Throughout the interior design community, designers are talking about the overwhelming number of clients wanting to modernize their home. As modern design plans flood in, it’s easy to understand what draws homeowners to this simple, yet exciting palette. From the paired down decoration to the dramatic color contrasts, modern design is every minimalist’s dream.
However, at its core modernism is all about emphasizing a few key pieces without overwhelming the space. So, how do you get started in your home?
Here’s a list of the top rules to consider when you are ready to modernize your space.
Interior Design Rule #1: Focus on Architectural Elements and Shapes
Before you begin, take a look at the structure of the room. Are there any particular shapes that stand out? Strong shapes are the hallmark of modern design. Focus on bringing out the architecture of your home with these boxy shapes. Not only will this create the updated look you are going for, but it will also seamlessly tie the design into the structure of your home.
Interior Design Rule #2: Style with Simplicity
Minimalism and modernism go together like peanut butter and chocolate. When you are picking out the pieces that will go in each room, make sure it is simplistic in design and function. For example, pair your mid-century furniture’s streamlined design with a neutral rug and wall color.
Interior Design Rule #3: Contrast Brings Big Results
If you want to wow visitors, take a trick out of the modernization handbook and use a contrasting color palette. Think black and white with pops of color. For instance, install a dark hardwood, paint your upper cabinets white and your island a contrasting grey or black. These colors add sleekness without much effort on your part. You can then add in a few metallic accessories to pull everything together.
Interior Design Rule #4: Keep it Straightforward
Modernizing your home is really all about lines. Rather than the traditional style that relies on rich tones and vibrant patterns, modern design focuses upon intentional asymmetry. Modern and traditional design often overlap, and in this way, you can get the best of both worlds. However, modern style incorporates bold and rigidly structured design in a captivating way. In your home focus on bold, sharp edges to add the angular structures that are so characteristic of modern design.
Interior Design Rule #5: Sleek Finishes and Furnishings Yield Elegance
Glass, muted metals, and stainless steel are all modern design must-haves. Fill your space with these materials to really bring in a contemporary aesthetic. Again, modern homes are clean and straightforward. However, you can deliberately choose finishes that can add to your modern look.
Here’s a running list of items to thoughtfully select with modernism in mind:
- Kitchen & Laundry Appliances
- Light Fixtures
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Light Switches, Cover Plates, etc.
- Mechanical Registers/ Vents
- Hardware
- Bathroom Accessories
- Shower enclosure and Hardware
- Furniture
- Home Decor
Interior Design Rule #6: Less is ALWAYS More
Get rid of the clutter and concentrate on the essentials. Modern interior design is as much a part of your interior design as it is about the architectural details. Sleek, clean details can easily find their way into your home with updated railing, window trim, baseboards, ceiling details, and more. If you don’t want to worry about these fixes, focus on pairing down on unnecessary accessories.
Bottom Line of Modern Design
Keep it simple. Overcomplicating the space is the first step in veering off the path of modern design. As you work to design your home, keep these rules in mind. Each rule will help you get that much closer to your modernizing dreams. If you want to do modern design right, contact our design experts. We’d be happy to help!
