Midcentury modern decor has reigned supreme since the 1950s, and is beloved for its clean and functional approach to design. It’s enjoyed a further resurgence over the past decade alongside similarly simple, function-forward aesthetics like Scandinavian, Japandi, and minimalism.

But now, nearly 75 years on, is 2026 finally the year when midcentury modern decor is set to go out of style? 

We asked three design experts, and they had strong opinions on the topic. Here’s what you can expect from midcentury modern decor in 2026, according to the design pros who know it best.

Meet the Expert

  • Nureed Saeed is the owner and creative director of Nu Interiors, a full-service interior design and remodeling studio servicing California and New Jersey.
  • Krystal Reinhard is the founder and principal designer at Old Soul Design Studio, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Lauren Saab is the founder and principal designer of Saab Studios, a full-service interior design and architecture studio based in Dallas, Texas.

Is MidCentury Modern Decor Out of Style?

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Old Soul Design Studio / Photo: Brian Wetzel

When we asked designers whether midcentury modern decor (also commonly called MCM) will officially be out of style for 2026, the answers were unanimous: midcentury modern decor is timeless, and it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. 

“If I could sum this up in one word: NEVER,” says Nureed Saeed, owner and creative director of Nu Interiors. “For someone who is a die-hard lover of all things MCM, this style is not a trend. Historically, it marks the beginning point at which functional form and clean design started to emerge.”

Designers view midcentury modern design as a foundational pillar in today’s contemporary design world. Just like other dominant design aesthetics (think minimalism, Scandinavian design, and Japanese design), it’s not a fleeting design moment.

According to Krystal Reinhard, founder and principal designer at Old Soul Design Studio, it’s a trusted vocabulary of forms and finishes that designers will continue to reinterpret as design tastes change.

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What Midcentury Modern Decor Looks Like in 2026

Credit:

Old Soul Design Studio / Photo by Jake Dunderdale

While designers say midcentury modern decor definitely isn’t going out of style in 2026, they acknowledge it’s evolving. That hyper-specific, Mad Men-esque 1960s interpretation of midcentury modern design? It’s officially feeling dated. 

“The signature pieces still feel relevant, but the pre-prescribed look has started to wear thin,” says Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer of Saab Studios. “Hairpin legs and orange pillows have been done to death, and now they come across more like props than design.”

Instead, interior designers are leaning into midcentury modern spaces that feel warm, organic, and layered. Think a more tonal, earthy color palette, plenty of texture, and a mixture of modern and vintage pieces to create tension and character in a space. 

However, if there’s one thing that will remain constant as midcentury modern decor evolves, it’s the classic and timeless pieces: Eames chairs, Saarinen tables, Knoll sofas—you get the idea. 

“When mixed with a balanced layer of elements, you can still have your Eames chair and eat on it too,” says Saeed.

How to Make Midcentury Modern Feel Timeless

Credit:

Old Soul Design Studio / Photo: Brian Wetzel

So how can you bring your midcentury modern space into the contemporary design era? Designers say there are three key things to keep in mind.

Adopt a More Modern Color Palette

Designers agree that the neon color palettes often associated with MCM decor are officially a thing of the past. Instead, they prefer a more muted and earthy take on the classic shades.

Think burnt orange, olive green, dark brown, and smoky blue. If you want to keep some of those classic bright hues alive in your space, stick to small doses to prevent the design from feeling dated, Saab says.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match

Gone are the days when matching furniture sets were considered en vogue. Today, designers know that overly matchy furniture can make a space feel as if it’s been plucked out of a furniture showroom—cold, uninviting, and sterile. 

When it comes to midcentury modern design, this principle still applies. Saeed says that the key to nailing a timeless and current midcentury modern look is to create a space that feels balanced, curated, and collected using a blend of modern, classic, and MCM pieces.

That said, designers agree that the classic MCM silhouettes still have a place in the style in 2026 and beyond. The trick is to balance them out so your home doesn’t feel like a still shot from the Eames catalogue.

“A clean-lined Danish dining table paired with a vintage rug or bold wallpaper creates tension, and that tension gives the space its story,” Saab says. “When everything matches too perfectly, the design starts to feel flat. These tweaks let the style feel fresh without losing its roots.”

Layer in Texture

Texture will bring your space alive and lend to a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere. For example, cozy materials like velvet and boucle can bring warmth to traditional MCM decor, giving it more depth and bringing it into the contemporary design era.

“What people are leaning toward now is a warmer version of modern,” Saab says. “The clean lines that define midcentury design are still there, but they’re mixed with stone, velvet, cane, and handmade finishes.”

These elements, when combined, can create a room that feels layered and lived-in, rather than staged.