Do you think that a modern interior design is just those steel furniture pieces and solid-colored curtains? If yes, I guess you are more on the minimalist design style. But if no, then let me show you what it really is!
So, modern decor is an early millennials decor style focusing on clean lines, open-layout spaces and monochrome schemes. But today, most people make it look so plain and dull that there’s hardly any design spirit left to it! And then they say that modernism feels too cold and sterile!
Want to save your decor from looking the same way? Then all you need are these specially curated modern interior design tips and tricks from this handbook!
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Top Insights
- Top Insights
- What is Modern Interior Design?
- Why You'll Love the Modern Interior Design Style?
- Top 5 Modern Interior Design Style Challenges & How to Solve Them?
- 1. “Modern Interior Design Feels Too Dry & Sterile for Me!” states Smita
- 2. “It's So Plain & Neutral; Like, Really Impersonal,” adds Kapil
- 3. “I Am So Done With This Revealed Open-Planning Layout,” complains Ritika
- 4. “But There's Hardly Any More Storage Left in my Modern Interior Design Living Room” argues Isha
- 5. “But Why Are Modern Interior Design Ideas So Expensive? ” questions Atharva
- What Are the Elements of an Urban Modern Interior Design Style?
- How to Make Your House Luxurious With Modern Interior Design?
- 1. What Textiles Can I Use With My Modern Interior Design Ideas?
- 2. Which Lights Can I Use in My Modern Style Living Room?
- 3. Which Flooring Can I Use for My Living Room Modern Interior Design?
- 4. How Do I Create a Mid-century Modern Interior Design?
- 5. How to Nail the Luxury Modern Interior Design Look in Your Living Area?
- 6. How Do You Add an Organic, Modern Look to Your Home Decor?
- 7. How Do I Nail the Post Modern Decor Look?
- 1. How to Create a Modern Interior Design for Hall?
- 2. How to Style a Modern Interior Design Bedroom?
- 3. What Are the Key Elements of a Modern Interior Design Kitchen?
- What’s the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Interior Design?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- Own a Piece of Artisanry: Shop Our Handpainted Collection!
- External Resources:
What is Modern Interior Design?
If you are a 90s kid, you’ll totally recall that cool, monochromatic home trend that was so popular in the early 2000s. Yep, that sleek, open-floor-plan, practical style with lots of wood and stone is what we call modern interior design now.
However, the classic modern interior design used to be a bit boring back in the day! In fact, in the early 1950s, people found it too plain and cold. But then they added more wood & stone accents, art tapestries and floor-to-ceiling windows to make it stand out.
By the 1980s, modern decor was all about white, peach, coral, grounded aesthetics, metal accents and more!
But despite its simplicity, some people also feel that a modern interior design needs more upkeep and dusting than others. But you know what? Invest in good-quality printed upholsteries, say the floral or geometric ones, and I promise you that you won’t see a speck of dirt! Also, go with grainy wood accents; those hide the dust rightly!
Why You’ll Love the Modern Interior Design Style?
Modern interior design is super popular because it’s all about open space, brightness, airflow, good vibes, and making the most out of your place. But what really gets people hooked are these ten awesome benefits it brings along:
- Adds a nice vibe of order, calm, and visual serenity to your space
- Modern interior design ideas brighten your space naturally & reduce the load on artificial light
- Hides dust, cracks, imperfections and mismatched accessories like a pro
- High desirability; modern homes hike your home’s resale value by 4 – 15%
- Provides higher scope for customization, personalization and adding bespoke furniture
- NO strict rules to follow; be a boss and add whatever you like while going monochrome
- Draws attention to people and conversational areas in the room, not just the design.
- Makes your room look bigger and visually layered than before
- Modern interior design works great for WFH individuals; it helps you focus and boost your productivity like anything
- Allows you to build a green home through reclaimed wood accents, repurposed furniture and energy-efficient LED lights
Top 5 Modern Interior Design Style Challenges & How to Solve Them?
While modern interior design style is all clean and neutral, some of my maximal friends don’t like it at all! Some say that it’s too dull, some complain about the storage and what not! So, let’s address these issues and learn to tackle them like a pro!
