What Is Modern Interior Design?

Modern design is an interior design style that emerged in the early 20th century and continues to inspire contemporary interior designers.

Modern design is an interior design style characterized by a monochromatic color palette, clean lines, minimalism, natural materials, and natural light. It specifically refers to a historical aesthetic movement that took place between the early and mid-twentieth century. Although it is often confused - or used interchangeably - with the term "contemporary design", modern design is its own distinct style.

A Brief History Of Modern Interior Design

Modern design is rooted in modernism, the turn of the century movement characterized by an emphasis on abstract thought, function, and clean, simple forms.

1. German and Scandinavian Origins:

You can trace the roots of modern design to German Bauhaus design and Scandinavian design. Also known as the Staatliches Bauhaus, the Bauhaus was a German school of design and subsequent art movement of the early 20th century that combined fine and functional in the visual, decorative and architectural arts. bamboo. The modern design aesthetic of the Bauhaus school includes minimalist function and experiments with form.

2. Modern Art Influences:

Modern home design evolved from the Art Modern movement, which rejected the maximization of Victorian design in favor of a philosophy that form follows function . New technology, industrialization, and access to building materials such as steel and concrete also influenced modern art and architecture from the 1920s to the early 1950s. Clean lines, doors and windows. Floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living spaces and flat roofs have become mainstream styles of this era.

3. Enduring Legacy:

At the end of World War II, young architects began to criticize the austere nature of minimalism. In the 1960s, minimalist sensibilities began to give way to a resurgence of decor and postmodernism. However, the legacy of modernism lives on in the iconic buildings that serve as inspiration for contemporary architecture.

Five elements of modern design

If you want to bring a modern look to your home, consider the following modern design ideas.

1. Clean lines:

Modern homes are built with clean lines and minimal decoration.

2. Minimize Home Decor:

Modern spaces are free of clutter and unnecessary decorations. Modern interiors prioritize functionality over fashion.

3. Neutral Colors:

Modern style eschews bright colors in favor of a solid, neutral palette. Think white, beige, grey, black and pastels.

4. Open floor plans:

Use furniture instead of walls to distinguish open house spaces. For example, a kitchen island separates the kitchen and dining room, while a corner sofa can add definition to an open living room.

5. Short and long furniture:

Long floor-level furniture can add a modern look to your home when made from natural materials such as unpainted wood and metal. Leather and fabric upholstery, wood veneers (similar to those used in classic mid-century modern Eames chairs), glass, chrome, steel and concrete are also popular finishes for modern furniture.

Modern vs Contemporary Interior Design: What's the difference?

Modern design refers to the aesthetic style of a particular historical moment, while contemporary design refers to the ever-evolving style of the present moment. Contemporary style does not encapsulate a particular design philosophy, but is an umbrella term for today's interior design trends that are not necessarily rooted in a particular design style.