Since 2006, Modernism Week has been throwing a spotlight on the mid-century beauty of American aesthetics. Having just taken place from 8 to 18 April in Palm Springs, California, the annual event aims to celebrate and foster an appreciation of mid-century architecture and design by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living.

Lounging by the pool of the Sunburnt Palms home

What is mid-century modern design?

At the mid-century movement’s peak in the 1950s, designers, architects and artists drew inspiration from the International and Bauhaus styles of design as they searched for ways to combine beauty with affordability. The zeitgeist of the period placed function on equal footing as form, targeting the everyday needs of the American family.  

With clean lines and materials taking preference over fancy embellishments and form-forward choices, this organic offspring of modernism rooted itself in functionality, elegance and simplicity to produce a timeless aesthetic still admired today.

Patterns on patterns on patterns in the Seventies Sackley home

Taking inspo from Modernism week 2021’s feature homes 

This year’s event featured two mid-century home tours: Sunburst Palms and Seventies Sackley. Here’s a quick glimpse into what makes these homes so spesh, and eight of our top décor picks you can use to recreate the look in your own home.

Entertain in true 50s style at Sunburnt Palms

Sunburst Palms

Palm Springs has long served as the beacon of mid-century modern design’s endurance, and the city’s pervasive design influences have provided plenty of inspiration for designers on local and national levels. This quintessentially mid-century modern house features a sweeping tongue and groove flat roof that spans the entire width of the property.

Bring tactile details, muted hues and bold shapes into your home with the sculptural Paloma Pepper Terrazzo Coffee Table from Life Interiors

The Nest Modular sofa from Coco Republic is the perfect shade of offers generous comfort for the perfect lounge experience.

It doesn’t get more mid-century than this minimalist floral wallpaper from Happywall

House of Isabella stocks the perfect Gold Sunburst mirror by Phil Bee for that mid-century touch

Seventies Sackley

Located in the historic Indian Canyons neighbourhood, this stunning 1975 residence represents the work of architect Stan Sackley. Boasting deep mid-century roots and distinctive architectural styles, the property features Sackley's original see-through fireplace and walls of glass, with a recently redesigned interior in green and blue.

Shag and chrome go hand in hand with this Lioyd Mongolian Fur and Metal Directors Chair from Living Styles.

Not only will the Beijing vases from Coco Republic tick the mid-century box, their dynamic shapes and luminous hues will beautifully reflect light and colour.

Get your paws on this all natural cow hide from Temple & Webster. It’s that little bit extra and perfect for playing around with pattern.

Get your fill of geometric wall art with these stunners from Gioia.