Bathroom: What is Mid-Century Modern? (A short summary)

Not sure exactly what kind of interior design classifies as 'mid-century modern?' Well, you gon' learn today! If you've been a loyal follower of S Squared Design, you've probably seen this term tossed around to describe many projects and pieces. So, what exactly is mid-century modern? 

Obviously, there's an apparent, overarching theme among mid-century modern interiors, but the exact definition of this term is slightly more elusive since styles in this genre can vary so greatly.

 

Mid-century modern design in America developed roughly from the 1930s through 1960s when the middle class attitudes about wilderness, nature, technology, mobility, and city life began to materialize in interior design. To demonstrate, this remodeled master bathroom employs essential aspects of mid-century modern style from monumental design to minute details. (Hint: keep an eye out for tiling, fixtures, patterns, and appliances that bring elements of nature into a highly functional space!)

  

Ceramic, ceramic, ceramic!
With its sleek curves and shiny glaze that disperse light throughout a space, it's no wonder that ceramic is a material of choice for mid-century modern designs. (Look up Heath Ceramics founded in 1948!)

Geometry in Nature

Ever seen honey comb in a bee hive? This tessellation of hexagons patterns the floor in this master bathroom with dark grout and bright white tiles. This contrast emphasizes the shape as found in nature, but the small size of the tiles allows this pattern to subtly complement the rest of the bathroom's design.  

Vintage and the Elements

The white ceramic and silver appliances are of course reminiscent of the 1950s. This vintage design juxtaposed with slate stone tiles is another wonderful example of mid-century modern design: natural elements with the 'latest' technology. 

So, there you have it! A quick run-down of mid-century modern style: where nature meets technology in a sleek, 1950s-esque design!

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The Hidden Gems: Mid-Century Modern Bathrooms

I have always had a love for mid-century homes. I think they go back to a simpler time where not everyone have a 3000+sq ft home, where small and efficient were normal. Now for some of the older generation they may not prefer this type of home because that is what they grew up in as a child but for us in our 20s and 30s we tend to gravitate towards smaller more functional homes. In the 50's most home had one bathroom, maybe two, but they weren't large how we see newer homes master bathrooms. This was purely a functional space that lacked extra room. There is not anything wrong with small, but when it comes to renovations its about effective storage, function and flow in a bathroom. That small only bath in your mid-century home can work for you better than you may think. With help from a designer and a list of what you need in that space can make all the difference in modernizing a 50+ year old bathroom. These are some good ideas for the spatially challenged bathrooms in older homes. Enjoy!

 This bathroom has kept the same look of a mid-century bathroom but with a few modern touches like new faucets, toilet and a simple blue vanity with crystal pulls.  Clean lines and simple materials can be beautiful.

 This bathroom features wood floor, which isn't typical for a bathroom but they have done a great job with the rest of the selections. A wall-mounted trough sink and simple 4x4 inch tiles set in a brick pattern add to the vintage style of the bathroom. A little color never hurt anything.

 Black, white with a little red chair!  Classic floor tiles and a claw-foot tub with a little facelift and a few new pieces make this bathroom feel like new.  Wallpaper seems to be making a comeback.

 Oversized hex floor tiles give a classic tile a more modern feel. The streamline sink with attached towel rack take up little room in this small bathroom to allow the feeling of space to be present.

 Storage can be hard to find in a small older bathroom. When renovating your bathroom thin vertically. There most likely is free wall space that can be utilized for shelving or cabinets.

Yellow might not be for everyone but it can be the center of attention if you want it to be. How do you make such a bright selection go with other choices? Well keep it simple. white subway tiles, neutral color vanity and one metal choice, like in the bathroom they went with a polished chrome.

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Baby, It's Cold Outside!

No more excuses to leave: there is nothing cozier than admiring the beauty of snowcapped mountains and powdery snow on the ground from the comfort of your own home. Whether it's your winter holiday home or a getaway cabin in the woods, be sure to appreciate your place. Wherever you are in this winter season, remember to bring the beauty of the outside in, while keeping out the cold and taking in the warmth! Enjoy!

 If eyes are the windows to the soul, then windows are eyes to the outside: where the extension of your home is. Bring more of the outside in by lining your walls with rich wood as seen in this stairwell. I love the cascading string of light-orbs: it's like stars in the night sky!

 This children's bedroom is complete with the rich wood and large windows like we have shown before, but notice the plush white rug: it's just like snow on the ground! Perfect for kids play!

 Gotta love these earthy tones! The beige, natural wood, and accents of fall colors offer the perfect interior to admire the exquisite environment just outside your home. The brown carpet is even reminiscent of soil in the winter softly speckled with snowflakes.

 Not much else is really needed with a breathtaking view like that! This kitchen's best asset is the large, open windows displaying the majestic range. However, accents like the natural wooden cabinets and the glacier-like marble countertops lend an arctic feel to this streamlined kitchen.

