Mid-Century doesn't just mean Mad Men

We hear the term Mid-Century Modern so often that it's easy to forget there were a lot of design styles from the mid-20th century. It's not always about Womb chairs and danish teak, you know!

One style often overlooked is Mid Century Modest (big shout out to Pam Kueber at Retro Renovation for introducing us to that term!). This refers to the more modest style of furniture that the average family lived with, usually smaller in scale to reflect the smaller houses from that period, and slightly more traditional. Not everyone lived in a post and beam ranch style in the 50's, although Hollywood would like us to think so.

We just got in this buffet and hutch pair that screams Mid Century Modest.

UPDATE: Hutch has sold! (buffet still available)

UPDATE: Buffet has sold!

Each piece is small, in comparison to the low, sleeker teak versions that were popular about a decade and a half after this set was made. However, we love the diminutive proportions of this set and think they'd be perfect in a small condo or in a typical Toronto bay and gable. Manufactured by McLagan in Meaford, Ontario, the buffet features a diamond hatch pattern on the central door and the hardware is sooo reminiscent of the late 40's. Don't you just love the Deco pulls?

Each piece is $495.

If the early 50's is too kitschy for you, then you'll love the pop of this Rosenthal tea set.

Designed in 1969 by Wolf Karnagel, the pattern is "Mondial" and the set features a teapot, sugar bowl, six teacups & saucers, a soup tureen, six double handled soup bowls & saucers and five bowls. We're not sure if June Cleaver would have such a fashion forward set in her sideboard, but we think you might!

Rosenthal Mondial tea set is $350.

UPDATE: Rosenthal set has sold!

So whether it's Modern or Modest, it's always Mid-Century.

See you at the store!