Modern Style 101

In the interior design world, terms like “modern,” “contemporary,” and “minimalistic” get thrown around a lot. But what do they actually mean? Are they all different design styles? Modern design homes tend to favor certain elements like straight lines and sharp edges, but they can also have lots of color. They differ from both contemporary and minimalistic styles in several key ways.

Whether you’re looking to describe your own personal style, or just experimenting with different styles to find the one that works for you, here’s everything you need to know about modern style. Check out the images below, then scroll to learn why these stunning homes are good examples of modern style.

Modern vs. Contemporary

Although these two design terms are often used interchangeably, contemporary describes a larger category of styles. It has more to do with current trends than with a classic and clearly defined style.

Contemporary style changes as new trends emerge. Modern style refers to a single, identifiable style that emerged between the 1920s and 1950s.

Modern vs. Minimal

Like modern style, minimalism is a decorative style that has its roots in simplicity and sparseness. But minimalism takes the sleek, uncluttered elements of modernism a step further.

What is Modern Design?

When it first emerged in the early 20th century, modern style was a rejection of the elaborate Victorian and Gothic styles that preceded it. Victorian and Gothic were heavy on ornamentation. Modern style’s straight lines and utility of purpose served as a sharp departure from that.

Modernism can be broken down into several different sub-styles, including:

• Art Deco
• Mid-Century Modern
• Bauhaus

All of these feature straight lines, clean symmetry, and functionality.

Modern Design Homes: Where Form Follows Function

Modern architecture and interior design both operate on the principle “form follows function.” Buildings and furnishings are first and foremost practical rather than ornamental. Modern style strives to be honest and straightforward, without embellishment.

Pared Down Forms

When it comes to furniture, modern style calls for pieces with straight, clean lines and sharp edges. It dictates that furniture should contain only elements necessary to fulfill its purpose.

Previous styles relied on rich wood tones and heavy textures. Modern style furniture features sleek, glossy surfaces made from plastic, glass, or polished wood. It is designed to meet a specific need within the home in the most unobtrusive way.

Industrial Materials

Unlike previous styles, modernism doesn’t shy away from shiny, polished metals. Chrome and stainless steel are used for furniture legs and other structural elements of furniture. You’ll also find them in handles, knobs, lamps, sinks, and appliances. Plastic, plywood, and concrete are also commonly used materials.

These bright metals complement modern style’s cool, clean aesthetic.

A Minimalistic Approach

Another important aspect of modern style is a minimalistic eye for design. Through the lens of minimalism, furniture is limited to the essentials and decorations and accessories are unnecessary clutter.

Along with minimal furniture and objects, modern style utilizes clear surfaces. In other words, anything that can be tucked away should be tucked away. Open floor plans also contribute to the sense of airy space.

White Walls and Bare Floors

There’s no better way to make a room feel more spacious than with light-reflecting white walls and uncovered floors. Rugs are sometimes used to add texture or pattern. However, these are usually restricted to natural tones and materials.

Modern floors are often made of sanded wood, over-sized square tiles, or even concrete. These enhance the simple, straightforward ideals of modern style.

Abstract Art

Rather than using small accessories throughout the house to decorate, modern design homes favor carefully selected pieces of art that create visual interest and soften the starkness of the other elements.

Geometric lighting and abstract art make perfect accents for the spare, neutral aesthetics of modernist style.

Pure Colors

While modern style tends towards whites and neutrals for the overall color scheme, bold accent colors can also be used. They create a pleasing contrast that enhances the clean lines of the furniture and décor.

Historically, modern style has focused on bright primary colors. These colors are considered more pure than muted pastels or moody jewel tones.

Bright pops of color are usually used sparingly. They are often introduced through accents like throw pillows, rugs, or perhaps a single piece of furniture.

Is Modern Style Right for You?

• Do you have a no-nonsense personality and appreciate when things are straightforward?
• Are you constantly looking for ways to make your small space appear larger?
• Can you only feel tranquil and at peace in uncluttered spaces?
• Are you attracted to clean lines and crisp edges?
• Do you enjoy simple designs and monochromatic color schemes?
• Do you appreciate abstract art?
• Is open space important to you?
• Do you prefer to keep things stored out of sight?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then you might enjoy the timeless simplicity of modern style.

This style is especially well-suited to young professionals and to those who live in small spaces—although with some creative adaptations, even families with young children can rock a modern style home.