Create a Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic With Your Lighting — Marc Couture

Many home decor trends come and go, but some styles are forever. There is no aesthetic that depicts this statement more perfectly than mid-century modern.

While its popularity may wane a bit when quick-to-be-outdated trends have their fifteen minutes of fame, the mid-century modern style cannot be forgotten. This is just as true for decades-long homeowners as it is for young couples who are buying homes for the first time. This proves how timeless the MCM style really is. And it makes sense. Contrasting materials and textures, clean, organic lines, and minimalistic features make it the perfect influence for any home.

A mid-century modern home is as unique as it is inviting, and it’s simplicity and functionality make it a space that’s hard to leave. But while many love the look, some homeowners can get lost when trying to implement it themselves. To make it less intimidating, start with one area of your home. In this case: let’s see how you can create a mid-century modern interior with your lighting fixtures.

Choosing the right colors

The best thing about the mid-century modern style is that it gives homeowners the ability to play with colors. In the 1950s, bright colors were more traditional. Fast forward ten years, more earthy tones were the staple. So, whether you like goldenrod yellow, blush pink, earthy green, or burnt orange, you have a lot of flexibility in your lighting choices. For a more modern MCM look, you can go more neutral with your lighting fixtures and more colorful with your furniture. Artika’s Gatsby 5-Light Chandelier and our Milton 4-Light Pendant are two great statement pieces that accentuate your home and give you the flexibility to add bolder colors into your other decor.

Playing with shapes and silhouettes

The mid-century modern style is known for its elegant, compelling silhouettes. Most people think of its timeless, minimalistic elements and think those have to translate to duller fixtures, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, when you play around with these features, you’ll find you’ll get a lot of compliments because the right lighting fixture can really stand out. Artika’s Clyde 9-Light Pendant is proof of this. Our fixture mixes both hard and soft lines, while also incorporating the geometrical lines that MCM is known for.

Consider functionality

As important as form is in the mid-century modern style, the most defining characteristic of MCM is functionality. Perhaps this is the reason for mid-century modern’s enduring popularity — it works to ease the flow of everyday life through its thoughtful design features. You may be wondering: how can lighting fixtures be functional? Consider Artika Smart’s LED Outdoor Light (which can also be used indoors as well). Its matte black design finish perfectly encompasses the mid-century modern aesthetic, but it also allows homeowners to control various aspects of their home. You can control your lighting with your smartphone, it’s compatible with Google Home or Alexa for voice-controlled assistance, and it offers enhanced security as well.

Now that you have some mid-century modern inspiration, you can browse all of Artika’s lighting options to find the perfect fit for your home. Happy decorating!

Originally published on Marc Couture’s LinkedIn on June 10, 2021.