Mid-century modern architecture and design exploded in popularity between the 1940s and 1960s. Clean lines, organic shapes, and an emphasis on functionality defined this iconic era. Exterior colors played a pivotal role in creating the sleek, nature-inspired aesthetic that mid-century style is known for.
Earth tones, soft whites, and bold pops of vibrant color dominated mid-century exteriors. These palettes imbued homes with a contemporary flair while connecting to the natural landscape. As mid-century design experiences a resurgence, many homeowners seek to recapture the era’s coveted look. Using an authentic mid-century exterior color scheme is the perfect way to evoke coveted vintage style.
Characteristics of Mid-Century Color Palettes
Earthy Hues
Earth tones were ubiquitously used on mid-century exteriors. Rich shades of olive green, burnt orange, brown, and tan created a down-to-earth, organic look. These nature-inspired hues appeared on siding, brickwork, and wood elements. Earth tones complimented the frequent use of natural materials like wood, brick, and stone.
Earthy colors also extended into outdoor living spaces. Patios, decks, and gardens sported olive green furniture, burnt orange throw pillows, and terra cotta planters. Blending earth tones from the architecture to the landscape helped unify indoor and outdoor areas.
Soft Whites and Grays
Soft white and light gray shades provided a clean, airy backdrop on many mid-century homes. Creamy off-whites, whisper light grays, and oyster white were popular choices. These muted tones allowed vibrant accent colors to sing while keeping interiors feeling open and ethereal.
Crisp whites highlighted architectural details like windows, trim, and siding. Light grays lent versatility in blending seamlessly with bolder hues. Together, soft whites and grays created a dreamy aesthetic reminiscent of clouds in the sky.
Vibrant Accent Colors
Punchy hits of vivid color brought mid-century exteriors to life. Radiant reds, golden yellows, and verdant oranges livened up doors, window frames, and accent walls. These eye-catching brights provided depth and contrast to earthy and neutral backdrops.
Vibrant accents gave a playful, cheerful ambiance. They welcomed guests and added personality to minimalist architecture. Bright pops of color enlivened outdoor spaces like entryways, patios, and poolside lounge areas.
Real-World Examples
Case Study 1: The Smiths’ Mid-Century Ranch
The Smiths own a single story mid-century ranch home featuring straight lines and an open floor plan. Large picture windows and minimal ornamentation embody quintessential mid-century style.
Sage green siding paired with a burnt orange front door creates an earthy exterior palette. White trim provides crisp contrast, framing windows and eaves. The charcoal gray roof tiles complement the natural scheme. Outdoor accents like terra cotta planters and olive green patio furniture reinforce the colors.
Case Study 2: Mid-Century Mountain Retreat
This mid-century A-frame mountain home maximizes scenic views with floor to ceiling windows and an open concept layout. Exposed wood beam ceilings exemplify organic mid-century design.
Light gray siding and white windows form the neutral backdrop, playing off evergreen trees. Pops of golden yellow on the front door and window boxes provide cheery accents. The cool grays and whites allow the vibrant landscape to take center stage.
Case Study 3: Downtown Mid-Century Redesign
Nestled in an upscale downtown neighborhood, this mid-century redesign modernized a 1940s structure. The reimagined home boasts many quintessential mid-century elements like a low-pitched roofline, clerestory windows, and minimal exterior ornamentation.
Off-white siding keeps the exterior light and airy, contrasting a charcoal gray roofline. The burnt orange front door provides a bold pop of color. Colorful landscaping like magenta flowers and olive shrubs blend seamlessly with the earthy, neutral palette.
Choosing Your Colors
Consider Climate and Lighting
When selecting exterior colors, it’s crucial to consider your home’s climate and lighting. Darker earth tones like olive green may excel in warm sunny climates but appear drab in overcast areas. Similarly, crisp bright whites can seem stark and cold during long snowy winters.
Likewise, lighting impacts color perception. Soft earth tones and whites may look muted in the shade or artificial light. Meanwhile, vibrant accents can appear almost fluorescent in direct sunlight. Study how colors change throughout the day before finalizing your palette.
Select an Earth Tone Base
Choosing one or two dominant earth tones as your base is key for an authentic mid-century exterior. Warm hues like olive green, burnt orange, tan, and brown blend effortlessly while providing a dose of organic flair.
Consider how potential earth tones complement your siding, brickwork, and roofing. You want colors that integrate with, not fight against, your architecture. Allow your earthy base colors to flow from the exterior to outdoor living areas for a cohesive look.
Choose Vibrant Accents
typically a single bold pop of color provides sufficient visual impact. Limit yourself to 1 or 2 accent colors to avoid looking mismatched and disjointed. Vivid reds, oranges, and yellows make excellent choices.
Use accent colors strategically on focal points like doors, window boxes, entryways, and planters. This allows the bold shades to stand out against neutral backdrops without overwhelming the design. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder hues than mid-century originals.
Soft Whites to Tie It Together
Finally, soft white trim, siding, and roofing elements tie mid-century color schemes together. Whites, creams, and pale grays provide an airy, ethereal mood. Contrasting crisp whites with bold colors and organic earth tones creates visual interest.
Aim for off whites with subtle yellow, blue, or grey undertones rather than harsh brights for a soft, cloudlike feel. Use white thoughtfully to highlight architectural details and create breathing room between colors.
Experiment with Color Mixing
When finalizing your mid-century color scheme, create renderings to envision color combinations. Paint swatches directly on site to see how the hues interact with natural lighting at different times of day.
Don’t be afraid to push beyond “authentic” mid-century palettes by tweaking earth tones deeper and brights bolder. The goal is a cohesive, lively scheme that honors the era’s spirit without replicating it exactly.
Modernizing a Mid-Century Color Scheme
While embracing mid-century color fundamentals, don’t be afraid to also incorporate contemporary trends. For example, blending in bolder black accents and matte metallic finishes can lend a more cutting-edge look.
Likewise, painting wood elements in darker, moodier earth tones creates a modern feel. Any color scheme needs occasional updating overtime. Focus on maintaining the overall mid-century aesthetic vision while refreshing the details.
Achieving the ideal fusion of vintage style and modern appeal may require some trial and error. The important thing is letting the architecture itself guide color choices. Complement the existing lines, forms, and layout, and the scheme will come together beautifully.
Authentic mid-century modern color schemes exemplified simplicity, vibrancy, and organic ambiance. Earth tones connected the home to the surrounding landscape while providing a warm, welcoming look. Pops of bright accent colors enlivened the clean, minimalist architecture.
Today, we can look to timeless mid-century design to craft exterior palettes with modern appeal. Consider the lighting and climate while embracing earthy hues, artful whites, and playful bright accents. Studying examples of quintessential mid-century homes provides endless inspiration. Implement this knowledge creatively to give your home an exterior with mid-century roots and contemporary artistry.
