Modern Décor: Tips & Ideas for Interior Design

Modern-Style Design Ideas

When it comes to home decor, the modern style is one of the most popular options. People who own modern-style homes can mirror the striking common characteristics of modern architecture on the inside of their houses by sticking to a few interior design tips.

Ultimately, the most essential elements of modern interior design are simplicity, functionality, and industrialism. Using these primary ideas allows the home's unique design to speak for itself while still leaving room for vibrant, personal touches.

Channel your internal interior designer and keep reading to learn about the best modern decor and style ideas.

Modern vs. Contemporary: What's the Difference?

When discussing interior design styles, modern and contemporary often come up together. Although these styles share some similarities, they also have several key differences. Modern design refers to a style that was popularized in the early 20th century that is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality. Contemporary design, on the other hand, is ever-evolving and can be defined as the current trends in interior design. 

While modern design often features muted colors and minimal decor, contemporary interiors are more vibrant and eclectic. Contemporary design is also more likely to incorporate synthetic materials, like plastic or steel, while modern furniture tends to prefer natural materials like wood or stone. 

Now that you understand the difference between modern and contemporary, you can confidently design your home's interior in a style that suits you. 

Minimalism Is Essential to Modern Style

Minimalism is at the heart of any well-designed modern home. This practice requires an emphasis on clean lines and a lack of clutter to make a room feel calm without distractions.

You don't need a lot of flashy accessories to achieve a modern look; in fact, too many extra details can detract from the modern aesthetic. The goal of minimalism is to highlight the form of the room rather than the items it holds.

When choosing items for a modern-style room, select ones with clean lines, unique textures, and, most importantly, a clearly defined function. Functionality and minimalism go hand-in-hand. Minimalism means limiting items to only those that serve a purpose. Before purchasing anything, people should ask themselves if they'll be able to use an item every day.

If the answer is "no," then the item probably doesn't belong in a modern-style home. From furniture to wall art, usefulness should be prioritized over appearances when choosing elements for a modern-style home. Smart tech home upgrades are ideal for modern design because they can be stored out of sight, providing the best of functionalism and minimalism.

Geometric Designs Are Naturally Beautiful

In the spirit of highlighting clean lines and natural forms, geometric designs are another essential component of modern interior design. Geometric designs can be used in any room of the house. Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms all have opportunities to showcase the natural beauty of simple shapes.

The term "geometric designs" might conjure images of abstract and even bizarre forms. However, that's not quite what this means in the field of modern design.

Geometric designs are shapes that have a mathematical or scientific basis. They are often used in art and architecture to create clean, symmetrical lines and shapes. Some standard geometric designs include circles, squares, triangles, and hexagons.

Examples of functional items with geometric designs include:

  • Floating shelves with geometric patterns
  • Art-deco lighting fixtures
  • Modular origami storage pieces

Rugs, pillows, and artwork should reflect and complement the geometric designs of the other fixtures in the room. Contrasting designs, when used sparingly, can help create a stand-out style.

Choose High-Quality Artwork Over High-Quantity Artwork

Artwork Can Add to the Modern VibesA few pieces of modern artwork are essential to modern style home decor. Like modern interior designers, modern artists strive to celebrate natural forms in a cutting-edge style. Modern art is often characterized by its attempt to express the artist's feelings and thoughts about the world instead of reproducing or imitating traditional styles.

When selecting artwork for a home, homeowners should be sure to choose pieces that reflect their style and interests. It's important to choose art pieces carefully. A piece of art should have a clear function, even if it's purely emotional. Additionally, there shouldn't be too many art pieces in a single room. Too many paintings and sculptures can make a room feel cluttered.

That said, it's still possible to have numerous art pieces in one room. By hanging several small portraits together, homeowners can create the impression of a single, larger piece.

For framing, choose glossy blacks, natural wood, or rustic metals. Anything too ornate will seem out of place.

Modern Furniture Prioritizes Form and Function

Modern furniture should be bold and innovative without sacrificing function. Choosing modern furniture is a great way to further accentuate the clean lines and geometric patterns in a modern-style home.

Establishing contrasts between textures is important, too. Furniture upholstered with wool, cotton, or linen has a rustic appeal that will add an element of warmth to modern spaces. Throw pillows with stylish shapes can add a welcome pop of color.

Modern-style design is all about showing off the natural form of every piece of furniture, so make sure the legs of every sofa, armchair, and coffee table are exposed. Ruffles, skirts, and tassels don't have a place in contemporary home design.

Sleek furniture design with wood, leather, and exposed metal will be a perfect match.

Embrace the Industrial Aesthetic

Embracing an industrial aesthetic is one of the best ways to celebrate the natural form of a home. Exposed brick walls, stone accents, and visible metal components are all welcome in the modern aesthetic.

When it comes to layout, try to keep things as open as possible. Creating too many partitions obscures the industrial style of the home.

Vaulted ceilings can help open up the layout. Tall ceilings with minimalist lighting fixtures help create extra space while highlighting the industrial look. For example, Edison-style lightbulbs dangling with visible wiring blends vintage charm with modern sensibilities.

Concrete flooring is often used in industrial settings to create a hard, durable surface. When used in a home, it can help create an industrial aesthetic upheld from top-to-bottom. Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in various ways to achieve different effects. For example, polished concrete can be sleek and colorful when dyed. Unpolished concrete floors have a more rugged appearance that some modern homeowners prefer. Installing industrial-chic floors is one of the best home improvement projects for increasing property value.

Design the Modern Home of Your Dreams

The principles of modern interior design are simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. When executed correctly, these principles can result in a stunning and timeless look. Geometric designs are popular among modern style aficionados, as are industrial aesthetics. Art is also an important part of the modern look and should be used sparingly to add interest. Furniture should be low and long for a sleek appearance, and accessories should be kept to a minimum. With these tips in mind, homeowners can create the perfect modern home that will stand the test of time.

Post a Comment