A Brief History of Mid-Century Modern Design.

Mid-century modern home decor originated in America in the twentieth century. It was heavily influenced by the German Bauhaus design and architecture school of the early twentieth century, which emphasized clean lines, functionality, and a futuristic look.

Many German designers emigrated to America following World War II, bringing new and modern design ideas with them. Starting in the mid to late 1950s, the retro-futuristic design became widespread in American design. Mass production made it possible for furniture to be made in large quantities out of a wide variety of materials in a bevy of different colors.

Designers including Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, George Nelson, Arne Jacobsen, Isamu Noguchi, Cara Greenberg, and Eero Saarinen became famous for their decorative works during this era. The style remained popular throughout the 1960s and 1970s, until the 1980s when design philosophies like the Memphis design school came into fashion.