Dining in December: bright white snow and darker tones of winter nights. A perfect combination for your winter holiday dinners!

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The Eames Lounge Chair.

 The first chair created by American design couple Charles and Ray Eames.  Over the last 6 decades this chair has evolved with the interiors it has been place so carefully in.  This is great design, something that is well-known for over half a century. One day I will own one myself, but for now I dream. I just wanted to share these wonderful interiors.  Enjoy!

Five Hot tips for a Sexy Shower!

Don't worry, these aren't the tips you'll find in Cosmo. Instead, ask S Squared Design how to make your shower sexy-- well, the design, anyway! Here are some hot, fresh ideas to turn your ordinary shower into a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy!

Bathe in paradise! Shower in a tropical waterfall in the modern comforts of your own home. Love this!

 

 Big enough for two! The double doors allow for easy entry and the glass lets your bathroom feel spacious, open, and clean. (Hey, city dwellers from last post- like the view?!)

No curtain necessary- who would want to hide these beautiful mosaic tiles?! The colorful tiles add interest to the bathroom and cohesiveness- the same tiles are even outside the shower. 

Don't be such a square! This isn't your typical shower- not only does it have glass doors and gorgeous glistening walls, but its shape fits perfectly into the corner while still opening up to the rest of the bathroom. (What a lovely view!)

 

  Hello, world! The glass shower and this bathroom's windows let all the light shine in and through.

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Rock-a-bye Baby!

These rooms are sure to rock your baby's world-- in a comfortable, relaxing, and adorable way, of course! Neutral-gender designs for baby are more popular than ever- and cuter than ever. Here are a few bright and gender-neutral rooms that any mommy-to-be will love. Enjoy!

 Yo Gabba Gabba! The bright green dresser and bold horizontal stripes remind me of the fun and silly children's cartoon.

 Whale of a tale! These soothing colors make it easy for putting baby to bed after a bedtime story.

 

Style as easy as ABC! Just adding the mid-century modern rocking chair brings sophistication to baby's room, but keeps it as simple as ABC!

Orange may be a gender-neutral color, but this room is cute to the extreme! Notice the crib: 'fragile' with an arrow pointing up- love it!

 Baby will love the yellow striped ceiling as he or she lies in the crib! Also, black furniture may not be typical in a nursery, but as your baby grows up, the black furniture will suit him or her just fine.

The room's neutral colors are relaxing while the touch of orange offers just enough stimulation- perfect balance for baby!

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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My Kind of Style: Vintage Modern Dining Rooms

Vintage Modern.  For those who know me, this is what I would be if I were a style.  Stylish, fresh yet classic.  These dining rooms give a sense of warmth, homeyness but edgy at the same time.  The best designs are always created with the owner in mind; how they live and what kind of feeling they get when you walk into one of these understated dining rooms. You have a table you love but no "matching" chairs? No need to fret none of these chairs do such a thing and yours don't have to either! Enjoy!

  Who needs matching chairs? If you can't decide which chair would look best with your fantastic table....get one of each! Its easy and if one needs replacing that won't be that hard, just pick another chair you like. Keeping them in the same color family keeps a cohesive look.

Bam! How about a wild print on the chairs? Kartell makes these and they are stunning. A modern version of a classic chair. 

 White Tulip chairs are iconic, and partnered with a large old farm table make both elements stand alone and give each other the attention they deserve!

Love the color palette here, soft, soothing colors paired with clean lines makes a comfortable room. Mid century modern furniture in a traditional interior space is a perfect partnership. 

White on White: Traditional lines but painted one color gives a modern look. This is easy too! Thrift stores and antique shops always have old traditional furniture but look what some paint does to them! 

Ta Da! They have new life!

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and it's not here.....we will find you some!

 

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For the Love of Chairs!

I have an affinity for accent chairs. My all time favorite being the Eames Lounge Chair and the Barcelona, but we’ll get to those later. In my searches I’ve came across some bright and fun examples I had to share with you. Vintage modern is how I would describe my style if I had to and these just feel right to me. Enjoy!

Minimalist and happy. I feel like I can breathe. Cozy seating areas prevent clutter and make for a good chance to chat or enjoy a drink. I just can’t get enough of that turquoise.

Don’t be afraid to give new life to an old friend. Refinishing and recovering a chair is a nice way to retain the sentimental value and create a fresh look. I frequent antique and resale shops, on the hunt for a piece that can be had cheap and customized just for me.

Now this is eye catching! A relatively simple chair covered with a memorable fabric is what an accent chair should be. This is a great addition to neutral components and can add some life to your space.

The choice of turquoise doesn’t hurt my love for this look. Two similar chairs covered in the same fabric create a fun effect, providing unity while maintaining an eclectic and composed look.

These beautiful Danish modern chairs have been recovered, providing an updated look.

If you have a piece of furniture you have given new life to...we would love you to share with us! Got a design idea but not sure how to accomplish what you desire? Let us know we will be glad to help.

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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