Are you interested in miniature furniture, but the Victorian era is not your thing? Try to create a miniature mid-century world. Modern yet vintage at the same time, dollhouses with modern-era furniture offer a break from the traditional Victorian dollhouse. Their bright primary colors provide visual ‘pop’, while the sleek, clean lines are distinctively modern, making them a great choice for those not drawn to the frilly details of the Victorian era. If you love Eames furniture or Ikea aesthetics, you’ll love Scandinavian miniature designs.

Scandinavian-style miniatures have been around since the mid-20th century, when Swedish toymakers Brio and Lundby built two-story electrified houses with fancy plastic furniture. Inspired by trends in the world of interior design, these furniture dollhouses were designed to mimic popular fashion and interior design styles of the time. Art Nouveau designs created between 1950 and 2000 reflect the spirit of Nordic life and have an innocent, childlike appearance that appeals to many dollhouse enthusiasts. A new book, “Scandinavian Design in the Dollhouse” by Yvette Wadsted and Ulf Beckman, examines the popularity of Scandinavian miniature furniture.

How can you start building modern and Scandinavian dollhouses? To create the perfect setting for your modern miniatures, start with a contemporary farmhouse kit. The “Brookwood” is a great option for those trying to recreate that mid-century modern aesthetic. Look for a dollhouse design with lots of angular lines, rather than the intricate embellishments of Victorian dollhouse kits.

For the perfect modernist abode, paint the exterior and rooms in bright, contemporary colors, rather than the muted tones of a Victorian-era home. You may even want to paint your trim or accent walls silver to simulate a metallic finish. Then add stylish plastic and metal furniture, along with modern accessories. Furnish the home with furniture that suggests the modern age, such as molded plastic chairs, simple tables with straight legs, and streamlined sofas without the frills of earlier periods of furniture design. Take inspiration from your own home, the one you grew up in, or the sets of classic TV sitcoms. Or check out Mini Modern (http://minimodern.blogspot.com/), a blog about mid-century modern dollhouse furniture, for ideas.

If you’re more used to decorating your dollhouses with ornately detailed furniture from the Victorian era, try your hand at a modern-style house. The clean lines and stylish interiors will provide a design challenge for even the most experienced miniatures aficionado.