Modern Design - What to Know About this Home Decor?

A product of post-war and industrial-inspired aesthetics, modern home decor bridges the gap between time-honoured and cutting-edge looks, featuring functional yet decorative features. This interior decoration style blends minimal aesthetic choices, in terms of colour schemes, patterns, architecture, and furnishings, highlighting pops of colour, within an otherwise sleek, elegant decor.

Sleek and clean lines are right at home here, while nature-related references and eye-catching features are favoured. This style of decor is ideal for those living in already minimally decorated homes, as the time-honoured saying goes: less is more! However, you can still achieve a modern look even if you’re working with a cluttered space. 

What Is Modern Interior Decorating?

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Modern home decor refers to an interior design style characterized by its simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. It differs from other aesthetics on account of its timeless appeal, commitment to structure and function, and complete refusal to embrace superfluous features. It’s a sought-after style for individuals looking to create living spaces that are stylish yet practical.

Contemporary vs Modern Styles: What's the difference?

Although contemporary design and modern aesthetics are often muddled, note that these two aesthetics differ on several levels. Contemporary design is exactly as it sounds: a reflection of present-day trends. As such, it’s not tied down to a specific period in time, instead borrowing bits and pieces from a slew of eras. On the other hand, a modern aesthetic is era-specific, representative of a shift away from pre-industrial and traditional styles.

Modern decor is associated with machination, an era referencing the 1920s through the 1950s, though some might argue that it references everything to do with the early to mid-20th century. There are overlapping characteristics and elements between these two periods. 

However, contemporary designs are often inspired by a modern aesthetic. As such, it’s important to keep in mind that these terms differ when it comes to home decor. Following this little history lesson, let's turn our attention to the key features that distinguish modern interior designs from other aesthetics.

How to Define a Modern Aesthetic

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Clean Lines, Sleek Interiors

When picturing modern home decor, what immediately comes to mind is floor-to-ceiling glass windows instead of drywall. On the outside, it’s all about flat roofs, distinctive right angles, and intentional asymmetry, which are par for the course in terms of recurring architectural features. Modern decor breaks away from traditionally cluttered spaces, embracing simplicity. Modern interiors are sleek and cool, featuring white-painted walls and, at times, a hint of muted colour.

Though white walls are known to be dull-looking, when it comes to modern homes, they’re crisp and cool, serving as a base to showcase a room’s meticulous details. Furthermore, the floors are usually kept bare, made with natural materials, and featuring neutral tones. Polished concrete or hardwood are common modern flooring options.

Modern furniture looks to incorporate materials with industrial-inspired flair. By that, we mean materials like moulded plastic, wood, and polished metals. Structurally, the furniture tends to be high off the ground, ensuring a clean, sleek look, while giving off an ethereal-like effect.

Minimalist Features

Modern style is minimalist-inspired, playing off the whole “less is more” concept. As a result, modern-looking areas around a home are clutter-free, allowing details to take over. As for colour schemes, it’s all about silvers, blacks, and whites—though they’re often paired with primary colours, such as reds and royal blues. Earth tones and subtle neutral aren’t as common in modern decor. Further, not unlike minimalism, modern style often relies on geometric shapes and patterns, for both furniture design and accent pieces. Squares, triangles, and curved shapes are prominent, just like metal or glass accent pieces. 

Modern furniture is stripped down to its bare form and isn’t necessarily plush or cozy, instead is ergonomic to perfectly mould itself around the human body. The artwork showcased in modern homes tends to focus on abstract concepts issued from mechanical processes, such as photography or etching.

Natural Materials

A modern style of decor features a lot of natural materials; wood, stone, leather, and linen are among those most commonly used. Think of materials that provide warmth and texture yet aren't overly gaudy. 

In terms of hardware, brushed aluminum, polished stainless steel, glass, and plastic are used. When choosing to showcase wood, it’s often painted over to conceal its natural grain and provide a more “finished” look. It’s often used to create a contrast against metal or glass components.

Homeowners who opt for modern home decor should look for a balance between said materials. Natural light is another important aspect of any modern home. As mentioned, a modern aesthetic is often associated with glass walls instead of drywall partitions, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of light throughout the house. 

Ensure all windows are devoid of obstructions, regardless of their size, to maximize natural light intake. Skylights are another excellent way to increase natural lighting, benefiting from better views.

Why Opt for a Modern Design Style in Your Home?

Here are just a few of the reasons that might lead you to choose a modern aesthetic over another:

• Functionality: Modernism abides by the coined “form follows function” rule, meaning every part of the design has to be both aesthetic and functional. 

• Sense of light and space: Modern interiors use open floor plans to further highlight this feeling.

• Low maintenance: Sleek surfaces and clean lines are easy to clean and upkeep. Fewer knick-knacks and decorative objects mean fewer dust-covered areas.

• Focus on technology and innovation: Modern interiors often integrate technology seamlessly, featuring smart home features and automated devices with functionality in mind at all times.

• Sustainability: The materials used are often sustainable and capable of withstanding the test of time, both in terms of style and physics. 

Restyle Your House: Working With an Interior Designer

Interested in modern-inspired home decor, but haven't got a clue where to start? Use the services of an interior designer to remodel your rooms, tailoring them to your tastes and needs.

FAQ

What Is Mid-Century Modern Design?

This style emphasizes functionality alongside aesthetic appeal, often using natural materials like wood, combined with modern materials such as metal and glass. Mid-century modern design is renowned for its minimalist approach, iconic furniture pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair, and a commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative, forward-thinking design principles.

What Is Industrial Modern Design?

Industrial modern design blends industrial aesthetics with contemporary style, using raw materials like exposed brick and steel alongside sleek finishes. It emphasizes functionality, open spaces, and natural light, often incorporating salvaged materials and minimalist furniture for a sophisticated, industrial-inspired ambiance in modern interiors.

Where to Find Design Ideas for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Living Rooms, Furniture, and More?

Luckily, our website offers numerous articles on exactly that! Here are just a few examples:

• Modern Kitchen: Design Tips

• Modern Bathroom Design Tips

• 10 Guest Bedroom Design Ideas

• Modern Bathroom Design Tips

• How to Design a Bedroom