This Style Influenced An Entire Generation | A Style Is Born

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Welcome to A Style is Born, hosted by KZbin bookworm and historical curious cat, Ariel Bissett! Join us as we go down the rabbit hole and uncover the unique histories and origin stories behind our favorite design trends.
From geography to geopolitics, industry and technology, music and more, we’re set out on a knowledge quest. And in this episode, we’re starting our journey with one particular style movement: Mid-Century Modern. Heard of it? Of course you have. Come find out more.
0:00 INTRO TO MID-CENTURY MODERN
1:35 MODERN ART EXPLAINED
2:11 MID-CENTURY HISTORY
4:08 HIT THE BOOKS
5:55 ICONIC CHAIRS
7:31 RAY AND CHARLES EAMES
8:45 INTERVIEW WITH AN EXPERT
10:24 THE BIG PICTURE
12:12 THANKS FOR WATCHING!
Check Out Our Host Ariel Bissett and Special Guest Paige Wassel!
Ariel Bissett: / arielbissett
Paige Wassel: / @wasselpa
Don't forget to subscribe!
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Wayfair products featured in the episode!
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Learn more about mid-century modern design by reading our guides:
www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and...
www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and...
www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and...
Archival sources that appear on screen!
Library of Congress
Wikicommons
Internet Archive (archive.org)
National Gallery of Art
The Smithsonian
National Archives
Getty Images
Adobe Stock
Raw Pixel
Research sources that helped inform the episode!
Videos:
• Birth of The Eames’ Lo...
• Documenting the Appeal...
• The obsession with mid...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG4yJ...
• How To Decorate Mid Ce...
• Drew Explains the Hist...
• Walt Disney's Tomorrow...
• Eames Lounge Chair TOD...
Books:
Mid-century Modern Design: A Complete Sourcebook by Dominic Bradbury
Mid-century Modern: Icons Of Design by Frances Ambler
The Encyclopedia Of Furniture: Third Edition by Joseph Aronson
100 Midcentury Chairs: And Their Stories by Lucy Richardson
Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details by Bradley Quinn
The Interior Design Handbook: Furnish, Decorate, And Style Your Space by Frida Ramstedt
Articles:
www.artfixdaily.com/blogs/pos...
www.thespruce.com/things-you-...
www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms...
www.hermanmiller.com/about/ti...
www.history.com/news/wwii-det...
mymodernmet.com/what-is-bauha...
www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/his...
www.history.com/topics/art-hi...
www.bauhaus-dessau.de/en/exhi...
www.comscore.com/Insights/Blo...
www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bau...
www.pbslearningmedia.org/reso...
Check out our other social media channels!
Instagram - / wayfair
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Pinterest - / wayfair
Google+ - plus.google.com/+wayfair/posts

[@Evelynfromtheinternets]

More Ariel please! 🎉 I’ve been watching her home renovation on her channel and this is the perfect collab!

[@nefertitimontoya]

omg could this spell an evelyn and ariel collab???? love you both, vibes immaculate

[@JillianCrafts]

Yes please More Ariel!!!

[@miss_xenia_]

Yes, please!

[@henryrichards3100]

Ll

[@ModestGirl79]

Ariel this is WONDERFUL!!! Miniatures make everything great!

[@allentowngal4769]

Ariel is the best!!! So fun and creative. Her home is exciting to watch her transform it!

[@leenanorms]

This was so informative and lovely, got lots of inspo, thank you!

[@wayfair]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@helenwright413]

So random, find you here, Leena! I'm subscribed to your channel ❤ Nice to see you! x

[@anniebanana3698]

That explanation of midcentury modern pieces feeling simultaneously retro, nostalgic and romantic while also feeling sleek and modern and futuristic, well that is exactly the feeling I get when I look at a midcentury modern piece.

[@neweverymorningmercy3491]

Good segment. Really appreciate what Ariel had to say about mid-century being retro, nostalgic and romantic while at the same time being sleek and futuristic...I agree, that's the magic.

[@mishynaofficial]

That's called retrofuturism.

