A Beginner's Guide To Modern Interior Design
By Jennifer Pellerito
You’ve heard of it and seen it before, but what really is modern design? Surprisingly, the term “modern” does not refer to design of the current day. Rather, “contemporary” is the design that reflects the style of the present moment.
Modern design was born at the turn of the 20th century, around the 1890-1930s, just as many artists and designers were rebelling against the flowery, ornate classical and Victorian styles of the time. With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, a new age of factories and machinery came to influence almost all art and design forms.
There are many incarnations of modern design, which can often make it difficult to define, but a few defining characteristics shine through. If you dream of having your home be uncluttered, light and airy, simple and practical – you may just find that modern design is a great match for you. Take a look at the tips below for plenty of inspiration on how you can design the picture-perfect modern home.
Think About Form and Function
The founding principal of modern design is the idea that “form follows function,” meaning that the shape of an object or furnishing should reflect its intended function or purpose. Many of the first modern designers aimed to create ergonomic chairs or sofas with this philosophy in mind. Modern design is often considered a timeless style because of this enduring principle.
When designing your own home, look for objects that are beautiful in their pure simplicity. Unadorned designs that to some may seem “basic” can often be the most versatile and elegant pieces in a room. The famous Eames shell chair is made of only three materials – polypropylene, wood, and steel – yet it has become a popular essential for homes for over half a century because of its timeless and practical design.
Always Use Straight Lines
Clean, straight lines are a hallmark of modern design, created in the 20th century as a move against the flowery embellishments of the Victorian era. Keep the lines cut and clean for every furnishing and architectural aspect of your home, and you’re sure to achieve the modern look. Be sure that your sofas maintain the sharp-edged look and avoid rolling, curvy armrests.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to use patterns, too! With herringbone, chevron or zigzag patterns, all lines are geometrical and straight – never curved or ornate, which perfectly demonstrates modern style. A lot of personality can come through with these fun patterns.
Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule. If you find a pattern that has circles or curly paisley, sprinkle them selectively into your home on upholstery. Simple ovals and circles fall into modern design because of the overarching emphasis on geometric motifs.
Look For Warm Neutrals
Contrary to popular belief, modern design is anything but unwelcoming. The easiest way to bring warmth naturally into your modern home is by carefully selecting wood furnishings. Walnut, oak, teak, rosewood, beech, and elm are some of the most widely used woods in modern décor.
Calm and relaxing, these harmonious woods set the tone for luxurious metal accents. For warmth, choose metals like brass, gold or copper, but don’t be afraid to mix with cool metals, like chrome or stainless steel. As a general rule of thumb, choose one dominant metal in your home and then select one or two opposite metal accents to complete the look.
Another way to incorporate warm neutrals into your home is through textiles. Tweed upholstery on a sofa can add a modern touch, and a creamy beige woven blanket is anything but boring when tossed across a chartreuse chaise lounge chair. Try the Trina throw by Surya to bring the modern look into your home.
Choose Bold Colors Carefully
Looking for a little “oomph?” Add a bold accent color. Choose from any of the basic primary colors and you’ve instantly completed the modern look. A color like orange or yellow draws the eye in and can make a statement in any room. Be careful when adding in a second or third color, though, as you don’t want these colors to compete with one another.
Remember to stick with neutrals like white, tan, or light grey for most walls and large furnishings, but go bold with accent pillows, art, accessories, flower vases or throws. As long as your foundation is neutral, you could even paint an accent wall in a primary color or add in a brilliant red side chair. Color provides many opportunities for personality to shine through, whether it’s fun and quirky, or controlled and professional. Overall, keep it balanced and steer clear of too much color chaos.
Embrace an Open Floor Plan
An open floor plan often combines a kitchen, dining room and living room into one large “great room.” Contrary to many styles of the past, which were built with several compartmentalized rooms, an open floor plan fits more usable living space into the same amount of square footage.
Even more, an open floor plan visually maximizes space and also allows for natural light to travel through large areas of the home. Consider installing a floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door that can be opened to bring in a breeze from the outside. Even when the doors are closed, you’ll still get a beautiful, unobstructed view of your patio or backyard from inside your home.
Another benefit of an open floor plan is that it's great for entertaining! It’s easy to communicate with your guests in the living room when you’re in the kitchen and vice versa, which is why many homes are embracing this hallmark of modern design. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about missing out on the great conversation happening in the other room.
