Modern Interior design sounds…well, modern, and it is. However, Modernism actually refers to a period in interior history starting in the late 19th Century. What started off as an art movement rejecting the notions of realism went on to usher in a new age of plain and neutral interiors. It is safe to say that this leap in style ended the fuss and frills of Victorian, Gothic, and Renaissance designs. Reaching its height by the 1930s, the Modern movement then began its decline. Later on, other styles gained momentum such as Post-Modernism.
The simplicity of modern design has given this style a never-ending importance. Modernism is catergorised by fuss-free clean lines and a less-is-more approach. Minimalism in modern homes means the absence of clutter and excessive details that are deemed unnecessary. Everything is designed and placed with efficiency in mind.
Now if this is a style that speaks to you, then read on! Below are 6 key elements of modern interiors to get you inspired. We hope that these pointers will help you create your own modern masterpiece.
Neutral Walls
Modern homes are known for their light and neutral walls. After years of ornate Victorian embellishments and wooden paneling, the modernists moved to light and neutral walls to keep the space looking bright and airy. Since modern homes had large windows, choosing the colour palette of the interiors depended on the window views.
If you are looking to achieve a modern look in your home, stick to light neutral colours. Whites are greys are good choices for the exterior and interior of your home. If you have large windows and want to add a burst of colour, choose a colour that can be seen from your window view. If the view from your window is a forest, pull in the colour green to add a bold statement. This will mean that your statement colour complements your space.
Open Floor Plan
Old-fashioned homes are famous for having separate rooms boxed off from one-another. On the other hand, modern homes are known for their open plan layouts. The living quarters of kitchen, dining area, and living room, generally exist in one big space. The benefits of having everything together are endless. For starters, it gives modern homes a spacious and airy feel because there are no more walls. It also means that there is larger space for entertaining guests.
If you are in the midst of a renovation or if you are building your home from the ground up, consider the open floor plan for your living quarters. This will give you a larger floor area. Similarly, it will allow natural light to flow into your home without the traditional restrictions of walls.
Modernist Art
Originally an art movement, modernism emerged as a rejection of realism and obsolete traditions. Modernists artists expressed themselves through abstract art and vibrant colours. Unlikely artistic forms capture the spirit of modernism.
Displaying the right kind of artwork can make a huge difference in the feel of your home. Choose large abstract art with minimal frame to accessorise your space. Alternatively, you can choose smaller art to adorn larger spaces, but remember to choose minimal to no framing for that modernist clutter-free feel.
Clean Lines
Modern interiors emerged as the opposing style to the embellishments of Victorian, Gothic, and the Renaissance. This meant that modern architectural structures and furniture had clean, straight, and sharp lines. Nothing was excessive. Rooms were designed and accessorized intentionally.
Choosing modern designs for your home can transform your space from dated to clean, spacious, and intentional. Always choose shelves and cupboards that are inset into walls, as opposed to protruding out. Opt for cylindrical columns and stay away from ornate architectural features such as trim and mouldings.
Clutter-Free
Since modernism rejected traditionalism, modern homes became clutter-free after decades of fussy spaces. Everything has a place in a modern home. Cabinetry and built-in storage systems are used to keep everything looking neat and tidy.
For your modern home, make sure to declutter spaces such as walls, shelves, and mantelpieces. Remember that less-is-more in a modern home. So keep your accessories to a minimum and pay attentive consideration to the storage and display of your items at home.
Minimalism
Minimalism flows on from the concept of less-is-more. This is why straights lines are used and architectural detailing is almost non-existent. Whilst minimalism sounds like an easy concept to apply, it actually takes a lot of careful planning to ensure that a home includes only what is absolutely needed. Whilst minimalistic homes can appear empty, in reality they are actually a lot more comfortable than they seem.
Applying the concept of minimalism will ensure that your home is designed with efficiency in mind. The level of comfort of having only what you absolutely need will do wonders for your wellbeing as well as your home.
To summarise, keep the design of your home simple, neutral, and clean to in order to create your modern masterpiece. Keeping these tips in mind when designing your modern home will ensure that you are on the right design path.
