modern style elements

Unlike country-style interiors, where accessories and accents are ‘layered’ to produce a lovely messy effect, the modern style is based on minimalism. In the absence of objects there is space, and this space itself is a design element. The open spaces automatically draw your attention to the few pieces that are used, from a sleek streamlined chair to a bold swirl of abstract art. Therefore, the furniture, fixtures, and accessories used to define the style should be strong and tied together by color, texture, pattern, or style. Unobstructed, uncluttered, sparse, and efficient, the clean, open look of the modern style would be cold and utilitarian without character and warmth that is infused with color, texture, art, and accessories.

If you wanted to create an interior in a modern style, it would be necessary to include certain defining elements. These are the elements that define the modern style.

o An open floor plan: Gone are the walls that define ‘rooms’ in traditional interiors. Modern interior spaces are open and airy, often divided only by modular furniture, low cabinets, glass bricks, and even movable screen walls.

o Monochrome simplicity: A backdrop to an interior of any style, walls are primarily neutral in a modern setting: grey, white, and shades of brown or tan predominate, while a bold color can be used on a central wall. Wall colors can be echoed on the floor with low-pile carpeting, tile, concrete, or wood, or the floor can offer great contrast: gleaming polished hardwood floors in a deep mahogany stain, for example, can offset the pale dove gray walls.

o Walls of Glass – Glass is essential in modern design, both in furnishings and in simple, unadorned window treatments that allow the outside view to become part of the room. Full walls of glass that open to a view of the mountain, ocean, or city skyline are an important part of the room’s design. If sun protection is needed, minimalist sun blinds are often used so that the view outside is not obstructed. If there isn’t a good view to highlight, one is often created with an indoor waterfall, modern fireplace, or oversized piece of wall art.

o The importance of color in accents: Against this monochrome backdrop, accents take on a crucial role in setting the style and tone of the room. Bold bursts of red, ochre, cerulean blue or fresh-cut green are repeated throughout the space. Style is also set by accents: an abstract painting reminiscent of Jackson Pollock will have a different impact than retro 1930s wall art décor. The colors featured in an abstract painting or metal wall sculpture are they will be found again in cushions, vases, table sculptures or lighting accessories. Because glass, leather, and polished metal are so prevalent, the opposite texture will bring relief; therefore, sisal or coir area rugs, tufted nubby fabrics, and woven baskets or twig arrangements are often used in the mix.

o The importance of lighting: Personality and style are defined by the lighting used to highlight art and accessories and convey the mood. Understated accessories like recessed lighting or halogen lights on dimmer switches create visual excitement over dramatic wall art or soften the space around a dining room. The light beams can even be used to create art through the pattern or design they project onto the wall.

o Furniture: Modular pieces abound, such as leather sofas and chrome stackable tables. Glass tables keep the look open and spacious. Don’t feel limited to black and white. Leather and microsuede in brown, grey, white are other options. Geometric fabric patterns, stripes, dots and swirls can be intermixed within the same color family to create visual excitement and continuity throughout the space.

o Sleek Modern Appliances – From the flat screen HDTV to the industrial edge of the sleek stainless steel kitchen appliances, function and style merge in every room. Clutter is prohibited on the countertops and only those accessories or gadgets that contribute to the style are visible.

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