Clean lines, natural and organic shapes, a muted earth-tone color palette, and an abundant use of woods such as teak, walnut, and oak are the hallmarks of mid-century modern design.  Peaking in the 1950s with great influence from Denmark and other parts of Scandinavia, this design movement has real staying power: furniture and accessories from the era are still quite popular, and can be very, very expensive.

I tend to search out mid-century pieces wherever I can, as prices vary drastically from region to region.  Two favorite pieces in my collection are a pair of wood and Naugahyde wing chairs from a flea market on Long Island - the seller found them in his mother’s basement and had zero appreciation. The price was so low I don’t even want to print it here.

On a recent trip to Chicago, we chanced upon a fantastic mid-century/vintage shop in Lincoln Square - the Ravenswood Antique Mart. What a treat! The store was massive, yet beautifully organized. Everything from the tiniest accessory to the largest dining table for 12 was assembled in a showroom style that allowed each piece to speak for itself while still completing a scene. Many items were organized simply by color, which created a stunning visual display.

Whether or not you appreciate mid-century modern and other ’50s vintage styles, it seems impossible to not appreciate this charming shop. If you are in the area, definitely check it out!