When it comes to interior design, the terms “contemporary” and “modern” describe spaces that break from the traditional and are more open, with clean lines and little clutter. As a result, the living spaces are restful and welcoming. Here’s how you can get that light and airy feel in your home.
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Natural Light
Let in as much natural light as possible to your living space. Ditch heavy curtains and valences. Choose unembellished window treatments in a light, neutral shade instead. Or go with simple blinds for when you need privacy and leave your windows uncovered when you don’t.
Let in as much natural light as possible to your living space. Ditch heavy curtains and valences. Choose unembellished window treatments in a light, neutral shade instead. Or go with simple blinds for when you need privacy and leave your windows uncovered when you don’t.
Natural Materials
A modern living room is inspired by nature. Layer earthy materials such as wood, rock, slate, teak, cotton, and wool to create texture. Plants are also an important element in modern design.
A modern living room is inspired by nature. Layer earthy materials such as wood, rock, slate, teak, cotton, and wool to create texture. Plants are also an important element in modern design.
Natural Floor Coverings
In keeping with the earthy theme, jute, sea grass, sisal, wool, and sheepskin rugs create layers of interest from materials found in nature. It’s a no-brainer to place them over hardwood or porcelain tile, but they look great over carpeted areas as well. You can sew a few grass mats together from the dollar store for an inexpensive way to get the look in your living space.
In keeping with the earthy theme, jute, sea grass, sisal, wool, and sheepskin rugs create layers of interest from materials found in nature. It’s a no-brainer to place them over hardwood or porcelain tile, but they look great over carpeted areas as well. You can sew a few grass mats together from the dollar store for an inexpensive way to get the look in your living space.
Raised Furniture
When you can see under the legs of a sofa and chairs in a living room there is a sense of weightlessness that is characteristic to modern design.
When you can see under the legs of a sofa and chairs in a living room there is a sense of weightlessness that is characteristic to modern design.
A Neutral Palette
Walls and furniture in grays, khaki, shades of white and cream allow the natural textures in the room and the lines of the furnishings to stand out. Use accent pieces like pillows, throws, rugs, and artwork to add pops of color.
Walls and furniture in grays, khaki, shades of white and cream allow the natural textures in the room and the lines of the furnishings to stand out. Use accent pieces like pillows, throws, rugs, and artwork to add pops of color.
Accessories
Because modern styles are not bound by the laws of traditional design, you can get creative with accessories. A grouping of mirrors, an heirloom quilt, an African mask, a rock collection, or a mosaic of broken pottery can all be focal points that reflect your personal style. Just limit yourself to one wonderful piece and you’ll be right in line with the most modern of styles.
Because modern styles are not bound by the laws of traditional design, you can get creative with accessories. A grouping of mirrors, an heirloom quilt, an African mask, a rock collection, or a mosaic of broken pottery can all be focal points that reflect your personal style. Just limit yourself to one wonderful piece and you’ll be right in line with the most modern of styles.