As the world of design evolves, Mid-Century Modern is gradually giving way to new and exciting design trends. Postmodern contemporary designs are taking the world by storm, offering a refreshing take on the minimalistic style of the 50s and 60s. However, this new trend isn’t simply a throwback to the past – it’s a reinterpretation of the classics that class it up slightly. Here’s a look at a few of the features that are defining the Postmodern contemporary style:
So, while Mid-Century Modern designs will always have a place in the world of home and garden, Postmodern contemporary design is the way of the future. With its vibrant colors, unique furnishings, modern lines, and artistic expression, it’s a trend that’s sure to inspire and delight homeowners for years to come.
The Emergence of Postmodern Contemporary Designs
As the era of minimalistic Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design comes to an end, postmodern contemporary design is stepping up to take its place. This new design era takes inspiration from the sleek and simple lines of MCM but adds splashes of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and unique features. Postmodern design is all about making a statement and expressing individuality through well-crafted pieces.
Modern Minimalism with a Twist
Postmodern design is an evolution of minimalism, that takes it up a notch by bringing in quirky, humorous and playful design elements. Simple geometric shapes and asymmetrical designs with a mix of textures and finishes are the hallmark of this style. Think of it as MCM meets Memphis-style, where the emphasis is on bold color choices and distinct configurations. Textures include everything from smooth, shiny surfaces to rough, matte finishes. Materials include metal, glass, and plastics, as well as traditional materials like wood and leather.
Bold colors, quirky asymmetrical shapes and a touch of humor make this design style stand out from the rest.
Some examples of modern minimalism with a twist are geometric-shaped planters that hold bright green succulents, puzzle-like coffee tables that can be arranged in different configurations, and sculptural objects that are both functional and decorative.
A New Look for Mid-Century Modern: The Contemporary Interpretation
Postmodern design has breathed new life into MCM. Designers are taking MCM’s iconic minimalism and adding a contemporary twist to create something entirely new. The new interpretation of MCM is all about form, function, and simplicity, but with a fun, fresh and current approach.
Modern MCM is characterized by its use of natural materials like wood, stone, and leather combined with bold geometric shapes and clean lines. Pieces have a timeless quality that can be mixed and matched with modern counterparts.
MCM’s iconic minimalism is getting new life with fun, fresh and current design elements.
Examples of modern MCM include elegant wood furniture with slim lines, dramatic lighting fixtures that accentuate the sleek lines of a space, and a mix of vintage and contemporary accessories that add personality and character to a room.
Expressing Creativity and Personality Through Design
Postmodern design is all about expressing creativity and personality. It encourages designers and homeowners to step outside the box and embrace their unique style. This design style is all about being playful, intriguing, and exciting.
In postmodern design, furniture isn’t just functional but also works as decorative pieces. Quirky shelves like zig-zag, symmetry-breaking bookcases, and abstract lighting fixtures help create a statement. People are stepping away from the ubiquitous beige and exploring bold hues and interesting patterns. Incorporating personal touches from vintage and antique finds help add to the individuality of the space.
Interpreting design through unique personal lenses is encouraged in this new era of design.
A Return to Color and Pattern: Influences from the Swinging 60s
Postmodern design also embraces colorful and bold designs, evoking the Swinging 60s. Pop art, geometric prints and op-art are favorites of this style. Patterned area rugs in bold designs and colors add a delightful contrast to the simple shapes of postmodern furniture.
The Swinging 60s is back with playful, bold and bright colors in unique patterns.
Patterned wallpaper and bold colors on accent walls or furniture are popular inclusions. Careful layering of vibrant textiles, like printed pillows or embroidered curtains, jazz up the space. With a focus on creativity, designers are finding ways to breathe life into homes and bring joy to people’s lives.
Mixing Old and New: Incorporating Vintage Style with Contemporary Elements
A trend that is staying strong in the postmodern era is combining vintage with modern. Pairing vintage furniture with a contemporary light fixture or a modern area rug makes for a visually interesting and captivating look.
Combining elements from different eras adds a unique touch to a space.
Many people embrace this part of this design, as they enjoy the character and story behind vintage pieces. While some prefer a finely crafted upcycled antique, others like bold design pieces from the past. Often designers provide colorful and unique patterns and designs to mix up an otherwise modest vintage piece.
The Rise of Eclectic Design: Blending Various Styles and Eras
Eclectic design is a fusion of different styles, periods, textures, and colors. It creates a harmonious look by blending diverse elements in a room. Eclectic design is all about mixing things up to create a unique but cohesive look.
Eclectic design means mixing different textures, patterns, and styles to create a unique look.
Funky textiles or prints speak volumes in a space when combined with pieces from different eras. Often, people find themselves mixing up a little of oriental design with modern furnishing or repurposing an antique piece in unconventional ways in funky surroundings.
Making a Statement: Bold and Unique Design Choices
Postmodern contemporary design encourages statement-making design choices, which means finding unique pieces rather than focusing on a specific theme. Bold and eye-catching wall art and decor pieces, as well as abstract prints, help create a modern and dynamic look.
Daring design choices, even at the expense of coherence, can be used to break up a bland space.
Colorful and vibrant prints in wallpaper, pillows, or upholsteries are welcomed when taking this approach. Postmodern design kicks off the bland and brings in the attitude, fresh personality, and ingenuity.
Conclusion
Postmodern contemporary design takes inspiration from MCM style and adds a playful, eclectic twist. It breaks from the rigid minimalism of MCM and embraces bold colors, patterns, and textures. This new wave of design encourages personality and creativity to run free, allowing people to express themselves in unique and exciting new ways.
With different styles and textures blended together, eclecticism is on the rise, offering unique and personalized design solutions across the different design approaches. In postmodern design, there’s no one right way, which is both its strength and its challenge to cohesion. Nevertheless, its bold statements and uniqueness bring life and innovation to the design world.
