While there are several styles that make up modern home designs, they all share a few of the same qualities. For example, they offer clean and smooth lines and a fresh aesthetic. This can be a drastic but welcome change for people who have grown tired of the country cottage and farmhouse design trends that have dominated the past several years. So, if your home is crying out for a design refresh, try adding a few of these contemporary touches for a clean, sleek change.
1. Invest in Storage and Organization
Clutter and disorganization run counter to modern design principles, so doing a whole house clean up is a great place to start. Of course, tackling each room one at a time makes this a much more manageable task. Storage doesn’t have to be boring either. Look for pieces that match your new contemporary look. Adding a few hidden shelves or a designer home safe to the family room keeps valuables secure and out of sight. Floating shelves are an excellent addition to kitchens and entryways. They free up counter space and let you keep frequently used items close at hand.
2. Work Within a Defined Color Palette
Certain colors will work better than others in achieving a modern look. Opt for a neutral palette that incorporates bold splashes of color. Greys, whites and creams make an excellent backdrop for those bursts of color and texture. Don’t be afraid to play with colors and patterns, either. A feature wall or vibrant mural can completely transform a room into a modern masterpiece.
3. Incorporate Natural Textiles
There are a lot of natural materials used in contemporary design. Pale woods, metal, glass and concrete are just a few of them. Often polished and smooth, these often set the tone of a space. Softer textiles are a perfect complement to this sleek look. Woof or bamboo blinds break up large expanses of windows with a softer feel. Fabrics such as linen, slubbed silk and wool are some other great additions that add texture to otherwise smooth designs. Try to keep patterns to a minimum to avoid a cluttered look.
4. Bring Industrial Elements Into the Picture
The past several years have seen a growing trend toward industrial home design elements. Cropping up in kitchens and lining rooms are removed from warehouse districts, these features help create a laid back, fun and modern vibe that is completely devoid of the cold aesthetic associated with most contemporary trends. That makes them perfect for decorators who are looking for a change but want to keep some warmth in their home design. Here are just a few of the ways you can add an industrial element into your home:
- Metal pipes for shelving and furniture
- Exposed pipes and ventilation ducts
- Concrete surfaces
- Stainless steel and iron fixtures (you can view the range now)
- Industrial-inspired lighting
5. Use lighting to Highlight Features
Lighting is critical to modern design plans. Beyond illuminating the room, lighting is used to highlight focal points and create conversation areas. Move past traditional ceiling fixtures and opt instead for track or recessed lights in a contemporary space. Uplights and similar wall fixtures are also a nice touch. If you want to add some color with your lighting choices, limit yourself to lamps with no more than two or three different ones to match the clean lines of the room.
6. Create an Open Floor Plan
Small, cramped rooms do not lend themselves to modern layouts. Your space should include an open floor plan that allows freedom of movement and long sightlines. Think of kitchens that flow into great rooms which, in turn, open through glass doors to an outdoor entertaining space.
7. Coordinate Furniture and Accessories
Where a cottage look thrives by mixing and matching uncoordinated pieces, that tendency doesn’t work as well in more contemporary spaces. Instead, you will want to coordinate furniture pieces to bring coherence to the room. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have to match, but rather that they should work well together. Look for pieces in complementary colors and textures or with similar lines for the best results.
Incorporating ideas like a neutral color palette, open floor plans and clean lines will help you transform any room into a contemporary oasis.