What I love most about my job is I get to design for ALL types of styles and ALL types of budgets. If you love the MidCentury Modern look, then today is for you! I recently completed a Postbox Project for a client who had a very unique design situation. Her house is a Craftsman style, but she loves MidCentury Modern. Now, normally those are two different design styles that you don’t think go together.
BUT when you mix two different styles right it is what we love to call in the design world “juxtaposition.” That basically those style differences play off each other to make each element shine all the more. She was blessed to have a huge foyer area, but didn’t know how to fill it up. She also had some amazing design elements such as bead board walls, pressed tin ceiling, and warm wood floors. So we planned to take all of those Craftsman elements and play off of them by adding in a modern, streamlined look. Cool, right?
So here is Version #1:
She requested that I add in some yellow or red tones to play off the colors she already has in her house. So I started with a yellow graphic rug to bring in some pattern into the space. Since the room was so big, I suggested adding this sleek and affordable gray sofa (#9) on the main wall to help ground the space. Adding this oversized modern mirror (#2) over the sofa, and putting this great planter (#6) and floor lamp (#7) on either side creates a vignette. Plus, it gives guests a place to put on shoes, or dump their stuff! These graphic pillows (#3 & #4) add in pops of color and pattern.
But what to do with all of her new furnishings? I also created this Floor Plan with notes for her, so she knows where to put everything:
In Version #2, not only did I give her all new fixtures, and furnishings, but a whole new layout to try. On her Pinterest page she created for me, she linked to some artwork she loved (#3 and #4), plus they include those warm reds and yellows she wanted in her space! I suggested creating oversized prints (36″x48″) to create a huge impact when guests walk in.
In this version, I suggested putting in this gorgeous sleek, marble topped buffet from West Elm (#7). It will be a great focal point, provide extra storage, and give a great spot to dump guest’s purses & bags, hold keys, or serve as a landing space. A modern meets retro upholstered bench (#1) and graphic rug (#6) add interest to the space and this faux fur pillow (#8) brings some whimsy!
I suggested adding these streamlined white vases (#9) and midcentury modern wood lamp (#10), which are all from Target and a GREAT price point, to the top of her buffet. And her room happens to have a low ceiling, which is common in older houses. When you have a ceiling that is less than 8′ high, you want to be careful with the light fixture you put in. In both Versions I selected light fixtures that were less than 12″ tall so they can hug the ceiling but still provide a great piece of “ceiling jewelry”!
Here is a totally different way to lay out the same room in Version #2:
I had a great time designing in a style that I don’t get to every day. Modern doesn’t have to be sterile or cold, it can be warm and cozy! If you want to decorate in this MidCentury Modern style, choose pieces that are sleek and low slung. Pieces with exposed legs are a perfect look. Warm woods and golds add to this slightly retro look and keep the space warm. With this style, you don’t want to clutter the room with lots of accessories, but a few carefully placed items will pull a room together.
Want to see more Foyers in different styles? Check out this Designer Math Foyer Table Vignette I created with a more rustic, industrial style. Find more about how to create this plus links to all of the sources HERE!
Or this Modern style front room that I designed for another client. This front sitting room greets guests with a bar area (my kind of hostess!). When you have a plan, you don’t have to waste money trying to buy things that don’t serve a purpose in your space!
Want more design ideas that will come right to your mailbox? Get decor freebies and inspiration while staying in your PJs! In fact the whole point of Postbox Designs is to help you create your dream room without ever leaving your house. I guess I’m all about cozy comfort! Just sign up HERE (plus get $20 off your first Postbox for my readers only!)
Colleen P says
Kristin – I love both of your options for this mid-century modern foyer! It’s one of my favorite design styles (in fact I just purchased a new mid-century head board from West Elm which very closely matches my original mid-century furniture I inherited from my Grandparents). You’ve given me some good ideas to create a new color and decor scheme for my bedroom. I always love looking at your mood boards!
PostboxDesigns says
Colleen, Thanks SO much! As a designer it is so fun to get to design for ALL sorts of styles, so she was a really fun client to work with. 🙂 Thanks for the comment and so glad you found me. If you ever want to see more mid century modern style, just send me a note on Facebook (facebook.com/postboxdesigns) and I’ll try to feature some more! Kristin