[@louibeans]

I loved this! I never knew how the background of midcentury modern furniture, but it's super fascinating. If I had to suggest one thing to improve, I'd tone down the music ever so slightly. I have ADHD so trying to concentrate on what Ariel was saying over the volume of the music was a bit of a challenge for me. But great video nontheless!

[@mypointofview1111]

Mid-century spanned from 1956 all the way to 1979. I know I was there. Televisions were not widely adopted until the 1960s, people still preferred to go out or do things such as knitting or reading or even talking to each other, yes that really was a thing. You engaged with family

[@brandyparker8961]

What a great combination... Wayfair and Ariel Bissett! Everything Ariel does leaves me feeling cheerful and excited! Such a fun and informative video. Now, I feel like buying new furniture!

[@wayfair]

Thanks for watching!

[@rubyoro0]

That was the point. Go and contaminate the world with more plastic.

[@finchbaby]

Super well-done video! Love the pacing, love Ariel! One small thing: the music was maybe a little too loud at certain parts to where I couldn’t fully hear what Ariel was saying! 😉

[@lucillerenard9019]

Just about to comment this - the video was fascinating but the music overpowered what was being said at some points!

[@poodlegirl55]

Yes, it was distracting.

[@rabiyarizvi4769]

Agree could barely hear her voice through the music . Way too loud

[@nicolenielsendepaula3597]

Completely agree! The content was great, but I end up muting it and reading captions cause the music was so loud and I was trying to focus so hard on what she was saying that it gave me headaches!

[@mariaordal2510]

The Bauhaus was actually a design school; that’s why that quote from the Met about it mentioned how it combined fine arts and design education :)

[@littlestenographer]

Yay, Ariel! Great to see Paige, too! Really enjoyed the video, it was so well thought out and nicely edited. The tiny furniture! I'd love to see a video in this series on art deco or art nouveau and the way it might be influencing more maximalist styles we're seeing like grand millennial :) I hope to see Ariel pop up on this channel again.

[@wayfair]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@serenakoleno9338]

Agree, art deco and art nouveau! 🎨 🥰

[@antonellabassi3466]

I would do Art Deco, since with the 80s nostalgia going on right now that style is finally back in fashion (it was very much a source of inspiration for 80s interiors)!

[@katielanedavis]

How thoughtful. Ariel knocked this out of the park. And a guest appearance by wasselpa! A delight!

[@paulettemoore47]

This is the style of furniture in my home. I always thought it was Scandinavian but this makes more sense to me now. And remember you don’t have to use a piece for its original intent. We are using a buffet as a TV stand. It fit better in the space and it was a great compromise for my spouse and I.

[@mishynaofficial]

Scandinavian uses light wood while mid-century goes for mid-tone wood.

[@debweissler7808]

I LOVE Danish MCM & have filled my home with new pieces when it was trendy in the 70s and now the vintage pieces I hunt for online. Gads, I’m dating myself! 😉

[@nancyjuarez3255]

I absolutely love mid century modern pieces. I had them all around my home growing up and I still love them today.

[@hensgrej]

Ariel and Paige is the collab I wasnt expecting, but needed.

[@sharonoleary9935]

Absolutely! So surprised

[@liv97497]

It's important to point out that a big part of modern architecture was flexibility and freedom. One of Corbusier's five points of modern architecture is, literally, free design of the floor plan. That goes perfectly with what you guys mentioned, that mid-century furniture fits in with a lot of different styles. The basis of design then was to be able to fit in and blend well with the desires or styles of a lot of different people, in the same way that you were meant to be able to take the free floor plan of your house and make it your own. It's not *just* mid-century furniture that's popular; our contemporary love of open-floor, unimpeded spaces can also be traced to modern architecture. Plus, the simplicity of the designs, their straight lines and their "slimness" means that they're rarely overwhelming, which I think contributes to their lasting power. Take the Barcelona chair, for example: you could style it in a room with designs from any of the last 60 years and it would look like it belongs.

[@dusty1754]

This woman is so darned likable with all her enthusiasm and folksiness. More please!

