There are many times you would have heard the words modern decor thrown around, but do you really know what modern home décor is? Modern style interior design has been around for longer than you think, and you have come across it more times than you can imagine, if you want to learn more about this ‘modern’ style of interior design, then read on.
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What is Modern Home Decor
The modern design style goes back to the end of the 18th century and ties up with the design and decor of the modernism movement. It is said to have its roots in the German Bauhaus schools of design and the simplicity of Scandinavian design along with its functionality. You could say that it saw growth in the beginning through the middle of the 20th century—the 1900s through the 1950s.
The modern design style uses a lot of natural materials, neutral or earthy colours (think browns), and does away with unnecessary detailing and ornate work. Modern design strongly believes that “form follows function.” Meaning the design of furniture and interior design should focus on its purpose, extra detailing serves no practical purpose and hence is not needed. The modern design did away with the ornate flourishes of older design styles like the Gothic, Renaissance and Victorian styles of design.
Modern design styles will have monochromatic colours and it Shys away from using bright colours or too many colours. You will most often use the word sleek, simple, and clean. You will notice that the houses which follow the best modern home decor paradigms will feature modern interior design characteristics such as the abundance of natural light, a monochromatic colour pallet and the absence of any clutter.
Modern Design Believed in Modern thinking – The birth of Modernism
As stated earlier, the modern design did away with the extravagance and unnecessary details in furniture that served no purpose. The modernist was about creating new rules and new ways to do things, they wanted to create things that were fit for a world that had experienced great change i.e. the Industrial Revolution. Make It New, the phrase coined by Ezra Pound had become their mantra.
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As you can tell, Modernism started as an intellectual movement, but soon this movement caught on and took over literature, art, music and design (architectural and interior design).
Characteristics of Modern Decor and Modern Space
If you’re a person who likes space, clean lines and a home that is uncluttered, then you need to look into the modern style of interior designing. The main characteristics that you need to look out for are –
Straight lines
Modern design uses clean, straight lines with no additional detail, this is not just for furniture but also for the rooms in the house. The different design types that fall into the modern design category, especially when it comes to furnishings are:
- Mission style
- Art Deco
- Shaker
If you’re in a home that is designed as per modern décor, you’ll notice things like shelves inset into walls, they don’t protrude into the space. The floor plans will be open and have very few walls. The walls, doors and windows are kept simple with no treatments like mouldings and other trimmings. Beams might be left exposed.
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Metal
The use of metal, chrome and other reflective materials is very popular in modern décor. They did away with old fashioned and traditional metal like wrought iron and used Chrome and stainless steel that has a more clean, polished and new look and feel to it.
These metals can be seen all over the house, from faucets, doorknobs, exposed frames of furniture, cabinet handles, lamps and more.
Minimalism
When you’re trying modern home decoration always remember, that less is more. So, don’t go overboard with mouldings, cabinet trims, colour or excessive use of textiles. Don’t pick furniture that has too many details, don’t pick upholstery that is too colourful or that has any prints on it.
Clutter-free
When effort is going into keeping your décor minimal, you can’t have clutter in your home. Invest in as many hidden storage options as you can, your home should look neat and clean. In the modern design décor style, even things like books, electronic accessories, throws, extra pillows and cushions, extra vases and keepsakes, curios etc. are all unnecessary and must be kept out of sight.
Bold Accent Colours
This might seem out of place, especially since the modern décor style is all about natural and earthy colours or monochromes. But this can get boring and dull in no time, to break things up and to add an interesting focal point bold colours (primary colours) are used as accents. These pops of colours are used sparingly, you’ll find it in the form of –
- Abstract wall art
- A single piece of furniture (red sofa, green table, blue chair)
- A rug or carpet in a bold colour
- An accent wall painted in a bold colour
Plenty of Natural light
Since modernism does away with fuss, there aren’t many dramatic curtains or shades that are used, natural light is welcomed. Places like your kitchen, Livingroom, study, etc. will have large unadorned windows that bring in plenty of light into the home.
Simple Furniture
Keeping in line with the minimal trend, your furniture also needs to be simple. Pick Low, horizontal pieces that have clean lines and that are free from fuss. Natural woods and wood veneers, unpainted wood, metals, leather, and natural fibres are all great options when you are choosing modern décor furniture.
The Differences Between Modern and Contemporary Décor
The last thing you need to know about modern décor is how it is different from contemporary décor; it is important to know how to distinguish the two as they are very similar and it is easy to mix them up. Here are a few key differences between modern and contemporary styles –
Modern Style
It is a strict style with clear rules
The furniture and everything in the decor has to be functional
The colours are mostly naturals, neutrals and monochromes
Strong lines are a must
You can adapt it to fit the latest trends
It started back in the 1900s to the 1950s
Contemporary Style
There are no strict rules and many variations are found
The furniture and decor pieces are more ornamental than functional
The colours you choose will contrast, there is a lot of blacks and whites
The lines are not strong and clean, they use sweeping lines and lines that are curvier
The focus is on the here and now
If you’re looking to do up your home, and need assistance with your home décor needs, let the experts at NoBroker home interior help. The interior designers here will work as per your vision and transform your home into a place that you will love. Learn more about NoBroker’s home interior services here.
FAQ’s
1. What is modern home décor?
Ans. The modern design style goes back to the end of the 18th century and ties up with the design and decor of the modernism movement. It is said to have its roots in the German Bauhaus schools of design and the simplicity of Scandinavian design along with its functionality.
2. Which time period are modern home designs from?
Ans. You could say that modernist home décor saw growth in the beginning through the middle of the 20th century—the 1900s through the 1950s.
3. What kind of colours do modern home décor use?
Ans. Modern design styles will have monochromatic colour and it shies away from using bright colours or too many colours. You will most often use the word sleek, simple, and clean. You will notice that modern homes will be free of clutter, have plenty of natural light, and have a monochromatic colour pallet.
4. What are the characteristics of modern décor and space?
Ans. If you’re a person who likes space, clean lines and a home that is uncluttered, then you need to look into the modern style of interior designing. The main characteristics that you need to look out for are straight lines, minimalism, use of metals, bold accent colours, clutter-free use of space, plenty of natural light, and simple furniture.
5. What is the main difference between home modern décor and contemporary home décor?
Ans. While modern décor has a strict style with clear rules and the furniture is meant to be functional, in contemporary décor, there are no strict rules and many variations are found, and the furniture and decor pieces are more ornamental in nature. While modern décor started back in the 1900s to the 1950s, contemporary style’s focus is always on the here and now.
