great place for the rest of us to look for inspiration — especially if we're searching for something unexpected.
Ahead, we’ve pulled some of our favorite items from the past few years, all showcasing fresh takes on that '50s/'60s sweet spot. While it's true that every decor trend has its expiration date, these clever alternatives will allow you to keep the mid-century mania alive a bit longer. No need to throw away those martini glasses just yet.
Tired: Primary Colors
Okay fine, primary colors will never go out of style. But the daring mid-century use of color blocking in preschool-approved hues has become so commonplace that it’s lost the necessary element of surprise.
Try: Ever-So-Slightly Off
Replace bright yellow with chartreuse and swap in a burnt orange for fire-engine red. No one is advocating an entire avocado-colored kitchen here — just some unusual color play.
MotifPillows Velvet Pillow Cover, $35, available at Etsy.
Blossom Candle Holders, from $57.50, available at Design Within
Reach.
West Elm Mylo Chair in Cayenne, $399, available at West Elm.
Pillow Throw Decor Chartreuse Pillow, from $29, available on Etsy.
Tired: Saarinen-Style Tables
With just about every major retailer offering a Saarinen-style knock-off, the Tulip is beginning to feel overdone. Meanwhile, slightly more abstract shapes are having a moment.
Try: Asymmetrical Tables
There’s a reason Trip Haenisch put this wonky-shaped coffee table in the middle of his living-room design. It plays off more streamlined shapes, and the loose curves add warmth. Pet-friendly shoppers can add asheep or aHairy Thing to complete the look.
Ellipse and Rhombus Elroy Table, $175, available on Etsy.
Studio 1212 Mid Century Modern Coffee Table, $299, available on Etsy.
West Elm Mitchell Coffee Table, $349, available at West Elm.
Tired: Wall-Mounted Sunbursts
Wall sculptures are one of those things that often look better in the store than at home. In real living spaces, they seem less like an artistic statement and more like a handy solution for a pockmarked wall or a weird crack.
Try: Geometric Walls
Whether it’s wallpaper or tiling, geometric patterns help create a mesmerizingly mid-century room. Go tone-on-tone for a more subtle feel, or get the full effect with contrasting colors. Graham and Brown has very affordable rolls of theTrippy pattern.
Johnson Tiles Blue Cube Décor Tiles, price upon request, available at Johnson Tiles.
Ferm Living Spear Wallpaper, $115 per roll, available at 2Modern.
Graham and Brown Trippy Wallpaper, £15 per roll,available at Graham and Brown.
Tired: The Bar Cart
The bar cart is a standard way to add a bit of '50s glamour. While it’s sold as a practical addition, even a lush will admit it doesn’t really get more than occasional use.
Try: Mid-Century Celebrity Photographs
As luck would have it, a martini with James Dean in your living room isn’t outside the realm of possibility. This den designed by Patrick Dragonette features works bySid Avery, a photographer known for his Old Hollywood snapshots. (Prices start at $950 for an 11x14.)
Marilyn Monroe Premium Photographic Print by Ed Clark, from $119.99, available at Art.com.
"Steve McQueen, Take Aim" Art Print, $23.11, available at King and McGaw.
"Doris Day, 1959" Art Print, $21.66, available at King and McGaw.
Tired: Butterfly Chairs
While the proliferation of butterfly chairs is nothing if not understandable (they’re so easy to mix into existing decor schemes), it’s time to give ‘em a rest.
Try: A Rattan Alternative
A few other '60s staples have gotten less play: Affordable peacock chairs pop up regularly on Craigslist in warmer climates, and a hanging chair is something every visitor will make a beeline for.
Urban Outfitters Carlie Rattan Chair, $289, available at Urban Outfitters.
Serena and Lily Hanging Rattan Chair, $495 available at Serena and Lily.
One Kings Lane Peacock Accent Chair, $649, available at One Kings Lane.
Tired: Cowhide Rugs
Incredibly durable, the cowhide has claimed its spot; you’ll find it layered over jute or just under some tapered sofa legs. But it’s not the only option for '50s-friendly animalia.
Try: Zebra print
Contrary to popular belief, zebra print did not get its start in '70s bachelor pads. Two decades prior, it was upping the intrigue factor of suburban homes. A little goes a long way, so you don’t even need to upholster your walls. Here, Celerie Kemble paired zebra print with a lush botanical photograph and gilded accents.
Furbish Metallic Zebra Dish in Gold, $34, available at Furbish.
Jayson Home Camp Chair, $350, available at Jayson Home.
Jonathan Adler Black Zebra Pop Throw Pillow, $125, available at Jonathan Adler.
Tired: Outdoor Fire Pits
Freestanding fireplaces — think Preway and Malm — have become de rigueur for a mid-century-inspired backyard. But replacement parts for old models are hard to come by, and if they’re not stainless steel, rust is a big issue.
Try: A Super-Simple Backyard Teahouse
This one’s for DIY lovers. Christopher Kennedy designed the teahouse himself with slatted 2x4s. The oft-used Decorator’s White is bright and comes in exterior-friendly finishes; don’t forget to wear your cat-eye sunglasses during the build-out. When your backyard hangout is done, invite friends over for iced tea and old-fashioned neighborhood gossip.
Warby Parker Bird Sunglasses, $145, available at Warby Parker.
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White, from $69 a gallon, available at Benjamin Moore.
The Home Depot 2 inch x 4 inch Prime Kiln-Dried Whitewood Stud, $3.17 each, available at The Home Depot.
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