Modern vs. Contemporary Interior Design
Modern design is luxurious, put together, and refined. Often confused with Contemporary design, modern design is a different beast unto itself. Contemporary design is an evolving design style categorized by popular trends of the moment. Modern design is explicitly defined as the aesthetic movement characterized by mid-twentieth-century style. Shaped by clean lines, functional decor, open spaces, and geometric interest, Modern design is an artistically tailored design style.
Modern Design Ideas
Neutral colors are your friends when it comes to designing a modern interior space. Modern design steers clear of bright colors in favor of more muted neutral palettes. If you are looking to play around with color in your home try Mid-century or Maximist designs. A monochromatic color palette works well in this type of design style as well as contrasting earth tones with contrasting darker colors or even metals.
Clean lines
Taking a page from the minimalist design, modern design prefers clean lines and minimal decor. Less is more when it comes to modern design.
Geometric design has become popular in Modern design as it adds dimension to a space while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
Windows are usually left unadorned in Modern design but when they are incorporated, they are minimal and subtle. We prefer a more streamlined window treatment look instead of forgoing them all together as they do provide privacy and sun protection.
Form & Function
Modern Design is primarily characterized by the blending of form and function. When designing a Modern home everything from the foundation to the decor pieces not only has to look aesthetically pleasing but functional as well. Open floor plans are favored in this design style to keep the space feeling large and airy.
Furniture has to have a purpose. This is not the design style where you purchase a flashy shiny vanity because it's pretty but rather the smart vanity that blends beauty with everyday functionality.
Looks can be deceiving! There are so many vanities on the market that look modern and minimal while still featuring plenty of storage.
Pro Tip: choose lower to the ground furniture for an instant Modern interior look!
Mix Materials
Don't be afraid to play with different materials! Hardwood floors make a great base for a modern design but so do concrete look floors! The fun thing about Modern interior design is that it can be paired up with other styles to create a fun twist. Hardwood floors are a more neutral base that can be tailored to many different types of modern design.
Remember the wood look can be replicated with tile, laminate, or vinyl!
Stone look flooring is great for more rustic and industrial interior designs as they give your space some texture.
Experimenting with different metal finishes is also a fun way to add some modern design to your space. A metal look tile can add an interesting accent or backsplash to your home.
While not as popular carpet is another way to add different textures and materials to modern design. This is a great option for modern bedrooms, blending both style and coziness!
