Ask the Experts: What is Modern Design?
Modern design for a modern lifestyle.
Modern design is an interior style that was created during the early to mid-20th century via German and Scandinavian influences. Want to learn more about modern design and modern home decor? Read on.
Modern Design History
Before modern design came around there were the Gothic, Renaissance and Victorian Ages. Design in these periods is known for its heavy textures and dramatic details. Modern design was introduced in the early 1900s with the philosophy that less is more and an emphasis on purposeful minimalism (purposeful as in fuss free yet thought-out). Each item used when decorating needs to have a practical purpose, otherwise it should be removed to free up more space.
During the height of modern design, Chicago-based architect Louis Sullivan coined the phrase “form ever follows function”. The meaning behind this phrase is that the function of an object is discernible by looking at its form. This has undoubtedly become the modern designer’s credo.
How to Design a Modern Home
Architectural Elements & Home Design
Modern design favours an open-concept floorplan and leaves windows unobstructed to let in as much natural light as possible. There is also an emphasis on natural materials and structural elements that create a room, from concrete beams that run floor-to-ceiling to the hard angles of wooden built-ins.
Colours
Modern room decor incorporates a lot of white and shades of beige and black. Colour is used as an accent and can range from earthy to saturated. Imagine a bold jewell-toned sofa, a striking patterned rug or a sage accent wall. Modern design favours clean, straight lines.
Materials
Modern design evolved from incorporating the newer materials of the Industrial Age – stainless steel, aluminum, glass and plastic – with the old materials – wood, leather and teak. Concrete, leather and wood are favoured materials among modern home dwellers, as well as reflective surfaces like porcelain, chrome, glass and steel. Natural, untreated wood is also a modern home designer’s favourite because it keeps the integrity of the wood grain while also bearing in mind that nature is one of its greatest influences.
The Modern Living Room
The modern living room and communal spaces have plenty of room to walk around. Bookshelves are ideally set onto walls and nooks are built into the walls so they take up minimal floor space. If an item doesn't serve a designated purpose, it does not need to be visible. Furniture in the modern living room and throughout the house should have thin, visible legs so that sofas and beds seem to float. The modern living room is practical, personal and comfortable.
The modern bedroom is similar to the living room as it remains uncluttered and streamlined for efficiency. The bedroom should feel cosy without feeling overwhelming. Excessive throw pillows and blankets are discouraged. Decorate with symmetry. Place matching nightstands on either side of the bed. Divan beds are preferred in modern bedrooms.
The modern kitchen and bathroom are sleek and have no raised panels or excess decoration. Geometric tiles or sharp lines are favoured for modern backsplashes and floors. Hardware on cabinets and vanities in both the kitchen and bathrooms is sleek, simple and looks functional without being overly decorative.
Bold, angular art is an easy finishing touch to outfit any modern room. While the rest of the room may seem clean and bare, adorn the walls with a striking accent wall or an eye-catching print (or try adding in a unique rug). Modern design is the perfect way to incorporate one dramatic element into an otherwise mild room. Plants are also a great way to incorporate nature back into modern home design and break up the horizontal and vertical lines.
Like this article? Then why not also check out these 6 functional craft room ideas and our tips on how to make the most of a small living room.
