Is there anything more classic than mid-century modern style? The design movement emphasizing clean lines, functional forms, and a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors gained popularity from about 1945 to 1970 – and it’s been a favorite of the design community ever since.
Mid-century modern calls to mind design icons like Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles and Ray Eames, but as a full-time Celebrity Style expert, I have a few other names to add to that list.
The curved furnishings and warm minimalism of this style are beloved by many of the world’s best designers, making them staples in the homes of high-profile actors, singers, and tastemakers worldwide. From mid-century stars like Cher and Sonny Bono to contemporary icons like Emma Chamberlain, the style is everywhere.
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However, not all mid-century modern spaces are created equal. Out of the hundreds of celebrity homes I’ve written about over the years, these are the five mid-century modern living rooms I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
1. Dakota Johnson: The Classic Look
Dakota Johnson’s mid-century modern living room lives rent-free in my head.
Once described by Johnson as ‘like a treehouse on a boat,’ the Los Angeles home itself is a jewel of mid-century style. Charles Maston designed the charming property in 1947, as a home for him and his wife. After purchasing the house in 2016, Dakota Johnson worked with acclaimed design studio Pierce & Ward to strike a gorgeous balance between period details and modern elegance.
To recreate her look, I’d recommend investing in cocooning textiles to contrast with clean wooden lines. This green velvet cushion from Wayfair is a simple and affordable place to start.
2. Alexandra Daddario: Retro Elegance
Alexandra Daddario’s ‘treehouse inspired’ Brentwood home (are you sensing a theme?) is a close second in terms of classic mid-century interiors. Designed by Matt Kivlin in 1959 and purchased by Daddario in 2023, its interiors lean into the nostalgia of the retro aesthetic. Rather than updating the mid-century modern look, it runs with a stylish classic. As in Dakota’s home, the connection between in and out of doors is made with massive floor to ceiling windows.
Recreate Alexandra’s Look at Home
George Oliver Render Record Storage Cabinet
This record stand brings retro intrigue to your living space with its organic lines, flared profile, and refined linear detailing. Resting on tapered legs, the design balances iconic style with everyday practicality and a striking natural wood aesthetic.
Ebern Designs Melahat Mid Century Modern Planter
A true mid-century-style masterpiece, this planter pairs a terracotta-toned metal pot with a natural wood base, blending warmth and clean-lined design. Generously sized to let plants flourish, the earthy finish and sculptural stand bring balance and texture to any living room.
SwissAir Airview Europe Vintage 1971 Poster
This ultra-rare vintage travel poster from the 1971 Airview series was designed by photographer Georg Gerster and Emil Schultess to advertise flights to Europe. Rich in visual intrigue, it offers a distinctive blend of modernist photography and mid-century travel culture.
3. Chrissy Teigen: The Breezy California Edit
Though I personally love a classic mid-century modern space, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Beverly Hills home is a masterclass in taking the good bones of the style and updating it with organic California minimalism. Using a slightly cooler color palette, their designer Jake Arnold brought a breeziness to the living room. From the boucle sofa to the fringe light, it’s the perfect fusion of mid-century and more contemporary styles.
I love that this room reads instantly as luxurious.
Recreate Chrissy and John’s Look at Home
Modern Curved Chenille Sofa
This pretty beige sofa is very similar to the one in Chrissy Teigen’s home. It would be absolutely gorgeous lined with cushions.
This stunning tiered fringe lamp is similar to Chrissy and John’s, available at a great price. Its bronze frame and blush tone give any living room a warm feel.
Pierce & Ward Marble Coffee Table
This mid-century style coffee table is unique in shape. With its angular legs and sleek marble top, it’s a classic vintage style that will bring a sense of eclecticism and grandeur to your living room.
4. Jennifer Aniston: A Contemporary Angle
Similarly, in her living room, Jennifer Aniston made mid-century modern all her own. Working with Stephen Shadley on her 1965 Bel Air home, Aniston aimed to maintain the modernist ethos of the property while integrating more softness. Cool charcoals and unique objets d’art give it a distinctly bohemian feel. Instead of choosing only mid-century modern furniture pieces, Jennifer mixed the curves of this style with more contemporary pieces.
A great leather chair is a must-have if you want to emulate her style (I’ve been coveting this set of two striking faux leather accent seats from Target).
5. Amber Valetta: A Minimalist Twist
Last but not least, Amber Valetta’s mid-century modern living room earns its place on this list for its minimal take on the popular style.
Featuring original mid-century furniture pieces like the Cloud Coffee Table by Louise Liljencrantz and Italian Wingback chairs, Amber’s designer, Ross Cassidy, made vintage pieces feel fresh and never-before-seen against a calming, mostly white background. I love the jute rug for an extra splash of the natural world.
Whether you’re a die-hard mid-century modern fan or a recent convert, the principles behind this style influence virtually all of contemporary design. Looking back at these quintessential spaces offers insight into how designers have taken these concepts and run with them.
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