April Force Pardoe
March 2017/April 2017
Midcentury modern decor was popular in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. When Columbia had its first homeowners, their homes were 
likely full of the midcentury look that many now covet.
The style relies on clean lines, a neutral palette with occasional bold bursts, and simple living spaces. Like many styles in home and fashion, everything old is new again and midcentury modern is back in vogue in a big way. If you moved into one of the original Columbia homes and decorated back then in current styles, you’d be on the cutting edge today with midcentury modern looks.
Here are several ways to bring midcentury looks into your home.
SEATING
Midcentury seating is often low with sleek, minimal styling. Sofas have square arms and some have tufting. Clean, simple wooden legs are often found on upholstered pieces.
The Eames lounge chair and ottoman, popular from that time, are still found in many homes today. The chair, with its black leather seat and a wooden framed back, looks great from every angle. A canvas butterfly chair on a foldable, metal frame was also a favorite. I had one in my room as a teenager, and I spent many hours curled up in that chair—which I still own—talking on the phone.
Barstools with metal wire cages as seats, inspired by Italian designer Harry Bertoia, are also a nod to this time period. They can be a nice quiet element in a room with a lot of pattern and texture.
LIGHTING
Sputnik-style chandeliers, named for the Soviet spacecraft, have metal tubes with bulbs at the end. Similarly retro are spherical pendant lights. Both are simple, clean and work well with many
styles.
ACCESSORIES
Accessories may be the easiest way to bring any style into your home. Look for items with a brushed gold finish or the very popular starburst mirrors and clocks. Shag rugs are back in style and add texture to a room. If that’s not appealing to you, try a lower pile rug with bold and colorful geometric patterns.
April Force Pardoe, interior designer and owner of April Force Pardoe Interiors, helps clients who want stylish interiors but are overwhelmed by the process and too busy to take it on themselves. She presents solutions to her clients’ design challenges and makes sure all of the details are taken care of so they can spend time doing the things they love. Find out more at afpinteriors.com.
April Force Pardoe, AKBD, is an award-winning residential interior designer and owner of April Force Pardoe Interiors. She works with clients who desire stylish interiors but are overwhelmed by the process and too busy to take it on themselves. She presents solutions to her clients’ design challenges and makes sure all of the details are taken care of so they can spend time doing the things they love. Find out more at afpinteriors.com.
