Whether Mid-Century Modern décor peaked for you with season six of “Mad Men” or you still love it and are just ready for a change, you may have thought about transitioning to modern.

Fortunately, there are transferable design elements between the two styles that will allow you to slowly evolve from MCM to just M. Check out these tips from the Baer’s design experts to help you on your journey from the '40s, '50s, and '60s to 2022.

We may all “know it when we see it,” but what are the actual design traits that make a Mid-Century Modern space?

Minimalism is a design discipline of its own, but Mid-Century Modern designer spaces are always simple, efficient, and free from clutter.

MCM homes make liberal use of both natural and man-made materials. Vinyl, leather, wood, chrome, and plastic can all belong in a Mid-Century space. Choose wisely.

Many people think of Mid-Century design as a past look into a plastic and chrome future, and in some of the worst examples of MCM design, that’s what it looks like. But a comfortable, livable space should include real or faux plants.

Mid-Century décor commonly features neutral tones with occasional vibrant colors. Your primary color may be a neutral, but then your secondary or tertiary color can be a bright, fun color. You can express this through furniture, wall art, or area rugs.

Because modern décor is constantly evolving to keep it up to the moment, so are the rules. In 2022, modern design is characterized by these elements.

Modern homes and furnishings are characterized by straight, efficient lines. That does not mean that furniture needs to be hard or uncomfortable. This modern Bernhardt Plush Leather Contemporary Sofa has crisp lines but is also sublimely comfortable. image

Similarly to MCM spaces, modern décor abhors clutter. There should be space between furniture to move about, and decorative items should follow the “less is more” rule.

One of the reasons that modern can be derived from Mid-Century Modern is the similarity in color palettes. The major difference would be when it comes to your secondary or tertiary colors. Stick with a monochromatic color scheme at all three levels.

Where MCM often incorporated synthetic materials like chrome plating, plastic, and linoleum, Modern homes avoid these. Use high-quality synthetics sparingly.

You may have already surmised that in the middle of the 20th century, Mid-Century Modern was just modern, which is why the two styles are somewhat closely related. But “similar” does not mean “identical,” and there are rules for modern and Mid-Century Modern homes. This chart should help you when you’re trying to make a transition from MCM to modern:

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when modernizing your MCM space.

You don’t necessarily have to trade out every piece of furniture in your home. Some pieces can stay right where they are, while others can be repurposed until you’re ready to let them go. The Big Bang by Hooker would work as a buffet in a Mid-Century dining room or in a modern dining room or living room.

If you adhere too strictly to any discipline, you might not like the results. The Stressless Mike Small Power Recliner might bend a couple of the above-stated rules — too bright for modern, too curvy for either — but you don’t want to rob yourself of this best-in-class seating experience. Incorporate it as a statement chair.

We all love to save a few dollars, but if something really doesn’t work with your modern space, don’t fight it. Give the piece to charity or to a family member that admires it. Put it in a good home, and head out to Baer’s Furniture and explore the millions of square footage of display items. You will be much happier with the overall look of your space if you do it right. Shop Baer’s furniture stores today!