Highly inspired by midcentury architecture, furniture, and interiors, Beth Haley pays close attention to the use of materials and keeps the landscape of the home in mind while designing for her clients. “There are key features of midcentury modern design that have carried through the decades since the style was first introduced,” Beth explains. “There was a distinct departure from overly ornate Victorian-era homes, and between the 1940s and 1960s, houses were designed with a focus on functionality and indoor-outdoor connection.” Beth also points to natural wood materials, organic and geometric shapes, and floor-to-ceiling windows as key characteristics of the enduring design style.
Each of us at Beth Haley Design feels inspired by the thoughtful execution of timeless design in the projects below — we think you might find some inspiration, too.
An Iconic Home in Western Australian
Source: The Design Files / Photographed by Angelita Bonetti for The Design Files
This home, which we discovered on The Design Files, is sure to delight all lovers of midcentury modern design. Of course, the original Featherston chair was the first piece to catch our eyes. Its lovely shade of pea green is a common color in this era. Additionally, houndstooth chairs, wood-paneled walls, and the multi-functional use of the space are other apparent midcentury modern choices.
Mixed Materials Inside a California Abode
Source: Design./Visual / Photographed by Alison Bernier
Simple lines and a mix of materials — namely wood, metal and concrete — play well together inside this Bel Air home featured on Design./Visual. Picking favorite room in the home was difficult, but Beth Haley couldn’t deny the magic of this open dining area. With windows that frame the landscape and a low, sloping ceiling, it is a winner in her book.
A Cozy House Tucked in the Trees
Source: Architectural Digest / Photography by Simon Upton
Just days ago, Architectural Digest shared an inside look at Dakota Johnson’s midcentury paradise tucked in the trees. The Los Angeles home built by architect Carl Matson received a renovation that celebrates its original midcentury modern design. Now, it has all the elements that the homeowner (and we at Beth Haley Design) could ever dream of.
Inside Outside Connection in Portland
Source: Dwell / Photography by Grant Harder
Named one of Dwell’s 20 Great Midcentury Modern interiors, this Portland home has seven doors that lead outside. Inside, three different wood types live in the family-friendly living room: Douglas fir, hemlock, and stained oak. Overall, the design deserves to be celebrated.
Forest Views Through Glass Walls
“This beautifully maintained midcentury home was designed in 1962 by Seattle–based modernist architect Ralph D. Anderson,” it reads in Dwell’s feature of this home, which was on the market in 2019. The architect added double-height glass walls in the living room to incorporate the forested surroundings into the design. You’re going to want to see more of this home. You can do so here.
When looking for midcentury modern design, keep an eye out for the key characteristics of the design style. It is different than many of your well-known styles, such as traditional; but it has similarities to contemporary and modern. Learn more about the different design styles here.
Beth Haley takes nods from each design style to deliver interiors best suited for you.
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