Modern Design Ideas

Modern design, though often confused with contemporary style, is a distinct style within itself. Modern style design is inspired by the early 20th century, while contemporary is always evolving. Modern style design stems from Scandanavian roots and boasts a clean-lined look with a hint of industrialism due to the time period this design style was born. The decor is minimal and colors are neutral, but this doesn't mean that modern style lacks any bit of warmth and personality.Modern style is made up of elements that celebrate natural materials, neutral tones, and the absence of ornate detailing. It is simple, but it is impactful in its stature. If you’ve ever heard “form follows function”, this notion was born in the modern movement. This notion means that all of the furnishings and decor of a space should be reflective of their intended use, and not purely decorative or for aesthetic purposes. If it is just a decoration to enhance the space, in a modern style home, it would be eliminated. Of course, this is the roots of this style, but as we see in the 21st-century use of Modern style design, while still simple, there is the additional use of decor and aesthetics.So what does Modern design actually look like? You may see things like low horizontal furniture, especially in the living room and bedroom settings. Structural elements like beams are left exposed and there is a lack of extra fluff in the space. Unlike transitional or contemporary styles where horizontal lines are heavily balanced with curves, in Modern design, the emphasis is on horizontal and vertical lines and their juxtaposition rather than curves. Natural light is a large player in modern style, which leads to unadorned or even the lack of window treatments. Wood, concrete, leather, and other natural fibers in a more refined and simplistic state are used as materials in this style as well.When many think of Modern style, they may picture a stark or cold space. True modern style isn’t either of those things, however! With the use of neutrals, natural light, and natural materials, this style can be very warm and welcoming. For example, a living room may consist of a low profile linen sofa, a warm teak wood coffee table, a taupe wool rug, and a space flooded in sunshine! The use of neutrals can range from black and white to an array of browns, off whites, and honey-colored wood tones - all depending on the dwellers’ preferences. This can create a very calm and inviting atmosphere, not too dissimilar to a minimalist style.Modern style is often found in modern style homes, due to the architecture and structural elements of a room being so important for Modern design. From high ceilings to wall clad in modern wood paneling and large floor to ceiling windows, modern designs excel in modern architecture. This doesn’t mean if you have a home that isn’t modern that you can not implement this style! By using a neutral palette, furnishings, maximizing natural light, and leaning into the practice of form follows function, then you can create a beautiful modern style space in any home.We hope you enjoy our ever-growing collection of Modern style design ideas!