[@joantrotter3005]

She has her own channel!

[@Moka8]

The point about more people working from home is definitely true for me. If I'm going to be home full time, I want the space around me to feel inviting. The warm wood tones and more natural shapes of a lot of MCM furniture are a nice way to do that for me.

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

Amazing video!!! Ariel is a natural. Also, would love to see more of these deep dives on her channel. 🥰

[@wayfair]

Are there any particular styles you'd like us to cover in the future?

[@mercyreign969]

This is such a great video! Thank you to Ariel Bissett!

[@poodlegirl55]

Awesome video, Ariel is such a great storyteller! I think the 50's furniture was made well, it really held up. I purchased a dining room set at an estate auction and the people had purchased it when they got married in 1952 and it still looks beautiful. It is Kindel, hand made in Michigan and they still make furniture today. I would like to hear about Victorian furniture, I am very into dark academia decor.

[@vaderladyl]

Oh yes. MCM furniture was made to last a lifetime.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Agree, the Youngstown metal cabinets I have and the Bunting glider are possibly older than I am, 1955, so probably better quality than anything built today.

[@xcitipopx]

So informative and great style, Ariel!

[@veronicaalejandra20]

Ariel is an absolute masterpiece! I learned so much from her & honestly, you couldn't have chosen a better person for this

[@mariacabrera2850]

I love how Ariel Bissett explains MCM with an artists excitement & research! 🎨🖤 Way to go Wayfair for having her do this video

[@SavidgeReads]

This was sooooo good. I am sooooo excited this is going to be a series!

[@piperbeeep]

I love Ariel's channel, and I'm so excited to see her talk more about interiors on here :)

[@goldengnome1951]

i have always loved mid century. i was born in 1972. my mother was an interior designer/home builder and we always had bold and fun pieces in our homes. what i wouldn't give to have some of those back! i always feel at home with it and it's nostalgic..and yes, it goes with everything.

[@leahsnt]

Learning the history of midcentury modern design was so fascinating! I didn’t know what it really meant before. Now I’ll have to look into this style to see what pieces I like!

[@Jax-jx5uu]

it's one thing to see a chair and think it's neat, it's another to know the whole historical context behind it. very very interesting and i need to get my hands on an eames chair. ariel crushed this video!

[@yzolakitchi]

This was super interesting, thank you for such a clear explanation. MCM has remained one of my fave styles for some time now. Particularly with small space living, I feel the thinner legs and raised profiles give that feeling of space by showing more of the floor and opening a room up visually. I would love to see a video on maximalist design, mostly because I don't really understand the appeal - it seems counterintuitive to the trend for minimalism and de-cluttering that has been around for several years now, so I am somewhat intrigued by it. Happy New Year to all!

[@sfl6307]

Mid Century furniture is like fine art, I’m obsessed with the furniture and homes. When people come to my home they do not realize the chair they love was designed in the 50’s, they actually think it’s new and fabulous. Designs that stand still when time keeps moving on….it just never goes out of style.

[@monicarenee7949]

I got the opposite reaction, I bought a new mid-century modern style chair and everyone thinks it’s retro lol but they love it

[@lifenlunacy5833]

MCM was the perfect combo of Form and Function. It works well in large or small spaces. Lends itself to a sleek aesthetic which allows people to be minimalist or uncomplicated for those who want to add the maximalist touch. It really is the pinnacle of design in general. It checked all the boxes of it’s time and continues to do so because the items were generally built well and last the test of time.

[@arabella5871]

Wow, what a well informed video. I had been wondering this myself over the last few months and through the pandemic. It seems like people gravitate towards nostalgia, romance, and art, and what other style brings that the way MCM does? I think it's more of a concept or feeling than pieces of furniture, and people need that mode of expression to capture a warm and inviting atmosphere. With all the heartbreak, loss, and just plain boredom of the pandemic, it makes sense that we would yearn for the things of the past while also forging our own way with it. It's kind of like Gen Z latching onto 90's trends. It feels nostalgic yet something you can make your own :)

[@skysplitter77]

Great job Ariel, for real. Loved the archival photos and how you told the story. There's just a smidge of a detail that's off... the first Eames shell chairs were made from fiberglass. They only started making them from injection molded plastic in 2001. So even though we know it was a modern material at the time, thank you The Graduate, it started out as fiberglass. They last forever though, I own 3 original fiberglass chairs and they're still in amazing shape!

