What is Modern Interior Design? A Basic Guide for Homeowners

Modern design, often confused with contemporary design, focuses on an unadorned and minimalist style, eliminating unnecessary elements from the home. It favours stark, monochromatic colours and neutrals. This creates a neat and quiet space, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The birth of modern style

Contrary to its name, modern design began growing in popularity as early as the 20^th century, in response to the rapid innovations in technology occurring around that time. The aesthetic finds its roots in Scandinavian architecture and design, where practicality and simplicity reigned supreme over bold designs and sculptural furniture. Their design philosophy was centred around the “form follows function” mentality where each item in the house should serve an intended purpose. This allowed for homes that boasted wide open spaces and minimal clutter.

Tips for adapting modern interior design

Open spaces, neutral colours, and natural light are some of the main identifiers of modern design. If you’re looking to renovate your home, adapt floor-to-ceiling windows to let in more natural light. Break down walls to create a more open layout, and unify the rooms with shades of white, grey, or black. You can add a pop of colour here and there, but keep it to a minimum, and keep it monochromatic.

If you’re not comfortable installing large windows in the bathroom, emulate natural light through cosy and romantic perimeter lighting. incorporate natural materials like polished stone, unpainted wood, woven fibres, or ceramics. Glass dividers help keep water contained without making the space look smaller. There are many affordable baths for a modern bathroom, so you don’t need to break the bank on something luxurious.

Modern design is also characterised by a lack of clutter and fussiness. Keep decorative items like figurines to a minimum. If you still want to keep them for sentimental reasons, keep them organised in a glass cabinet or a shelf. Photographs and wall art can still be displayed if you are mindful of their placement. Too many of these can make a wall look crowded.

Should you embrace modern interior design?

Modern design is perfect for those who have smaller spaces. This design philosophy keeps you from hoarding unnecessary items which help you keep your rooms neat and organized. If you find yourself struggling to keep a clean and cohesive apartment, starting over with modern design as a guide may help you make the most of your space and keep it from looking cramped.

People who find themselves overwhelmed by the visual stimuli of the outside world may also find comfort in modern interior design. The clinical and sterile setup allows your eyes to rest, and the open spaces have been proven to ease stress and anxiety.

While modern interior design has many benefits, it’s certainly not for everyone. Design is a subjective thing, and the idea of neutrals and plain furniture may not appeal to everyone. If bold colours and decorative furniture are more to your taste, that’s fine. Feel free to decorate your space in a way that resonates with you the most.