1. “Modern Interior Design Feels Too Dry & Sterile for Me!” states Smita
We feel you Smita, we feel you! While there’s no denying the fact that a monochrome modern decor might feel too stuffy and bland at times, it’s not that you can’t add more accents to it.
Basically, try to use natural accents, say wood or stone, in over 30% of the design. Alternatively, one more option is to go with accent throw pillows, rugs or lights to bring in a splash of color to your modern interior design.
Here are some additional tips for adding colored accents to different areas of your modern home:
| Living Room | Use a bold colored accent wall & textiles, perhaps a rug, a multicolored table runner, abstract artwork or even a few colored throw pillows. |
| Bedroom | Paint the headboard in any bold or vibrant color of choice. Also add some accent curtains, duvets, pillows and paintings for more visual variety |
| Dining Room | Use a colorful table runner, vases, cutlery or simply stick some funky food quotes on the wall |
| Kitchen | Go with a funky, colored backsplash, some unique crockery display, colored kitchen towels or golden faucets. You can also add accent cabinets under the kitchen island for more pop. |
Quick Tip: Always use colors that complement each other on the color-wheel, like blue & orange, green & red, etc. to balance the look rightly.
2. “It’s So Plain & Neutral; Like, Really Impersonal,” adds Kapil
Hey Kapil, does your room feel impersonal due to the lack of art and wall hangings? If yes, take a chill pill! You can still add photographs and doodles to different modern styles, but try to use wooden or polished metal frames to anchor the look.
As for art, we suggest going with funky abstract, geometric or ethnic pieces to capture the essence rightly. Just don’t go with anything traditional! It might look quite offbeat!
However, if it isn’t about the wall hangings, we suggest you go with textiles; Pick satin, floral or geometric upholsteries to make the space totally ‘you.’
3. “I Am So Done With This Revealed Open-Planning Layout,” complains Ritika
Well, I get that an open modern interior design might generate some problems with noise, privacy and space segregation, but the trick here is to use furniture, bookshelves, cabinets and area rugs to separate the spaces rightly.
Moreover, you can also hang plant or sheer curtains or use some frosted glass partitions to dampen the noise.
Quick Tip: Always use sound-absorbing materials like curtains, rugs, and create physical barriers with furniture or plants to reduce noise in any open-plan layout.
4. “But There’s Hardly Any More Storage Left in my Modern Interior Design Living Room” argues Isha
Well Isha, to solve this, I suggest you invest in built-in storages like platform beds, sliding racks, ottomans, couch drawers, etc. Those won’t disturb the classic modern decor of your home and yet offer you a chance to declutter the stuff.
5. “But Why Are Modern Interior Design Ideas So Expensive? ” questions Atharva
Yes Atharva, there’s no denying the fact that modern interior design ideas are really expensive, costing more than ₹2.5 lakh for interior-level designs. But what if we tell you that you can still achieve the same vibe in less than ₹1.5 lakh? Sounds crazy, right?
Well, for that, you’ll have to go the DIY way. Consider repainting or decoupaging old furniture to make it look brand new & custom-create your artwork to save up on the frames. Also, consider visiting affordable stores like Ikea or so, to save up on costs.
Quick Tip: Try to rent furniture from trustworthy sites like Furlenco, Cityfurnish, Pepperfry, etc. to save over 30% the total cost of modern home renovation.
What Are the Elements of an Urban Modern Interior Design Style?
Just as we saw above, modern decor is all things space; It favors open-planning, boosts cross ventilation and brings in a lot of light. So if you want to style it the expert-curated way, we suggest you add at least 5-6 new modern interior design ideas from the following list:
- Clean Lines & a Minimalist Approach: Modern interior design styles simply focus on simple, yet straight and cubical furniture pieces, rectangular panels, minimal ornamentation and textures; there’s literally no room for vibrant and funky stuff!
- Open Floor Plans: Each and every area in a modern house feels inclusive; there’s no special area for your kitchen or dining; it’s all included in a large hall!
- Natural Light: Modern rooms basically love natural light! So go with larger arched, boxed, clerestory, bay or skylight windows to catch the rays!
