Midcentury Modern

This is a short, excellent introductory guide to a design style known today as 'mid-century modern.' With a nod to the past - the 1950s particularly - its furniture, wallpaper, decorative accessories - all would look fabulous in a contemporary home and are to be found in many stores. I've seen velvet chairs similar to the ones photographed in the book in stores such as TK Maxx. The book provides 15 style ideas to try out. Just enough for a novice to get the hang of without being overwhelmed.It's written in an upbeat, non-threatening, humorous way that made me want to restyle my home. I wasn't familiar with the TV show, the Queen's Gambit, upon which some of the schemes are based, but that wasn't a problem. I could easily imagine the houses in that series. It's a unique idea to link iconic TV series and films to home decoration. Well, at least I haven't come across anyone else doing that. This guide made me look at interior design from a slightly different angle. I also loved the references to colour placement, height, and positioning of objects. The photographs are well-chosen showing rooms that are the size most people live in, rather than of chateau proportions.

I just bought a MCM house and I wanted options for decorating it and selecting period appropriate colors. I bought this based on reviews and the table of contents. I'm sending it right back. This book has almost no information in it at all. I'll give you an example. The "chapter" on lamps has three photos of lamps and it has two sentences. I'll paraphrase the "chapter". Lamps are not very popular anymore because of electronic devices. Lighting is very important in mid century design. That is it! Then it gives a "hot tip" for lamps, use a drum lampshade. I have absolutely no idea who would find this book useful.