While the term “modern” is frequently used to describe anything "new," modern interior design is a specific style that originated in the early twentieth century. Modern interior design is a versatile starting point for anybody wanting to redecorate part or all of their home. Here are some of the basic elements of modern interior design:
Common characteristics
If you like simple and uncluttered spaces, a modern design might be perfect for you. You can use modern interior design in any size or shape of floor plan. If you want to incorporate it into your home, here is a checklist of some key characteristics:
- Lack of “fussiness” or embellishments
- Low-sitting horizontal furnishings like sofas and benches
- Minimal window treatments to allow maximum natural light
- An emphasis on natural materials such as wood, metal, leather and natural fibers
- Reflective surfaces made of chrome, glass or stainless steel
- Neutral color palettes
- Exposed structural elements like concrete or wooden beams
- Straight lines rather than curved lines
Modern vs contemporary
Modern design and contemporary design are frequently mistaken for one another. While they share a great deal of features, it's important to know the differences that set them apart. Modern design is a more specific term referring to a design movement in the early twentieth century. Contemporary design is much more fluid and contains many trends combined with modern elements.
For example, contemporary design includes more ornamentation and embellishments on furnishings. Contemporary furniture pieces have curves rather than hard edges, and the color palette favors dramatic contrast rather than neutrals.
These are just the basics of understanding modern interior design. If you're inspired to try modern interior design in your home, remember these essentials to use as a starting point.
About the Author
Rudden|Bobruska Team
Gary Rudden, Lisa Rudden, and Nick Bobruska
RUDDEN BOBRUSKA TEAM
What sets your team apart from other real estate teams?
There is no team out in the market that offers what we do. All of us are Realtors, but
we each have specialized roles, which make our team so unique!
After decades of living and selling real estate in the DMV, we have established
ourselves as one of the top real estate teams with our market expertise and
cutting-edge technology. Our savvy high-tech marketing is on every website
and social media source. We have a huge network with other top agents, which
helps to premarket homes and discover homes for buyers before they reach the
open market. Our services include professional in-house staging services, broker
expertise in negotiating and navigating contracts, and buyer representation in all
price ranges. Each client has different needs and we create a marketing plan based
on those needs.
Our most distinct feature is our in-house construction and renovation team. We
are literally a full-service, one-stop shop when selling or buying a home!
How does the in-house construction and renovation team work?
All work is managed and completed through our licensed and bonded construction
crew. No need to call outside contractors. We are like “HGTV,” but we just don’t
have a show! Whether it’s a small makeover or a major renovation, we do it all. Our
sellers love this aspect of our team because we make preparing your home for the
market so seamless. Our buyers love the advice and insight we can give for future
renovations and repairs.
Having a licensed Maryland Home Improvement contractor as part of our team
along with the knowledge, experience, commitment and services that we offer, truly
puts our team as a vanguard in the real estate industry.