- Play With Neutral Color Palettes: Explore simple, neutral modern interior design color schemes, say white, black, gray, beige, and occasional peach or pastel pink accents for more depth and dimension.
- Experiment with Natural Materials: Try to go with sustainable, nature-friendly materials, either wood, stone, pebbles or cork to add texture and coziness!
- Employ Hidden Storage Solutions: Prefer hidden storage solutions instead of open racks; say platform beds, furniture storage, sliding racks and folding shelves.
- Use Statement Lights: Indian modern interior design is all about lights – pendant lights, scones, track lights and chandeliers for a cozy yet luxurious feel.
- Low & Long Furniture: Try to add low-lying or elongated Asian furniture with unpainted wood, glass or metal frames and a cotton, faux leather or linen upholstery to save your modern interior design from looking cold & detached.
How to Make Your House Luxurious With Modern Interior Design?
Urban modern interior design is like a blank canvas to play with – think big windows, natural colors, organic materials, and cool lights!
Basically, start by incorporating printed textiles – say velvet cushions, linens and plush throw pillows for example, along with some smart lighting and sound technologies for effect. Let’s check some more deets below!
1. What Textiles Can I Use With My Modern Interior Design Ideas?
You can obviously choose all natural cotton, wool, silk or linen upholsteries for more warmth, durability and comfort with your modern interior design. But if you love patterns, I suggest going with Bouclé, Herringbone or Geometric ones to anchor the look.
Even accent textiles are a wise pick! Like, pick trendy Yellow, Orange, Pink or Hot Red curtains to stand out. And if you can amp them with glitter strands, ah! Nothing like it!
Quick Tip: Opt for simplistic patterns like geometric, herringbone, chevron or self-printed textures to complement your modern aesthetic rightly.
2. Which Lights Can I Use in My Modern Style Living Room?
Modern urban-style living rooms usually go with bright but indirect warm lighting like that from scones, wall lamps, floor lamps, etc. However, if you are more into sustainability, then recessed LED, track, dimmer or strip lights are also a wise option.
3. Which Flooring Can I Use for My Living Room Modern Interior Design?
You can use matte hardwood or engineered wood floor tiles if you eventually prefer a distressed or Scandinavian vibe in your modern room. Alternately, if you are more into luxury, then marble, concrete or tiled floors are perfect. Even colored & glossy vinyl flooring is another affordable alternative.
4. How Do I Create a Mid-century Modern Interior Design?
Curating a funky midcentury modern interior design is easy; you just need to add lots of wood or veneer panels to your walls along with white & beige furniture, pendant lights and abstract art. You can use accents too, but strictly limit them to 30% of your design.
Alternatively, try adding some antiques, say Gzhel or Rookwood Pottery, for a dimensional effect. Or, simply go with the good-old brass, copper or chrome lamps for a glamorous touch. You can also incorporate some iconic furniture pieces, say Eames chairs, Knoll sofas, or Noguchi tables for a sober, well-designed look.
Quick Tip: Use cool retro prints – chevron, herringbone, or polka dots to nail the mid-century vibe while still being timeless & modern.
5. How to Nail the Luxury Modern Interior Design Look in Your Living Area?
A luxury modern interior design is more like a minimalist high-ceiling decor with fully covered wood or metal panels, golden or silver trims, built-in storage and luxurious textiles like silk, velvet or cashmere. It also deals with luxurious pieces, say a sculptural coffee table, abstract sofas and what not!
6. How Do You Add an Organic, Modern Look to Your Home Decor?
You can add an easy-on-the-eyes organic modern interior design look by working with natural materials, plants & natural light. Basically, you’ll have to start with a neutral base palette, and then work out the accents in wood, stone or linen.
Moreover, you don’t have to use curtains; simply swap them with bamboo screens, wicker blinds or rattan roll-ons for a cozy vibe. Even jute rugs, ottomans & sea-grass table runners are a wise pick.
Caution: Avoid using too many plants & trellises in organic modern decor; just 1-2 statement & coffee table plants are enough.
