A Guide to Interior Design Styles: Modern

When you talk about modern interior design, minimalism is the name of the game.

Unlike its cousin, contemporary design which is ever-changing, modern design is fixed and grew out of the decorative arts, mostly from Art Deco in the early 20th century.

This was the peak of art and design informed by Scandinavian and German Bauhaus designers, creating a distinct style focused on simple form and function.

Although the name may imply “futuristic,” modern interior design emphasizes crisp lines, warm neutrals, and balance. It embraces simplicity, minimal use of space, and straight lines.

So, how do you create a modern space in your home?

SIMPLICITY

Modern design is about minimalism. Rooms are kept devoid of clutter with only the basic items necessary to make them functional. Minimalism allows you to see the room and the openness that modernism is known for. Imagine a free-standing tub or pedestal sink for the bathroom. Both offer functionality but allow a free flow of space to make the room feel open.

COLOR

The modern, streamlined interior design style calls for a sophisticated, simple color palette. When designing a modern room in your home, neutral tones work best.

A color palette of cream, gray, brown, and white make the most sense when choosing furniture and paint. Think simple and limit your color palette to a few key colors to keep the look minimal and clean.

You don’t have to stop there, however. Once you have your foundation neutral palette, you can make a stylish statement with color by adding a bold accent color, particularly a cool color, such as eggplant.

A bold accent color adds character and depth and allows you to accessorize with complementary pieces and create a focal point. This pop of color will create an elegant look for your modern room. This can come in the form of a sofa, pillows, a barn door, or any single accessory that stands out against the foundation of the room.

USE OF SPACE

The modern design aesthetic emphasizes balance and space, and often negative space is given as much weight and value as that which is taken up with furniture or objects. In interiors, the area around objects—the negative space—allows for breathing room. It gives us a chance to pause and brings positive elements into clear focus, creating a sense of visual comfort and harmony.

The use of negative space, or rather the willingness to NOT use every drop of available space, will help regain balance for the objects you do emphasize. It may just become one of your more powerful design tools in modern design.

FORM

Form is a key component to this design style and clean crisp lines are its calling card.

Furniture for example, should inspire relief and comfort, not weight and clutter. Avoid bulky cushions in favor of clean simple lines. Slender, elegantly designed chairs, tables, and couches will enhance the streamlined feeling of a modern home. When selecting furniture for a modern design, think functionality, simplicity and balance versus ornamentation.

Avoid loud patterns and bright colors, except where using the “pop of color” technique as mentioned above. Stick with the neutral color palette to keep your look clean and fresh.

Finally, barn doors are also a great way to add a dramatic modern element to your home. They can be customized for any design style (including color!) and are a fast and affordable option.

Whatever interior design style you choose, contact us to discuss how you can use custom barn doors in your space today.

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