The mid-century modern style of interior design was popularized during the 1940s, and has yet to leave the mainstream gaze—for good reason. Defined by clean lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation, and high functionality, the style has an undeniably timeless appeal. Icons like Florence Knoll and Arne Jacobson—both of whom were prominent designers during the mid-century modern period—remain a strong part of the design conversation to this day, and their work still serves as inspiration for some of the world’s top creatives. While some homeowners will commit to a fully mid-century modern home, anyone can easily infuse this look into their living rooms with a few simple tweaks.

STATEMENT SCULPTURE

In this Philip Johnson-designed "Wiley House" in New Canaan, Connecticut, a striking sculpture creates an organic focal point in the home's double-height glass pavilion-style living room.

MID-CENTURY CONTEMPORARY

Inspired by Philip Johnson’s Glass House and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth house, design firm Drake/Anderson fashioned this upstate NY home with mid-century modern furnishings that play into the home's contemporary architecture.

CURVED LINES

The living room in jazz pianist Dave Brubeck's Connecticut home features natural stone for the interior stairs, with original mid-century modern light fixtures and furnishings, all of which boast an organic curvature.

UPSTATE STYLE

Consummate dealer and collector Benoist Drut of Maison Gerard weaves in mid-century modern style in the living room of his upstate New York retreat, with a cherry red shelving unit by Guy Roisse, a cocktail table by Karl Springer, and a 1940s American daybed.

UPDATED 1920S PENTHOUSE

Interior designer Alisa Bloom brings mid-century modern touches to this 17th-floor apartment living room, including 1970s chairs from Revival, and a vintage cocktail table from Martin La Brocante.

FLOATING FIREPLACE

This mid-century modern home, who was carefully restored by Roger Ferris + Partners, features a striking geometric fireplace, providing a place to cozy up by without sacrificing style.

WEST VILLAGE ELEGANCE

In the living room of this Nicole Fuller-designed pied-à-terre, the prewar architecture was given a contemporary twist with mid-century modern furnishings and decor—in a calming palette of blues and purples—bringing a sense of serenity to the space.

ELEVATED BACHELOR PAD

When interior designer Emilie Munroe was tapped to transform a modern bachelor pad, she furnished the living room in mid-century modern pieces, including two COUP swivel club chairs, which, according to Munroe, have strong wood bases, but also the softness of deep tufting in the upholstery.

CALIFORNIA COOL

When Jennifer Jones was commissioned to redesign a 1950s San Francisco home in a way that “evoked Mad Men,” she chose low profile pieces and played with geometry, as is apparent in the cozy family room.

UNIQUE PIECES

A neutral mid-century modern living room in this Philip Johnson-designed home is elevated with a pink and purple set of human-shaped lounge chairs.

CONTEMPORARY TAKE

The lounge area of Le Méridien Chicago—Oakbrook Center, is a lesson in the timelessness of mid-century modern, with its graphic art and iconic furniture pieces.