Design: Mid-Century Modern

Your handy, inspirational reference guide to the iconic Mid-Century Modern Style. Spanning the mid-1940s to the 1980s, the mid-century modern movement was an influential era celebrated for its clean lines, modest proportions, and functional approach to design. Prioritizing form and function, designers defined a post-war aesthetic that embraced new materials like molded plastic, metal, and teak wood that could be crafted into practical, contemporary forms. Design: Mid-Century Modern introduces you to the celebrated icons that define the era, from Scandinavian furniture and the Bauhaus of Weimar to Brazilian concrete architecture and the sleek houses of Palm Springs. Discover this humanist design era that celebrated innovation and embodied the needs and desires of the world at that time. This collectable guidebook helps you learn the basics of Mid-Century Modern style in architecture, graphic design, fashion, and interiors, and shows you how to incorporate these aesthetics into your home. Starting with an introduction by a leading design expert, you will discover the creatives and craftsmen that defined the era—from living room decor to the urban architecture of the age.      

Jenna M. McKnight is an award-winning journalist, researcher, and digital strategist with a deep passion for architecture, design, and culture. Based in California, she holds a PhD in Design and Planning from the University of Colorado. Jenna is a contributing features editor at Dezeen and has helped launch the influential publication’s New York office. She has held senior positions at other major print and online publications, in addition to serving as the first digital editor at the global architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.