A Modern Decorating Theme
Of Subtle Sophistication
Many think modern decorating as cold and uninviting but in today’s interiors it can be comfortable and welcoming.
Monochromatic simplicity, texture, and clean lines help to define modern decorated interiors. It is more important to showcase an open space rather than the furnishings.
The sleek look needs only a few key pieces to be visually dramatic. It works great for lofts, newly built homes and open urban floor plans. In modern decor the simpler the background the better, but if you do have ornate woodwork or marble surrounding your fireplace, the mix of modern with period details is stunning!
One distinctive element of modern decorating is line, evident through high ceilings, bare windows, and strong geometric shapes.
Polished Surfaces
Sleek and polished materials are surfaces essential in modern decorating.
Leave the flat finishes behind and go instead for the gloss and sheen.
Natural stone: from marble and limestone to granite,
Metals: from stainless and chrome to waxed steel,
Clear and opaque glass,
Solid and woods veneers, as well as lacquered finishes.
Texture is found in hammered metal, and the rough surface of slate or tile.
Floors are bare and smooth, with materials like tile, wood, even concrete and granite. Cork flooring is also popular for style and durability.
The bare space on walls and between each piece of furniture becomes just as meaningful as the objects, allowing each piece to be unique and individual.
Furniture Makes a Bold Statement and Kept to a Minimum
Furniture is architecturally inspired, simple, and streamlined without curves or decoration. Upholstery has exposed legs with no trim, tassels or fringe, and wears black, white or other neutral tones in textures and natural fibers.
The silhouette to choose is boxy and slim. A sofa low to the ground, a seventies style L-shape, armchairs that have a square shape, or a rectangular headboard.
Furniture surfaces are distinctive hardwoods with a brilliant gloss, mixed with stainless, chrome or steel detailing, and glass or stone tops.
Subtle Sophistication
The main colors in modern decorating are neutrals, from basic black to gallery white allowing the objects in the design to stand out and take center stage.
The color palette is different shades of the same tone and with design emphasis on polished surfaces, the classic sleek colors of the modern interior are variations of the monochromatic tone of these finishes.
- White on white mixed with silvery metallic accents, soft gray to beige to almost white.
- A masculine palette of warm gray on gray from graphite to gunmetal and blue grays to off whites.
- Espresso brown from the reddish tones to khaki.
This neutral palette can be punched up unexpectedly with a vibrant color. Accent colors like burnt orange, deep purple, and citrus can be used on structural elements, a contrast wall, or even a piece of furniture.
Rich tactile fabrics such as wool flannel, chenille, velvet, mohair, leather and suede show off the contours of modern upholstery.
Solids are most effective but the occasional crisp geometric and abstract print can be energizing. Menswear patterns like pinstripes and herringbone soften and warm the space.
A bold heavily textured rug anchors the sleek solid colors of the furniture.
Generally windows are expansive and marry the interior with the exterior landscape, and using mirrors to reflect exterior views is encouraged.
The windows are left unadorned or treatments are tailored to allow for daylight flexibility.
For the walls choose brilliant white paint, a reflective color range, glossy lacquer paints in dark moody colors, or try a metallic wall finish. Other wall finishes represented in
modern decorating are polished plaster and trendy concrete block.
Simplest Elements Make a Statement
The accessories and artwork in modern decorating are extremely important and exhibit striking shape and form to make a statement.
Choose one or two large scale pieces instead of many cherished accessories.
Special pieces can be highlighted with lighting for visual impact.
Frames in high gloss or matte black, natural wood, or metal finishes are great for artwork or black and white photography. Hang several pieces closely together to make it appear as one large piece.
Or instead of hanging, lean artwork on mantels to provide the freedom to moving and changing the look when the mood strikes.
Plants and flowers should be large and dramatic and in simple containers. Large blooms with interesting leaves work better than small arrangements.
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