8 Tips to a Modern Contemporary Interior Décor

Modern interior design

The first mention of modern design was in Germany during the 1920s. It was the antithesis to the Victorian style of interiors, which is characterized by ornate details. In contrast, modern design boasts of a simpler aesthetic. This brand of simplicity evolved towards comfort and personalization over the decades. Modern contemporary interior décor was born.

To achieve a modern contemporary house, bear in mind three points: simplicity, clean and space. Not sure how to get there? Just follow these tips!



Keep the colour palette minimalistic... Modern designs are drawn towards monochromatic and neutral colour palettes (Click here for more details on interior décor colour schemes). Common colours are grays and creams. Here are three colour schemes to get you started.
  • Opposing neutrals, such as black and white, create contrast and flair.
  • Black monochromatics inject cool, masculine vibes.
  • Whites, greys and buffs for space, style and warmth. That's right, modern contemporary can be warm too!

...but punch it up with a dash of colour. A minimalist palette does not mean that other colours are shunned. A characteristic that defines contemporary design is the emphasis on individual style. Incorporate your personality into the look of the interiors through colourful cushions or artwork. The sparing use of bright colours will accentuate the tone-on-tone theme.

Learn how to edit accessories. One of the main misconceptions about modern contemporary interiors is that shelves and tabletops should be kept bare. On the contrary, they should be used as they make a space feel more homey and welcoming. The trick is to make sure that the accessories are well-organized and styled so they don't make the space feel cluttered.

Use smooth, monochromatic materials. The gamut of materials can be selected so long the material surface is single-hued and smooth. Wood furnishings with rugged finishings or leopard-prints sofas are a no-no! Other than that, you are pretty much free to choose any wood, metal, plastic, fabric or glass.

Incorporate interesting visual elements. Clean lines and a simple palette may leave a room looking generic, if it is not given an interesting twist. Keep the look from being too sterile by adding decorative pieces into the space. Sculptures and prints are modern chic. Go for items that look abstract or geometric to keep the visual elements in line with the theme.

Go for clean-lined furniture. The furniture should not have any embellishments and are typically angular. Modular furniture and multi-purpose furniture work well in this setting. For instance, use an ottoman that also functions as storage or a coffee table.

Maximize the use of reflective surfaces. Mirrors are used to great effect in the design of modern contemporary spaces. They create an illusion of depth which is crucial in confined areas. The shine of the mirror also adds visual interest. But it's not the only source of luster. Metal surfaces, such as stainless steel countertops or chrome table legs, all work towards this end.

Keep the room free. Modern contemporary design should feel uninhibited. Keep rooms open and choose furniture with low arrangements for unobstructed views. The idea is to make the room feel like one, cohesive space.



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