With the popularity of period programs like ‘Mad Men’ creating a certain nostalgia for the mid-century modern style of design, more and more people looking to decorate their Portland lofts are turning toward the sleek, simple furnishings of a bygone era. You don’t have to stop with streamlined couches and credenzas, though – you can also create a retro feel with the paint colors you choose.
Of course, this means identifying color trends that were popular in the 1950s and ’60s, when mid-century modern design was at its height. Additionally, you don’t necessarily want Portland modern homes to look like they haven’t been updated in 60 years – you want to incorporate a vintage aesthetic with modern flair.
Here are just a few tips to select a mid-century modern design color palette for current Portland condos or houses that look and feel fresh.
Using Cozy Warm Colors
Color trends change frequently, and part of nailing a specific era in design is choosing the right hues. If you’re interested in a warm palette, there are specific shades of reds, oranges, and yellows that will give your decor a mid-century modern feel.
Color combinations that include rusty reds, cinnamon shades, pumpkin, and yellows that tend toward gold, mustard, and ochre will capture the mood of the time. Don’t forget shades of pink, which were wildly popular in plenty of households. Just remember you can also pair these shades with modern accent hues to bring them into the 21st century.
Choosing Fun Cool Colors
It’s hard to forget the avocado green that dominated the ’60s color palette, especially if your parents have yet to replace the shag carpet in the den. However, cool colors from the mid-century modern palette also include much more palatable shades like turquoise and teal, not to mention the brighter shades that dominated the mod style.
Color Blocking With Black and White
You might not think that homes in Portland neighborhoods necessarily lend themselves to the black and white mod designs that were considered the height of fashion in the ’60s, but with color blocking gaining popularity once again, you can definitely sprinkle in some black and white patterns or even create entire rooms with this theme in mind.
Wood For Everything
Okay, technically “wood” isn’t a color, but it was definitely a popular feature in mid-century modern design, with wooden accents on furniture and even wood paneling on walls. Finding ways to work wood into your decor is a great way to complement any mid-century modern color palette you choose.