Modern Design Keeps Your Space Functional (and Fashionable)

For some, modern interior design may conjure images of “Mad Men”-era living rooms filled with teak furniture—but mid-century modern is just a tiny facet of this overarching style. For others, it’s a term used synonymously with contemporary interior design, despite each style’s nuanced differences. In reality, modern design is a broad term, which is what makes it so hard to define. It’s more about what you don’t put in a room rather than what you do.

Key Elements of Modern Design

Modern design, which has roots in German Bauhaus design and Scandinavian design, rose to popularity at the turn of the 20th century. It was the world's answer to Art Deco, railing against the previous era’s opulence and excess with a streamlined minimalism. There’s a major focus on clean lines, simple silhouettes, and natural materials.

So, how do you get the look? If you hire a local interior designer to give your home a modern refresh, they’ll focus on six key elements.

1. Minimalism

Modern design is a refined look that’s highly organized and never cluttered. Statement pieces shine in their own right with paired down accents. There’s a focus on basics that don’t feel basic. Only the most meaningful pieces are included. 

2. Clean Lines

Interior design for a modern house exemplifies the concept of clean lines. Elements are tailored and structural rather than organic and undone. Everything, down to fabric and material textures, should look smooth, streamlined, and intentional.

3. Airy, Open-Plan Layout

Modern design plays with negative space, particularly the way furniture rests in an open-plan room.

4. Neutral Color Palette with Bold Accents

Most modern interiors have an overarching neutral color palette made up of airy natural tones like cream, light gray, or white. This palette is typically paired with a bold accent color. Primary colors (like bright shades of blue, red, or yellow) are popular along with dark shades of black, brown, and gray. The idea is contrast.

5. Natural Materials and Elements

Natural isn’t the same as undone. Modern design finds itself at the crossroads between natural and manmade. It celebrates natural textures like leather, metal, and woodgrain, but in a way that looks sleek rather than rustic. 

6. Practicality 

Though style is an important aspect of interior design, modern design puts an emphasis on practicality. Rather than lining your shelves with numerous trendy accents, pieces should have a purpose without sacrificing style. Everything added to a room should feel intentional and functional.

How to Incorporate Modern Design into Your Home

The cost of an interior designer can range from $2,000 to $12,000. It’s not in the budget for everyone. Luckily there are a few ways you can incorporate modern interior design into your home. These interior design tips can help.

1. Ditch the Clutter

A modern house interior has a focus on functionality. Cultivate a streamlined space that feels intentional by ditching unnecessary clutter. If you’re having a hard time pairing down, add some cube storage.

2. Lighten Your Color Palette

Modern style is the antithesis of maximalist interior design—so swap out loud wallpaper and mixed-and-matched colors with toned-down shades of white, light gray, or cream. The ideal paint colors for a modern home are natural, neutral, light, and airy. 

3. Play With Primary Colors

A pop of primary color stands out against a neutral backdrop, and modern interior design is all about contrast. Rather than reaching for the whole rainbow, pick a hue or two to incorporate into your room using throw pillows, a brightly-colored sofa or abstract art. Red, blue, or yellow are clear winners.

4. Incorporate Heavy Natural Textures

Let darker tones and heavier natural textures take center stage against light paint in a minimalist room. Since this style focuses on functionality, channel green interior design and reach for sustainable accents made from natural materials like wood or leather. Avoid pieces that look overly trendy.

5. Let In the Light

The hallmark of modern design is bright, open spaces with clean lines. Remove your heavy curtains in favor of undressed windows. We can’t all knock down walls, but if you’re looking to design a home addition, make sure your local architect creates an open plan space.

6. Reach for Low, Structural Furniture

A fluffy sleeper sofa with a skirted bottom may conjure the same warm feelings as your childhood living room, but modern design is all about clean lines and structure. Give your space an airy feeling by choosing structural furniture with a low back. Think about the shape of your furniture and how the lines work together, like the way you can create interest by pairing a rectangular couch with square accent chairs and a round coffee table.

7. Take Time to Reflect—Literally

In addition to natural textures like wood and leather, modern interior design usually includes shiny or reflective accents. Materials like glossy acrylic (often used in chairs and end tables) or metals (whether it’s sofa legs or a decorative paperweight) are popular. Incorporating this element is as simple as swapping out the handles on your kitchen drawers with gold hardware or choosing stainless steel appliances.