[@miss_xenia_]

I love watching Ariel’s videos! They’re so well researched/prepared and edited 😍

[@ianchesney9639]

I am Soo pleased that the 1960s interior decor is taking over, it's truly timeless. These times are interesting because the 90s clothing styles are a huge hit too. Soo you got people dressed like it's 1995 going to there house that looks like it's 1963 very interesting to see where this leads eventually they will blend in my opinion.

[@frozencherryblossom]

All the love to Ariel! She's a great creator, and I always learn something from her!

[@annfinke5365]

It's funny to think of MCM furniture as vintage, because that makes me vintage. I grew up in the 60's, so I grew up with this style of furniture and I have many pieces of that in my home now- inherited them.

[@countrysister700]

Americans came back from overseas during WWII having been immersed in the orient and in Europe - some bringing souvenirs but many with memories of the simplicity of their styles and the shapes, colors, woods of other countries. MCM fits that perfectly

[@richarddixon7855]

Am excellent, informative presentation! Thank you for making it clear that art influences such as Bauhaus and Abstract Expressionism were vital to post WWII home design. Don't forget that these furniture and decorating pieces were not referred to as "Mid Century Modern" at the time they were being produced and purchased. Growing up in the NYC area, I remember them being referred to in furniture stores and advertisements as Danish Modern, Modern or simply Contemporary. Scandinavian design also had a major influence with warm, natural wood tones like Teak and Walnut. Thanks for your wonderful overview!

[@cough182]

Just here to jump on the we love Ariel train

[@rebeccawalter4901]

Amazing job, Ariel!! The hard work you put into this video really shows. So informative and fun. The visuals were beyond incredible!

[@AngelaMarieww]

I’m glad this was recommended to me. I clicked because the title and thumbnail caught my eye. And got really excited to see Ariel. This video was put together so well! Hope there will be more to see. 💜

[@beepboopbeep5369]

Came from aerial's video and oh this is such a well-made video; all the effort that goes into a video for our viewing pleasure doesn't go unnoticed. And a random thing is as someone who's always been in the "global south" I've seen and know the eames chair all so well without actually knowing the story and history behind it and had always wanted one for myself! I've learned a lot from this and again I adore the tiny furniture so much plus i think we can all agree that the video is absolutely stunning? If we could rate videos this i a five star for sure 🤣

[@Sarlota]

Eames chair? Try a Thonet 214 - in continuous production since 1859... They used to ship them in parts, that way they could ship more and further away - its literally an idea Ikea was build on almost 100 years later... I know this was about mid century modern, but Thonet never went out of style, it was literally knocked off by Ikea in 60's (patent went out of date) and it used to be often paired with MCM furniture - Theres not many people who realise how old that design actually is. Gosh I can go on about this for ages... I have one of them made in 1870's been in my family since new, I bought a couple more here in the UK a year ago in a charity shop, they were all made in the same country as I am The Czech Republic (which means they are made between 1918 - 1939) they are in dire state (somebody painted them very badly) but I can fix them. My father used to restore antique furniture for living - I learned a thing or two....

[@thenewyorkbookshelf7047]

Woah I didn’t even recognise that the “modern” new pieces in my home belongs to this style! It’s so interesting to have the history and background knowledge to things you previously never gave a second thought to

[@mypointofview1111]

If you must have music it should be in the background not drown out what you're saying. I've turned off the noise & used subtitles which are less annoying

[@Anna-ce3iz]

Please, I need more of Ariel's content! This vieo was incredibly well produced, it has such creative points and I felt like I learned so much that I thought the video was longer than it actually is!! I think a great next step to look at is something like the scandinavian style, even japandi, because it brings back a lot of topics in mid century, but with a naturalist twist. Great work!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Love Scandi, have to look up Japandi.

