Although the Modern design movement encompasses a whole plethora of aesthetics, there's a simple rule to designing the Modern home: function first, form follows. That means that the functionality of any item you use should be the main priority when choosing design elements. Even if it looks strange or lacks details, the look will still pull itself together in the end. While it does tend to look generic and sterile, the right minimalist perspective and design touches will make it look no less than home.
If you think about it, getting this look for your home is fairly straightforward. Each item has to be chosen because it serves a certain function; anything superfluous or unnecessary is removed. All your furniture pieces are clean lines at every inch, all your accessories are minimalist and your color palette is kept to a minimum. With concrete, steel and glass as the primary Modern materials, it's easy to end up with clean, polished look. Modern designs work best if you leave lots of space throughout the room.
Color schemes are mostly restricted to a monochromatic or neutral palette. Beiges, blacks and whites are the stars of the Modern design color show. That doesn't mean, however, that the colors have to be dull and boring. Apply different finishings to the same black paint to get glossy or matte effects, giving the impression of entirely different colors. If the color isn't necessary, don't use it!
Flooring is almost always made of concrete or wood, and rarely is there anything unusual here if you're trying to go for the Modern aesthetic. Although you have about the same color choices for the floor as the walls, you'll have an easier time handling a light-colored floor because it'll be easier to get furniture and accent pieces for it.
Area rugs enjoy many exceptions to the rules of the Modern style. It's one of the few items where you have a wide range of choices in terms of texture and color. An area rug gives you the chance to add a homier feel to a sterile space, so make the most out of it. Unusually shaped, brightly-colored and richly textured rugs are the best for the Modern look - the more it stands out, the better!
Modern styles, although they avoid accessories and other accents, don't cut those out altogether. Every Modern-style space could use a few room accents here and there. Just be sure to make each piece very unique and interesting on its own. Steel artworks and glass sculptures are some of the typical choices for accents in a Modern-themed space. Just like with the rugs, this is another place where you can put in some of your own personality. Play with colors and shapes, but remember to keep things minimal.
Initially, the Modern style could easily look very impersonal, cold and uninviting. With the right design touches, however, a Modern-themed space could look about as welcoming and cozy as any other. It's all just a matter of knowing the basic beliefs of Modern design, and putting in a few balanced touches along the way.
By:Sarah Crosset
