Less is more—this is what inspires the modern interior design trend.
Modern interior design has its roots in the early 19th century and has evolved throughout the 20th century. A prominent design philosophy was developed by Bauhaus, a German art school in the 1920s.
The Bauhaus school’s modern design ideals embrace minimalist and functional designs. As well as creativity with shape. This concept resulted in the birth of the modern design style that we appreciate and seek nowadays.
As modernism saw a rebirth around the turn of the century, it grew out of its decorative elements. Other interior design styles like eclectic, rustic, farmhouse, and contemporary interiors are now less popular as people prefer a more modern aesthetic.
As matter of fact, there is an unending enthusiasm for modern styles. But, instead of a single set design for all, modern interior design is evolving to match and expand the tastes of homeowners.
Modern design principles are very effective when renovating a home for sale. This is due to the clean lines and exquisite finishes that make each area of the house feel spacious and functional.
What Is Modern Interior Design?
Simple, clutter-free, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. The goal of integrating modern interior design principles into your home is to strike a balance between the décor and furnishings and their specific purposes. So, if anything doesn’t serve a functional use in the space, it shouldn’t be there.
When it comes to modern interior design, the use of neutral color schemes, natural materials, and clean lines will go a long way. Letting natural light in can also enliven a space. Your home exudes minimalism without being stark. It can still be both soothing and welcoming, while still being devoid of clutter.
Modern vs. Contemporary Interior Design
While it is sometimes mistaken or used interchangeably with the term “contemporary design,” modern design is a unique aesthetic in its own right.
Modern design refers to the visual aesthetic of a certain historical period. Contemporary design refers to the ever-changing trends of the present.
Unlike modern, contemporary design isn’t a specific design philosophy. It’s rather a general term used to represent current interior design trends. Which are not anchored in any specific design style.
Some of the defining elements of contemporary design are simplicity and subtle elegance. As well as the strategic use of textures, and clean lines. Contemporary interior design aims to emphasize space instead of things. Things are modern and trendy in terms of style.
Defining Features of Modern Interior Design
When designing a modern home, the interiors should be focused on your needs. Each space should have a clear, useful function. The design for each modern interior, though, takes time to build as each home is unique, needing to meet specific purposes.
Here are the defining elements of modern interior design you should keep in mind.
Minimalist, clean lines and simple furniture
In German and Scandinavian designs, these elements favor functionality and form over the clutter and extra decorations.
Leather furniture, including chairs and couches, has grown into an essential addition to modern spaces, particularly when leather styles change from large to more modern forms with clean lines.
So, instead of a table with sharp or strangely curved edges, choose floating shelving. One that follows the natural lines of the space for an unbroken visual flow.
With respect to modern furniture that are curved, they are a trend now. So, it can fall under contemporary style. This and modern interior designs often cause confusion.
Neutral tones
The use of neutral, monochromatic color schemes is a must in modern interior design. While the basic combination of white on white makes any room look lofty and spacious, you may also choose from a variety of neutral colors such as taupe, gray, beige, pastel, or icy pink.
To lend the interior some visual appeal, you can add bursts of accent color with textured pillows. You must stay away from bold and bright colors.
Neutral hues not only offer a clean aesthetic but also match every modern interior design style you can think of. When designing with such a palette, the possibilities are endless.
Natural materials and elements
Sustainable materials and elements offer a certain level of individuality not found in many pieces of furniture—well, apart from leather sofas. Industrial elements make great statement pieces in many modern designs. This includes exposed pipes on ceilings and walls to wood and metal furnishings.
Industrial interior design features high ceilings, stone works, and wood and metal accents. As well as neutral hues, which speak modernism.
These elements may just become the next trend in the coming years. Its appeal may be owing to a combination of modern and traditional styles. And it fits well in interiors that function as work and living spaces.
Natural fabrics upholstery, glass, and concrete are other common modern furniture finishes.
Open space and natural lighting
The use of natural lighting over artificial lighting is also an essential element of modern design. It is energy-efficient, effortless, practical, and functional. Using natural light is a clever way of brightening and opening up a space. You can go for large windows to have unrestricted access to natural light and bring the outside in.
Eco-friendly
Using eco-friendly elements play a prominent part in modern interior design. Many homeowners in the United States and Canada are increasingly adopting eco-friendly or sustainable furniture brands.
Wood, in particular, has been gaining a strong demand. This is due to its naturally renewable energy sources. Leather is also considered as eco-friendly if it is tanned naturally without the use of chemicals.
Artistic elements
A little bit of artwork can’t hurt. To maintain the simplistic concept of minimalism, pick one striking piece instead of the clutter of smaller pieces.
If your walls are mostly stark, it’s crucial that the artwork you pick complements the entire look of your space. You may go for geometric paintings and simple sculptures. In this case, playful pop-art posters or charcoal sketches might also work effectively.
Practical and functional
Practicality and functionality are perhaps the two most significant elements of modern interior design. The whole approach revolves around ornamental objects that have a purpose rather than being purely aesthetic. Again, if it serves no function, it shouldn’t be there.
Concepts Behind Modern Design Style
Modern interior design has its own set of principles. But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate other interior design styles into your modern home. Below are some of the concepts behind modern design, and you can bring these aesthetics into your own home.
