1950s Decor Is Making a Comeback

This year seems to be the year of fashion-to-furniture crossovers, and the latest trend making that leap is the 1950s aesthetic. When we think of ’50s clothing, our minds immediately go to poodle skirts and saddle shoes, but what does that mean in interior design?

While the '50s weren't perfect, the time certainly had a distinctive aesthetic. It was an era that simultaneously balanced a rapidly modernizing and globalizing society and a yearning for nostalgia, which can be seen in the type of decor that people were drawn to.

Making '50s Aesthetics Modern

Implementation meant the combination of the sleek mass production of midcentury modern decor and European-inspired design juxtaposed with a slightly kitschy take on Americana.

Can you possibly reconcile those two seemingly disconnected aesthetics and merge them into your contemporary home without it looking like a chaotic mash-up? Yes, and it’s easier than you think. We spoke to an expert about what makes 1950s design unique and how it can merge seamlessly into today’s style.

What Is '50s Decor?

“The 1950s design aesthetic is casually referred to as midcentury modern. While that is a very correct definition, it’s also a little limited.” Explains Hank Reinhart, founder and president of Sabâvi Home.

“Most of the objects that made it into our homes in the ’50s were inspired largely by events from the ’40s. The post-WWII mass production revolution, blending of European and American design ideologies, the philosophy of function, and a good old-fashioned dose of optimism and Americanism influenced more than most people know,” he added. 

Why We Are Seeing a Resurgence Now

Those living in the 1950s were grappling with the aftermath of WWII; today, we’re still coming to terms with the aftereffects of a global pandemic. Although different, both these events created a shift that sent shockwaves, disrupting the status quo and sending people looking for comfort and stability in the refuge of their homes.

Likewise, the 1950s and 2020s are times of rapidly changing technology and societies that are both fascinated and slightly intimidated by new inventions and the interconnected world. 

According to Reinhart, the desire for comfort and interest in modernization inspired several of the era’s most iconic designs. “Did you know that the iconic Eames chair was actually designed to feel as comfortable as a used catcher's mitt? Or that ’50s appliances were either largely inspired by or directly created by automotive industrial designers?” he said.

As far as midcentury modern, this style of design spanned the period from the end of WWII (though some experts slate its origins as early as the 1930s) through the end of the 1960s and was one of the predominant styles of the 1950s.

Hallmarks of the era’s aesthetic include a focus on function and simple, clean lines, pieces that mixed metal and wood, and low-profile furniture. The overall color palette was warm, as influenced by the proliferation of wood tones, but also used bold pops of color and creamy pastels. 

How to Implement '50s Decor

It’s fair to say that, in some ways, midcentury modern has never completely gone out of style. Part of that is due to its thoughtful design and focus on practicality, which makes it easy to live with. It also uses natural materials that tend to have longevity, and people are drawn to it again and again. You may already have elements of it in your home; if you don’t, it can be introduced relatively easily.

“The 1950s, or midcentury modern style, can be incorporated into a home today pretty seamlessly. Some people refer to the style as timeless. Not true. Timeless means that you can look at an object and not know what period it came from. Maybe it fits in with everything else. Well, you can clearly spot a midcentury piece when you enter a room. It stands out because it’s supposed to, and that’s perfectly fine,” says Reinhardt.

Today, the idea that everything has to be from the same era has gone by the wayside, and having a home with a collected feel is in vogue, so don’t be afraid to add a chic midcentury couch to your contemporary living room.

Tie New to Old

When adding a new furniture style to an existing space, make sure there is a tie between what you already have and the new things you’re introducing so it feels cohesive. For example, a unique piece of midcentury modern furniture will feel more intentional if its cushions are in the same fabric as other pieces in the room. Ensure that wood tones match to create a link between different styles of decor. 

Add Cool Accents

If your home is mostly “done,” you can still partake in this trend. Reinhardt reassures us, “You don't need to redesign your home to introduce accent pieces for a little ‘oh that’s cool’ next time someone comes over. We have engineered our way into a pretty neutral aesthetic nowadays. The world is interested in being a little more interesting, so go for that 1950s touch to spice things up.”

Toss in a Touch of Playfulness

Part of the joy of ’50s design is in the playfulness, and this lightheartedness is what brings in the nostalgia and comfort of a bygone era. Adding just a touch of kitsch keeps things elevated but fun. This could come through in playful geometric patterns used sparingly on pillows or small accessories like ceramic poodles or retro radios that show that you don’t take yourself too seriously.