Characteristics of a Modern Interior Design

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A lot of times modern and contemporary are used interchangeably, but they do have distinct differences. Modern interior design style actually was born out of a design movement at the turn of the 20th century. Contemporary interior design style is more about what is popular in the here and now and not tied to any specific era.

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Here are some characteristics of modern interior design style:

 

• Simple and unadorned

Influenced by German and Scandinavian architecture and design, modern interior design style is simple and unadorned. The most important quality of this style is being functional. Form always follows function.

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• Natural materials and earthy tones

Modern interior design usually also includes the use of natural materials and neutral or earthy colors. Think unpainted wood, metals, leather and monochromatic colors.

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• Clean Lines

In modern style architecture and interior design, the emphasis is on fewer curves and more clean horizontal and vertical lines. Structural elements like concrete or beams are also often left exposed.

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• Uncluttered Spaces

If you need uncluttered spaces to keep your stress levels from sky rocketing, then you will love the modern interior design which emphasizes uncluttered spaces. If something doesn’t have a purpose, then it is not added.

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• Natural light and unadorned windows

In modern designed homes, natural light is very important so lots of windows are important, but they are typically unadorned.

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• Simple, functional furniture

Modern furniture like architecture emphasizes simplicity and function. In modern style homes, you will usually see low, horizontal furnishings with clean lines. And the furniture is usually made of natural materials like unpainted wood, leathers, steel, chrome or glass.

For furniture to be considered modern, it also has to be made of smooth surfaces and have very little ornamentation. Back at the beginning of the modernism movement, furniture factories were just started to get popular, replacing hand-carved, detailed pieces.

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• Monochrome color palette

With a modern design usually a monochrome color palette is used. The main colors are typically black and white with some primary colors (yellow, red and blue) to complement the monochrome color palette.

How cowhide can complement the modern interior design style:

A more neutral palette, the unique combinations of black and browns you find in cowhide can bring a note of elegance. Even rooms dressed in modern combinations of grey, black and brown can be enhanced with a touch of cowhide.