[@Hausofcozy108]

Great to see brands collaborating with people like Ariel! Great job Wayfair, please have more videos with her in the future

[@ValMB818]

Wow great video by Ariel! I had been putting off redecorating because of covid blahs. This has been such a turnaround and so inspiring! I will definitely bring mid century modern pieces into my plans. 2022 will be about living for the moment! Thank you!!!

[@susanperry4177]

Wayfair: Thank you so much for creating this series! I love learning the backstory for each design. Ariel is the perfect person to actually do the presentations. She clearly explains the salient points and keeps my interest throughout. I hope you continue with this and/or a related series.

[@johannahlist860]

Paige AND Ariel ?? Uh favourite duo!

[@salomeydraws]

It's a very classic style, you can't go wrong with a mid century piece!

[@carriehanson8102]

This was so pleasing, comforting, and informative to watch! Would love to hear a history of art deco style, or boho, or even history of different styles of rugs! Though tbh, would watch anything Ariel puts out

[@wayfair]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@_reveux]

this was lovely!! and super informative too, i never actually knew what this style was called but i’ve been seeing furniture like it everywhere, it’s nice to have a name for it now. and ariel is a joy to watch, as always!!

[@AlliesBeautyTips]

i've been watching ariel's videos for years! and i just found page's channel THIS WEEK. my worlds are colliding.

[@LauraRobertsButtontapper]

Love this video, Ariel! I'd love to learn more about Art Deco in your next video, since lots of folks were hoping for a re-do of the Roaring 20s in 2021, and those themes are so interesting.

[@amandaforgy621]

Ariel, this was great! I can see how much work you put into this and it’s wonderful! Wayfair- more Ariel! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jacobcorman]

I really enjoyed this video. Loved how informative it was! The melding of interior design and art is such an interesting topic. Loved Ariel as well!

[@wayfair]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RoseHayan]

Fantastic, we recently upgraded to furniture to mid century vintage pieces and its been a fantastic time

[@ashharper3090]

Can't wait for Ariel to tell us more about design history ! This was so well done !

[@SensieRodriguez]

I live in an apartment building that was converted from an old Snuff Factory 🏭 here in Helmetta NJ. It is literally the center of this square mile town .. I’d love to see a segment on Industrial Style ..

[@regenfunken3628]

What a great video, Ariel! I loved your conclusion that part of the appeal is that it's both romantic/nostalgic and sleek!

[@midastouchinteriors8058]

I look at interior deco as a story, and as story goes, there are comas, exclamations, punctuations, etc and the mid century furniture fits within this very well.

[@ElHuertodeAzul]

This style reminds me of The Jetsons, nostalgic and futuristic hits the nail on the head. I'm loving this series!

[@wayfair]

We're so glad you're enjoying the series!

[@sam85f]

Awesome video! Love the chair stop motion!I can’t help but think, couldn’t you also argue that it has never gone out of style because in addition to all that you said, mid-century is incredibly practical. In the 50’s and 60’s there was a big shift in how the “science” of design. That is to say many designers now saw their job as incorporating the scientific method into their work. So things like ergonomics, and material science were looked at through a different lens. These objects stand the test to time not only because they are beautiful but because they exceeded the functional ambitions of their creators.

[@wordage4215]

Ariel is so sincere in her curiosity and very insightful! Love this video!

[@mapleleaf0]

Thank you, Ariel. This really pulled together great explanations.

[@seren2646]

This was such a great and informative video! I've always loved the mid-century style and it's so interesting to see where it came from and the influences of this style, Thank you Ariel for all the hard work! Can't wait to see more ❤

[@wayfair]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pamjordan1793]

I enjoyed this immensely! Thank you! I'd love to see more from you Ariel!

[@GlitterBug]

I loved this! Ariel is one of my favorite KZbinrs and I loved seeing her deep dive into Midcentury Modern!

