What Is Modern Design?
Modern Design for the Modern Lifestyle
Modern Design is a style of design that was created during the early to mid-20th century with German and Scandinavian influences. Want to learn more about modern design and modern home decor? We've got you.
Modern Design History
How to Design a Modern Home
Architectural Elements + Home Design
Colors
Materials
The Modern Living Room
The Modern Bedroom
The Modern Kitchen + Bathroom
Modern Home Decor
Modern Design History
Before modern design came about, 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 preferred and an emphasis on purposeful minimalism (purposeful because it is unfussy, 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.
Pro Tip:
Learn more about the difference between modern design and contemporary design by checking out our guide, Contemporary vs. Modern: A Guide for Creating a Modern Home.
How to Design a Modern Home
Architectural Elements + Home Design
Modern design favors 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.
Colors
Modern room decor incorporates a lot of white and shades of beige and black. Color is used as an accent and can range from earthy to saturated. Imagine a bold jewel-toned sofa, a striking patterned rug, or a sage accent wall. Modern design favors 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 favored 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 favorite, 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 because it is uncluttered and streamlined for efficiency. The bedroom should feel cozy without feeling overwhelming. Excessive throw pillows and blankets are discouraged. Decorate with symmetry. Place matching nightstands on either side of the bed. Platform 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 favored 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 bare and clean, 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.
The opportunities are infinite when designing and shopping for a modern home. Take a peek at a few of our favorite modern style shops below for more ideas!
