Trends come and go. And then, they come back again.
Styles which are popular today can go out of style tomorrow and show up again five, ten, or twenty years from now. It’s true of the fashion world, as well as the home and office décor world.
Right now, there’s a resurgence of the Mid-Century Modern style. What is this? Should you try it? If so, how can you implement it into your office break room?
Mid-Century Modern: What It Is and Why This Style Is So Popular (Again)
The Mid-Century Modern style came into existence during the mid-20th Century, particularly between the mid-1930s to mid-1960s. The style encompasses home/office furniture and décor, as well as architectural design and artwork.
Up until World War II, most people’s homes were considered very traditional. After the war, though, people wanted a fresh, new look – something modern, light, and stylish. The Mid-Century Modern look is closely related to the minimalist movement which is extremely popular right now. The similarities include:
- Functional (often multi-functional) furniture
- Simplicity
- A few trendy pieces are thrown in, but only those which fit the minimalist mold
Why is this style gaining a resurgence in the past few years? The main reason is because it's so simple. Offices with this type of design style are easy to care for – cleaning and maintenance are much easier when you don’t have intricate furniture pieces or a lot of knick knacks/accessories all about.
It isn’t to say, though, Mid-Century Modern is boring. With well-chosen pieces, your office space can look like a modern work of art.
How to Get the Mid-Century Modern Look in Your Break Room
Here are just a few ways to add a Mid-Century Modern feel into your workplace break room.
1. Go for a Mix of Materials
Mid-Century Modern is a great style for a break room because you can make just about any material work with it.
For instance, mixing wood, plastic, and metals works great in a Mid-Century Modern space. However, if you tried to mix these materials in a rustic or boho space, it wouldn’t work as well – if at all.
The only thing you need to worry about is whether your materials complement – not perfectly match – each other.
2. Anything Goes When It Comes to Color
Are you a fan of bright colors? Or, do you prefer earth tones? Do neutral colors tend to appeal to you more than others? Mid-Century Modern can fit any type of palate. Just look at some of the television shows or movies of the 50s and 60s and you’ll see one home or office with bright, primary colors, while the next one you see will be designed in white and silver.
Whatever your taste is when it comes to color – go for it! With the right break room furniture and some awesome artwork, your break room will look fantastic.
3. Don’t Forget the Artwork
Having a few signature pieces in your break space will provide so much personality. Stick with modern designs, taking inspiration from mid-century artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Office Looking Stylish and Modern
Most employers know how important it is to keep their office clean and in good working order, but is it necessary for it to look stylish? It’s very important.
It’s easy to think a healthy paycheck and good benefits are all which is needed to keep employees happy. The reality is, though, a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing workplace can do wonders for keeping your employees happy, which will encourage them to stick with you and to work hard for your company.
Taking the time to keep your office looking clean, modern, and well cared for will keep you and your employees in a positive state of mind – and you don’t need to break the bank to make this happen.
Considering introducing Mid-Century Modern pieces into your workplace break room or employee hub areas? Give Millennium Seating a call at 866-379-8422, our local craftsmen can help bring your vision to life! Our personalized service will help guide you through the challenges of commercial furniture selection. We've been doing it for so many, why not you?