To find out what an expert thinks about the mid-century modern style that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately on Instagram, we reached out to Dr. Lori Verderame, a Ph.D. antiques appraiser who’s an internationally syndicated columnist and an author with 30 books to her credit.

Dr. Lori explained that the mid-century modern style is the characteristic look in design of the late 1940s through the 1970s, so basically it is the design of the 1950s and 1960s. “Mid-century modern design, known as MCM, has become more popular and valuable over the last 20 years,” she said.

“It features space-age forms, new state-of-the-art materials, the fusion of natural and manmade elements, organic and geometric shapes, bright and bold textile designs, and bright colors. Materials like lucite, chrome, bakelite, and fiberglass are integrated in our homes and fashion,” Lori told Bored Panda.

We asked Dr. Lori if furniture and design items from the MCM period are valuable, and she confirmed that it’s definitely the case. “Furniture by big names in the mid-century modern movement like George Nakashima, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, and others continue to bring big money from collectors,” Dr. Lori explained.

Moreover, the antiques appraiser argues that mid-century modern furniture and design accessories will only increase in value over time, “as long as these vintage pieces are kept in good condition and are free of damage.”