The Ultimate Guide to Modern Style
The modern style first emerged in the early 20th century, Inspired by the minimalist design movement of the 1930s. Modern style today encompasses a wide variety of looks and can be broken down into many different sub-styles to name a few, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and Bauhaus, all of which feature straight lines, clean symmetry, and functionality. Modern style is a perfect decorating choice for those who like simple, uncluttered spaces with clean lines and a lack of fussy adornments. It goes well with open floor plans. When decorating a room in a modern style. The key is to avoid anything overly ornate that may trend country or traditional. When it comes to furniture, modern style calls for pieces with straight, clean lines and sharp edges. Unlike previous styles, which relied on rich wood tones and heavy textures, modern design dictates that furniture should contain only elements necessary to fulfill its purpose. Whether you’re looking to describe your own personal style, or just experimenting with different styles to find the one that works for you, here’s everything you need to know about modern style.
Typical Characteristics of a Modern Space:
- Pure Colors. Primary Color Use.
- Clean Lines: Emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines with fewer curves. Geometric patterns.
- A Minimalistic Approach
- Bold Accent Colors
- Abstract Art
- Industrial Materials
- Form Follows Function
- White Walls and Bare Floors. Open Floor Concept.
Pure Colors. Primary Color Use.
Modern style is often mistakenly labeled as stark and cold; however, many modern spaces incorporate color in a well-thought-out and curated fashion.Clean Lines: Emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines & Geometric patterns.
When it comes to furniture, modern style calls for pieces with straight, clean lines and sharp edges. Unlike previous styles, which relied on rich wood tones and heavy textures, modern design dictates that furniture should contain only elements necessary to fulfill its purpose. Modern style furniture features sleek, glossy surfaces made from plastic, glass, or polished wood. It is designed to meet a specific need within the home in the most unobtrusive way.A Minimalistic Approach
Another important aspect of modern style is a minimalistic eye for design, which limits furniture to the essentials and views decorations and accessories as unnecessary clutter. Along with minimal furniture and objects, modern style utilizes clear surfaces and open floor plans that contribute to the sense of open space.Bold Accent Colors
Modern style is often mistakenly labeled as stark and cold; however, many modern spaces incorporate color in a well-thought-out and curated fashion. To lend vibrancy and break up all those clean-lined furniture pieces, bring in a bold accent color piece.
Abstract Art
The modern style works with color in small ways, here and there a bold color is implemented, while the whole is maintaining a mostly-neutral home. If you’re ready to make a bold design move, bring color into your space with abstract artwork.Industrial Materials
Unlike previous styles, modernism doesn’t shy away from shiny, polished metals. Chrome and stainless steel are used for furniture legs and other structural elements of furniture as well as handles, knobs, lamps, sinks, and appliances. These bright metals complement the cool, clean aesthetic that is the hallmark of modern style.Form Follows Function
Modern architecture and interior design both operate on the principle “form follows function.” Buildings and furnishings are first and foremost practical rather than ornamental. Modern style strives to be honest and straightforward, without embellishment.White Walls and Bare Floors. Open Floor Concept.
There’s no better way to make a room feel more spacious and breezy than with light-reflecting white walls and uncovered floors. While rugs are sometimes used to add texture or pattern, these are usually restricted to natural tones and materials. Floors are often made of sanded wood, over-sized square tiles, or even concrete. These bare floors enhance the simple, straightforward ideals of modern style.Modern vs. Contemporary Style
Contemporary style is not born out of a certain era. It changes as time evolves, and can incorporate modern elements. For example, in a few more decades, a new style will be called contemporary because it is what is in style. Contemporary furnishings have more distinctive forms and often can include curved furnishings.Modern vs. Minimal
Modern style and minimalism both have a decorative style that has its roots in simplicity and spareness. But minimalism takes the sleek, uncluttered elements of modernism a step further with its strong focus on empty space and its lack of bold accents and color that is common in modernist design.Is Modern Style Right for You?
- Are you constantly looking for ways to make your small space appear larger?
- Do you appreciate when things are straightforward?
- Do you feel tranquil and at peace in uncluttered spaces?
- Are you attracted to clean lines and crisp edges?
- Do you enjoy simple designs and monochromatic color schemes?
- Do you appreciate abstract art?
- Is open space important to you?
- Do you prefer to keep things stored out of sight?