This popular design style should not be confused with contemporary design style.
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If you like streamlined silhouettes, earthy palettes, natural materials like wood, leather and stone, then chances are you’re a fan of modern design. Based on a design movement that began in the early 20th century, it adheres to the principle of “form follows function”. Simply put, every item must serve a purpose, and objects that are purely decorative (or highly decorated) should be removed.
Modern design is often confused with contemporary design because they share similar characteristics but these styles differ in several ways. Unlike modern design, contemporary design doesn't refer to a specific period of time; rather it is constantly evolving to reflect the popular styles of present-day design. It borrows elements from modernism, minimalism, Art Deco, and other global styles, without emphasising anyone in particular. Modern design, on the other hand, has a distinguishable aesthetic that emphasises crisp lines, warm neutrals, and balance.
If you like the simplicity of modern interior design and wish to incorporate them into your own home, here is a list of 8 key ingredients for creating the picture-perfect modern style home that you’ll love looking at and enjoy living in!
1. Select furniture that is simple and functional
Modern design favours simplicity and this applies to all aspects of your home, including furniture and decor pieces. When shopping for furniture, look for pieces with clean, sharp lines, low-profile silhouettes, and smooth surfaces. You should also look out for furniture with plain fabrics rather than bold patterns or prints.
Every detail has been meticulously considered in this modern style home. Clean, straight lines are echoed in every piece of furniture and built-in, and there are no superfluous details or embellishment options in the furnishing, cabinetry, window treatments or walls. The use of minimalist furniture, colours, fabrics, and materials creates a streamlined and serene atmosphere in this home.
2. Incorporate neutral tones
In modern style homes, colours are used in a very restrictive manner. Neutral or earthy tones, such as white, grey, brown, and black, are commonly used in modern design homes. However, that doesn't mean you can't use other colours entirely; you can still incorporate bright or bold colours in small doses, such as on wall art, decor pieces, hardware and lighting fixtures, to help elevate your neutral-toned space.
Take a cue from this landed home, where rich earthy tones such as tanned leather, ebony wood, and brown, grey, and beige give the space an upscale and sophisticated vibe, while gold accents help to bring life to the otherwise neutral colour scheme.
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3. Invest in showstopping (modernist) art
Wall art is an essential element in a modern design home because it can help set the colour palette and create a focal point in a room. When choosing art, go for large unframed abstract pieces or modernist paintings that complement the walls or furniture.
Avoid gallery-style arrangement because it will clutter the modernist look. And since modern design tends to be pretty minimalistic, you’ll want your art pieces to pack a major punch, like the one seen in this hotel-inspired condominium.
4. Introduce plenty of natural or organic elements
Natural materials and organic elements are heavily used in modern design homes so consider incorporating materials such as wicker, wood, stone, concrete, linen or leather into your home to help make the space look less artificial. The best part is that these elements are long-lasting and can be easily incorporated into other design styles.
Take a cue from this living room where the space is grounded by hardwood floors, a leather sofa set, a wooden coffee table and chairs and a plethora of indoor plants, all of which contribute to the creation of a cosy and relaxing modern home.
5. Introduce some eye-catching shiny or reflective details
While modern design spaces often rely heavily on natural materials, they also favour shiny or reflective details. In fact, glass, mirrors, chrome and stainless steel are must-haves when designing homes with a modern aesthetic.
This modern home is full of eye-catching details like chromed floor-to-ceiling mirrors, brass decor pieces, and lighting fixtures with glass and metallic elements. It helps to elevate the neutral-toned home and leave a lasting impression on anyone who enters the room.
6. Create an uncluttered appearance
Creating an uncluttered home is key to achieving a modern aesthetic. Get rid of unnecessary items in your home and furnish them with only functional and useful items, adhering to the "less is more" approach.
That doesn't mean you can't decorate your home. Vases, paintings, and throw pillows, for example, are still necessary as long as they do not overpower the space. You should also integrate plenty of storage options (closed or hidden) to create an uncluttered appearance in your home.
This modern home, for example, has plenty of hidden storage space and sleek looking built-in cabinets that allow the homeowner to store or hide items like gadgets, electrical wires, and other household items out of sight. As a result, the house appears light, relaxing, and calming.
7. Adopt an open plan layout
An open floor plan is another important feature of modern style homes. Consider knocking down walls to create an open-plan layout if your home has a lot of small compartments or rooms. By blurring the lines between different areas or zones, there will be visual continuity, as well as plenty of natural light and good air circulation.
Take a cue from this landed house's open-plan layout, which combines the living room, dining room, and dry kitchen. The layout allows for easy walking paths and for each family member to spend more time together (in one room) while doing their own things.
8. Display statement-making lighting fixtures
Your home would be incomplete without a few statement-making light fixtures to balance out the simple design that defines a modern design home. Consider adding circular scones or those with straight-line constructions for your wall lighting, and pendant lights or chandeliers for your ceiling lighting.
Take a cue from this modern home’s dramatic entryway. Despite sticking to a strictly neutral colour palette, the space has plenty of visual intrigues thanks to a stunning light fixture that immediately draws attention and triggers visual focus upwards.
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