In case you’ve been living under a rock since 2007 when Mad Men first premiered, let us be the first to tell you that the new (and final) season begins on April 5th (mark your calendar now). For all you Mad Men lovers who have already planned your viewing party, complete with era-accurate cocktails, we’re with you. We must confess, though, one of the main reasons we love the show is because of its fabulous set design.
The Mid-Century Modern decor of Mad Men is outrageously cool and has helped fuel a resurgence in this design style. We’ve gathered all our resources, put on our Harry Hamlin glasses and are breaking down the how-tos of Mid-Century Modern interior design. We’ll share how to get the looks on Chairish and generally make you wish you were living in the ‘60s as Don Draper’s ‘secretary with a secret’ ;).
Source: Eric Laignel
Mid-Century Love Seat, Halophane Industrial Chandelier, Van Guard Ege Scandinavian Shag Rya Rug, Mixed Metal Art, Hall Table
What is now known as Mid-Century Modern interior design came about in the 1950s, right after the Great Depression ended. As the name implies, Mid-Century Modern spanned over twenty year from the mid-1940s to 1970. Its aesthetic was designed to propel American into a more modern and bold new look.
A streamlined, organic, and sleek look was the new name of the game. Furniture manufacturers and interior designers quickly began to capitalize on the trend and names like Eames, Noguchi, and Nelson rose to fame. Some defining traits of Mid-Century Modern pieces are a neutral palette with pops of color, simple, clean lines, industrial influence, and geometric patterns.
Source: Eric Laignel
Curtis Jere Brass Tree Wall Sculpture, Milo Baughman Mid-Century Modern Chair, Mid-Century Campaign Style Pink Ottoman, Chicken Feather Lamp, Western Electric Telephone
The reason Mid-Century Modern design is so popular is the understated glam factor. While at first glance, a room decorated in this style may seem minimalist or stark, there’s always hidden luxurious details. Whether it’s a gilded roulette cigarette dispenser, steel cocktail set, or a turquoise Italian glass bowl, these are the elements that make the style desirable.
Source: Eric Laignel
Hooker Mid-Century Modern Desk, Upholstered Vintage Wing Chair, Original W.L. Moore Large Abstract Painting, Wooden Lamp, Vintage Suitcases
Mid-Century Modern homes and spaces reflect much about the people living in them. They are suave, smooth, a little sultry. Refined, but not afraid to take risks. If it sounds like we’re just describing Don Draper, it’s because we are. He is the epitome of the Mid-Century Modern man.
When asked about the process of decorating the Mad Men set, set designer Amy Wells (aka, the brainchild behind Don’s office) dished about her favorite place to find vintage items. “One of the best references is the Sears catalogs and the Montgomery Ward catalog,” she says. “They’re so specific, and they have all these items. And then I have every decorating book from the late ’40s through the mid-’60s. So Better Homes & Gardens — you know, all those decorating books that came out every year — I have all of those (NPR).”
As Mid-Century Modern continues to grow in popularity, newer designers are starting to tweak the style to blend with more recent interiors. Recently, Jonathan Adler, Restoration Hardware, and Crate & Barrel have all been putting out Mad Men/Mid-Century Mod inspired items. The newer styles use updated fabrics or materials to give the pieces relevance, but the original structure is left intact.
Source: Brit + Co
Sputnik 18-Arm Chandelier in Satin Brushed B
rass, Mattaliano White Leather Dining Chairs, Mid-Century Silver Highball Glasses, Leather Table, Bar Cart
Original Mad Men fans and new Mid-Century Modern converts, make sure you’re following us on Instagram, where we’re always posting Draper-worthy photos! Enjoy the premiere on the April 5th, and remember that the number of martinis doesn’t matter if it’s after 5 pm.