[@wayfair]

Thanks!! Are there any other interior design styles you'd like her to cover in the future?

[@gregseagler5111]

Great video. I had another thought regarding why mid-century style has become increasingly popular ever since the style began. It's the simplicity of the lines, and paring down of heavy adornment. It helps create "breathing room" in our psyches as our lives have become more and more noisy. The computer age has brought in so much new information to us, and especially in the last few decades with the internet and social media. For good or bad, we are increasingly bombarded with stimuli form every angle. our minds are so full of information, ideas, and thoughts, that we become mentally and emotionally overwhelmed. (I'm speaking for myself, of course, but I know this is happening to most of us.) The simpler aesthetic of mid-century modern style helps provide some respite from the clutter and noise.

[@nancyjuarez3255]

I love Ariel, she is so amazing. Well done Wayfair. She is such an amazingly talented and such an intelligent person

[@MultiMakica1]

Well done Ariel! Thank you!

[@LisaElevateDJ]

This video is so well produced! You put so much fun effort into this, thank you. Also, I have always loved midmod, my favourite furniture is thrifted midmod. I have a sideboard, coffee table, chest of drawers and a display cabinet and a couple chairs. I am always looking out for those gorgeous sleek lines and teak wood 😍

[@staceyberry937]

This video is so much fun!! Wonderful, whimsical, and informative! Please give us more Ariel!!

[@andreawhite4359]

Ariel....... Wayfair couldn't have picked a more perfect person for this episode. Well done!

[@chrisnarbone4344]

Thanks so much for this video. It answered a lot my questions about mid century modern! Well done!!

[@bfranklin1052]

Ariel Bissett is such a treasure and did a wonderful job here making this a fun, informative video. Good job!

[@lea6385]

I had no idea such a theme could be so interesting!! Also the editing of this video is chef's kiss, it is so nostalgic for some reason

[@peggynorton5535]

Loved this video. Ariels channel is terrific on redoing her home. I love the deep green couch seen all over pintrest.

[@xeniafoe]

This was such a lovely, well edited and informative video! Well done Ariel!!

[@PaintTheStarsFilm]

Love seeing Ariel on this platform! This video was so cute, and you can tell how excited she is!

[@kimobailey2926]

Vladimir Kagan is one of the GIANTS of Mid-century modern , any account of this era must include him !!

[@kathygirlygirl4109]

Ariel! Great job on this piece! Love what you did with the upstairs tiny space. It is beautiful!

[@okayheykae]

This was really informative and beautiful to watch, nice work Ariel!

[@cgoiq19]

What an awesome, informative video from a cool human who I already loved watching!! Her home reno videos are true inspiration. I need ALLLL the Ariel Bissett x Wayfair content!

[@shelleymolinaro5866]

You nailed it Ariel!!! More of this please. I am looking forward to more of your renovations on your channel. I love Paige also and watch her regularly. ps I am a boomer and grew up in a home filled with mcm.

[@CB0408]

Love the bossa nova background music. So midcentury!

[@opalmoon2256]

So true it never went out of style...Thank U for sharing such great info😊💚

[@ethansloweddown]

This is such a good video! Really helped me understand the furniture I’ve been seeing everywhere! Thanks Ariel!! 🙈❤️❤️❤️

[@saml8802]

Yay more Ariel I love her videos!!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Great video. One thing you didn't mention: after WWII, steel mills turned to furniture. Metal kitchen cabinets were designed and built for a modern kitchen and installed in all the homes popping up. Same thing with metal patio furniture. The office furniture made from steel formerly used for war purposes is literally built like a tank, lol. I have a Steelcase desk that has been out in the weather for years and looks great. Come to find out it is a Tanker desk, LOL. TFS

[@kippxbooks]

ariel did such a great job making this video!! so informative and interesting :)

[@SynsBookNook]

Ariel Bisset is the best! Glad you are featuring her here on the channel!

[@donovanreimer2324]

What a great video. A neat balance of being informative and entertaining. A new fan secured. Respect.

[@IsidoraSage]

Awesome video Ariel! worth every minute you spent making them