7. How Do I Nail the Post Modern Decor Look?
You can nail the post-modernism decor by going with simpler glass, plastic or laminate accents instead of wood or metal. Also, opt for curved, geometric furniture with metal or embossed frames. Even floral or graphic wallpapers are a wise pick!
So now that we have learnt all the different modern interior design styles, their elements & key features, let’s learn to mix and match them for each room in your house!
1. How to Create a Modern Interior Design for Hall?
Generally speaking, a typical living room modern interior design is all about open-floor plans, a sense of spaciousness, flow, connection and natural light. These usually use neutral colors, either with earthy paints or wood or stone veneer panels.
Next come the textiles! We suggest you use natural cotton, linen or woolen textiles to maintain the overall, calming atmosphere. Also, redefine your areas rightly, like add rugs, coffee tables and warm pendant lights for more coziness in your conversational areas.
One more option is to invest in good quality thermostats, smart lights and sound systems for a luxurious touch.
Quick Tip: Always use a good mix of smooth & rough textures; say speckled marble with wood, silk with jute, etc. for more visual variety.
2. How to Style a Modern Interior Design Bedroom?
A modern bedroom goes very well with functional storage cum aesthetic furniture like platform beds, night stands, minimal dressers and cozy neutral color bedding. Also, the lights must be warm, with a combo of recessed lights, scones and pendants for optimal relaxation.
Furthermore, you need to go smart! Like, add those automatic blackout shades, self-closing louvres, Bluetooth lights or under-bed sliding storage to maximize space and maintain a clutter-free look.
3. What Are the Key Elements of a Modern Interior Design Kitchen?
As you all know, a typical kitchen modern interior design isn’t a separate space; it’s just one part of a big hall! So, this kitchen needs well-defined shaker and pantry units to mark its area. Plus, they must be neutral, either white, beige or gray to maximize the space.
Task lighting is another important element! Modern kitchens usually use warm-coloured under-cabinet lights, pendant lights and recessed lights for optimal brightness.
As for the flooring, choose a fine blend of hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl, PVC or tiled flooring for a clean yet smooth aesthetic.
What’s the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Interior Design?
Now, modern and contemporary design sound very similar. But while the first uses natural wood, stone or veneer bases to carve out its design, the latter explores plastic, vinyl, glass and metal accents.
Also, modern interior design is way more geometric; it uses cuboidal furniture, rectangular or squarish tables and linear panels.
In contrast, the contemporary interior design is a bit of experimentation; it explores whimsical abstract furniture, curved glass and fluid ferrocrete panels for an organic vibe.
FAQs
Modern furniture has this cool geometric style going on, with clean lines and simple shapes. They use natural materials like wood, stone, leather, and metal, and funky fabrics like bouclé, geometric, or patterned designs instead of plastic or vinyl.
Soft modern style is like a mix of scandinavian, bohemian & regular modern interior design. Like, it uses geometric furniture & plush upholsteries, but also blends in some warm, minimalist lighting, accent lamps, throw pillows, weaved rugs & boho frames.
Earthy wall colors like beige, terracotta, blush and light brown usually work the best in modern interior designs. But, if you are more on the luxurious style, then you can use jewel-toned emerald, sapphire blue, azure or sage green for the walls and trims.
Conclusion
Feeling modern and fabulous? You should be! After all now, you’ve finally got these design tips under your belt! So, it’s time to create a modern interior design that reflects your style. Think bold, think sleek, think YOU! Mix textures, play with color, and don’t be afraid to break the mold (figuratively, of course).
Which other interior styles would you like us to explore? Minimalist interior design? Maximalist interior design? Scandinavian interior design? Well, we already have a handy guide for each!
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About the Author:
Ar. Ruchika Deshpande
I'm an architectural storyteller with a passion for demystifying design. For over 5 years, I've been using SEO expertise to create content that not only informs but inspires. Imagine: complex concepts broken down into bite-sized pieces, designer insights made accessible, and architectural details explained in everyday language. That's what I bring to the table.
I love the depth of your articles.
This is such a detailed and insightful post. I really appreciate the effort you put into explaining everything so clearly.
I love the examples you provided.