The Quiet Heroes of Mid-Century Modern Design

Hi y’all 👋

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner: your understated guide to the best in interiors and architecture. We're not here to overwhelm you with jargon – just straightforward, stylish inspo to brighten up your space 🌟

In today’s edition:

• Design Story: A tale close to my heart ❤️

• Snippets: Clever DIY guides 🎨

• Home Talk: Minimalism with a Mid-century modern twist ✨

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📰 The Story

So here's the thing: I was born in Morocco, grew up in Belgium, and fell head over heels for mid-century modern. An odd mix? Maybe on the surface. But the surprising twist is just how beautifully these pieces of me intertwine, much like the intricate weave of a vintage rug.
Join me as we unravel the mystery of how Berber rugs found their way into the mid-century aesthetic we all love.

📑 A Piece of History Under Your Feet

Originally handwoven by Berber tribeswomen of Morocco, Berber or Amazigh rugs have been gracing floors for centuries, with their abstract patterns and earthy tones. The Berber people, with their deep-rooted traditions, have been sharing stories and culture through the language of knots and colors, long before Instagram came along to steal their thunder.

Having curated and shared images around the mid-century modern aesthetic for almost 5 years now — My instagram page compiles over 1,800 posts dedicated to this movement alone — I get to see a lot of interiors. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered that the mid-century modern was closely linked with these items from my homeland. Once an isolated gem, these rugs snuck into the scene and became a coveted treasure in Western design thanks to their soft textures and vibrant patterns perfectly complementing the clean lines and organic forms of mid-century modern design.

🌍 Bridging Tradition and Modernism

How did these traditional Moroccan textiles find their way into Mid-Century Modern homes, you ask? The answer lies in the philosophy of Mid-Century design—harmony. This era was all about embracing diverse elements, and the Berber rugs hit a sweet spot. Their earthy tones, bold designs, and organic textures bridged the gap between the sleek, minimalist Mid-Century interiors and the need for a splash of warmth and character.

Also the prominent designers of the time, such as Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, and Charles and Ray Eames, were no strangers to the magic of Berber rugs. They were among the first to introduce these rugs into their modern interiors, drawn by the stark contrast between their sleek, streamlined designs and the earthy, intricate beauty of the Berber rugs.

Whether draped across the floor of Corbusier's Villa La Roche or accentuating the steel and glass structure of Marcel Breuer's Bauhaus, these rugs were the unsung companions of the modernist vision.

Even today, these rugs add a touch of warmth and culture to the sleek, modern spaces we love, subtly reminding me of how closely entwined my personal history is with my passion for mid-century design. So, the next time your feet sink into a cozy Berber rug, remember that you're stepping into a piece of history, a piece of art, and for me, a piece of home.

Till next time, keep your feet warm and your style cooler.

🗃 Snippets

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🪑 Home Talk

I’m delighted to have Rachel Gerdes on 'Home Talk' this week. Rachel, a Master of Social Work graduate student, discovered her love for interior design five years ago when she moved to Minneapolis. A vibrant city filled with vintage furniture shops and art galleries provided the perfect backdrop for Rachel to explore and develop her design aesthetic.

Minimalist Aesthetic with a Mid-century Modern Twist

Rachel describes her personal design aesthetic as minimalist and mid-century modern inspired. Her focus is on creating a clean, bright space that brings her joy. As she puts it, "Living in a clean, bright/well-lit space brings me so much joy. Being able to wake up to sunlight coming in through the floor to ceiling windows in my living room is lovely." A favorite piece that encapsulates her style is her blue stool from Moustache Editions - a versatile piece that fits well in any space.

The Power of Rearranging and Texture Play

When asked about her favorite design hacks, Rachel shares her love for rearranging and experimenting with textures. "I love being able to take everything out of my living room and start with a blank canvas," she says, highlighting her appreciation for different materials such as the boucle on her Mario Bellini sofa, the leather on her Wassily chair, and the wood detail of the Herman Miller Eames DCM chair.

Follow Rachel on Instagram to learn more about her minimalist aesthetic and her journey in interior design!

🌐 Around the Web

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• 🥐 Weekend plan: Navigate the romantic lanes of Paris with this ultimate shopping guide

• 🏘 On the market: Eichler type house with a modern twist just hit the market

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