MCM / MOD STYLE: World Market Trend Report

For almost a decade the popularity of all things Mid-Century Modern (MCM) has been growing into what is now categorized as a top trend for 2015. My previous blog reported this design style having a strong presence at this year's Las Vegas Market, and I had expected to see an interest in interior design towards the next obvious historical design revival. That would be the look that was popular in the mid to late 60's and that transitioned into the "psychedelic style" of the early 70's, known as MOD style (the later part of MCM). MOD style is also popping up on the runway as well.

(Photos in this blog are from this year's Las Vegas Market)

MOD style embraces the vintage styles of the 60's, with clean lines and sleek finishes of modern furniture and the latest space-age materials and motifs. Cutting-edge designs reflect the modern philosophy of “form must follow function,” with lighter, streamlined furniture that dominated the look of mid-20th-century homes. The psychedelic era (mid 60's to early 70's) and the huge impact of pop culture on fashion and design turned up the volume on colors, patterns and textures seen in MOD style.

Modernism and abstract expressionism began to take hold after WW!! – the traditional past was rejected, and new trends and points of view were celebrated. Minimalism, as a form of modernism in the late 50's and early 60's, reduced design to only the most essential elements. In contrast, the MOD movement (later part of MCM) was more decorative, futuristic and ethnic in nature.

In 2012 the Pantone Color of the Year was Tangerine. A bright, color pop of orange. This gave immediate permission to re-introduce the style and look of the era (mid to late 60's) when this color was last in-style.

MOD colors combine the mix of hues such as avocado, tangerine, mustard yellow and turquoise with vibrant psychedelic hues of bright yellow, red and hot pink. Graphic black-and-white patterns are also part of the MOD scheme.

MOD furnishings include Arco floor lamps, low-profile modern pieces, "S" and egg/pod-shaped chairs, and molded plastic and fiberglass. Organically designed furniture made with synthesized materials such as wood veneers, molded plywood and metal composites are also common components to MOD interiors.

MOD accessories include oversized, brightly colored floral or bird motifs on textiles inspired by Finnish manufacturer Marimekko as well as curving strips and flowy patterned wallpaper (including metallic finishes), geometric shapes, colorful art glass, shaggy rugs and carpets.

The hand chair is often associated with furniture of the early 60's and 70's, and its creation is the work of artist Pedro Freideberg. Freideberg designed a wood chair where the seat was essentially the palm of the hand, and the fingers rose up as part of the back, and partly on the sides. I remember the first time I saw this chair in 1973. It was on television: episode 69 of "The Odd Couple," called "Take My Furniture Please," when Felix Unger remodeled the apartment in the current hyper-modern MOD style.

For more MOD inspiration check out my "Mod STYLE" Pinterest Boards.