Minimalism
Minimalism is rooted in the ideals of simplicity and draws inspiration from Japanese gardens and Scandinavian design. It might appear austere at times, but the purpose behind this design is to simplify the components of an abode.
This concept will give you a clear reflection of your lifestyle as a homeowner. It allows you to establish an interior wherein each piece of furniture, cabinet, shelf, or artwork has a specific and important role within the space.
Minimalist interiors also have an emphasis on forms. You pick items since they integrate with one another. They also should blend with the space they are in and the outdoors they face out and into. This will provide the ideal mix of a soothing aesthetic.
Consider decluttering rooms with allocated storage, clean lines, and natural or monochromatic colors. All the things that you have in a room must have a purpose and a specific location.
Make sure to get rid of excessive decoration, frills, and paintings. Alternatively, you must consider and appreciate the intricacies and architecture of your home. With minimalism, less is more.
Industrial
Industrial interior design is inspired by the unique visual style of 20th-century factories and production facilities. This design sheds light on the past architectural structure and shape of these places.
In industrial design, you’ll often find recycled items. It also reveals details of a place like exposed pipes, brick walls, and wooden frameworks. This design opens up a space, creating lofty ceilings and a large open floor plan.
The open plan should be magnificent. It should honor the building’s original structural framework. To make the most of the architecture, you can use exposed brick walls, concrete flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors.
With a large area to work with, you can exhibit big and eye-catching pieces of furniture, carpets, and artwork. You may also consider a natural palette and earthy textures like wood and leather to provide warmth to these large areas. To add a cozy vibe to the space, you can use soft upholstery, big chandeliers, and lamp stands.
Modern rustic
This style conforms to the ideas of modern interiors. It’s all about blending clean lines with functional living in terms of utility and storage. As well as the use of natural textures and antique elements.
Although old structures create a lovely backdrop for this style, modern buildings may also give them a rustic aesthetic by blending antique and vintage furniture pieces. You can use wood for the flooring, exposed beams, and paneled walls. The use of antique elements also gives a space depth, history, and charm.
German and Scandinavian
Simplicity, uncluttered, and clean lines in modern interior design have their roots in German and Scandinavian design. It displays an open, light-filled space. Scandinavian design is understated and respects functionality.
This design concept emerged in the 1950s with the modernist movement in Europe and America. It emphasizes democratic, inexpensive, and elegant furniture and interiors.
Muted, dark hues reminiscent of Nordic landscapes are some of the defining features of Scandi design. You’ll also find wood furniture and wood accents. As well as ornate, statement pendant lighting.
Maximalism
Just like other trends and styles, maximalism is considered a return to minimalist design. The stark whites, minimum decoration, and less is more mentality of minimalism is entirely thrown aside with maximalism. And, you can’t introduce furniture, color, pattern, and textiles without careful consideration.
Maximalism requires time to achieve. This is because you curate it in layers. Things like slowly collecting houseplants, old books, or ceramic sculptures can result in an organically layered look.
You must trust your senses. Don’t be scared to go through trial and error. Colors love each other; when you layer them up, you could love the result. It’s also important to let stuff happen spontaneously to avoid them appearing overly artificial.
In a maximalist space, size and furniture type are flexible; blending modern with mid-century or antique is totally safe.
Mid-century
The mid-century modern design has gained popularity in recent decades. The beauty of adopting this style is that you can still buy furniture from this era at a reasonable price.
This style is particularly adaptable to 21st-century decor. It features comfy couches, chairs, and tables from this period. These are all easily fitting into modern homes.
With mid-century style, the colors are appealing, featuring gentle warm tones of orange, green, yellow, or gray. As well as natural materials like wood, bricks, and stone accentuating the clean lines and mid-century furniture.
Modern glamor
This is an expressive interior design style with origins in Art Deco and Hollywood’s old-world appeal. It features decadent fashions from the 1920s and 1930s with rich golds and colorful accents, opulent soft fabrics, and flowing forms.
You can use curving contemporary furniture, bold colors, and pastel or soft tones. This way, you can create a place that reflects a modern glamor style. Furnishings, lights, or artwork can also make dramatic gestures. You can also try incorporating bronze or gold alchemy for the extra glam.
Modern Interior Design Principles FAQs
What are clean lines in interior design?
Clean lines are lines that are uninterrupted. These lines identify with modern architecture and design eras. As well as contemporary decorating trends.
Why is modern interior design important?
Any savvy interior designer knows modern interior elevates your space. On the most fundamental level, an effective interior design enhances a space by making it more functional. A case in point is when you’re decorating a bedroom, you’ll make choices that make it more comfortable.
What materials do modern interior designers use?
The modernism concept began to take shape when it shifted away from traditional construction and design elements such as wood, stone, and brick and toward industrial materials like steel, glass, and concrete.
How do you design modern?
Since modern design has a strong focus on natural materials, sticking to more natural shades is essential. Neutral color palette over bold colors and patterns. Natural material over synthetic elements. And instead of curves, you can go for more straight lines.
Upgrade Your Space!
Achieving a modern aesthetic isn’t all about sticking to one set design. It’s all about exploring the shapes, furnishings, and décor while maintaining the uncluttered style and functionality.
Individual experiences of separate things are the aesthetics of modern design. Don’t shy away from exploring the elements and principles of modern home design. Make sure that it is functional and that it’s tailored to your specific needs.
Good luck!
