Cart
Modern design can be challenging to define, but it’s commonly understood to emphasise minimalist, streamlined shapes and neutral colours. In an overly busy world, many people seek solace in modern design.
The idea of keeping everything clean and simple. It involves creating an open space that makes it easy for guests to move around, even if you have lounge furniture or any furnishings that may affect traffic. But how does one achieve this look without going too minimal? Here are a few tips to help you design your modern dream home!
1. Keep it simple
But not too simple. The best home designs use simple shapes and patterns. For example, instead of using lots of straight lines or right angles in your furniture and accessories, try curvy pieces — these will be more organic and comfortable to look at.
2. Create a neutral base
A neutral base is one of the best ways to start any interior design project. It's a great way to use a feature colour and or textures, keeping your base colour palette neutral is a great way to avoid clashing elements and it will also help make the room feel more spacious.
The biggest mistake people make when selecting a neutral base is using too many shades of beige or brown. This ends up looking muddy instead of relaxing and calm. If you're going for a soft look, try using two different neutral shades from the same hue that blend well instead.
3. Use a light colour palette
By using minimal colours, such as white and light grey colours, you can create an elegant space that embodies the sleek simplicity of modern design. To enhance the simplistic look even further, we recommend using light wood flooring and furniture. Additionally, using light fabrics will help brighten your space while maintaining its sleek aesthetic.
4. Choose the right furniture
Modern design is about clean lines, clear shapes, and minimal silhouettes. This means you'll want furniture with sleek lines and simple designs, like timber chairs with leather or fabric. A good rule of thumb is to use only one or two materials in each room. Visit our furniture store in Brisbane to see what’s available.
5. Pick your materials carefully
Choosing materials isn’t just about style and aesthetics. Try to get easy-to-clean and low-maintenance materials. Environmentally friendly materials can help you achieve a green and easy-to-clean home.
6. Play around with textures
There's no need for everything to look the same. Try using various materials in your home design, from wood to metal or fabric. Putting different materials and textures next to each other in your space will make them stand out. For example, hardwood floors next to smooth leather lounge furniture provide you with a dramatic statement.
However, adding texture doesn't necessarily mean including lots of patterns or prints — it could simply mean incorporating materials that aren't typically found together, like the sophisticated smooth lines of a glass floor lamp next to weathered hardwood floors, etc.
7. Mix and match
A modern interior doesn't mean you can’t mix styles. Doing this will bring an interesting appeal to your space. But make sure to not add too much or it will look too busy and messy. For instance, you can add a two-tone sofa that will match with a seamless rectangular glass coffee table. Even if your lounge furniture has a retro look, you can still evoke a modern feel by considering the colours and materials used.
8. Add life to a boring wall
Art is a great way to add colour and texture to your space. Wall art can make a statement or be used as a focal point as part of a theme for any room. Wall art with a natural theme or a round mirror with accents similar to other materials in the room will certainly bring a flair to your space. You will find digitally designed artworks from the homeware section of our furniture store in Brisbane.
9. Use clean lines and minimalist silhouettes
Both design elements are crucial in modern interior design. Clean lines are achieved by using simple shapes, forms, and volumes. Minimalist silhouettes are achieved by limiting your colour palette to black, white, grey, and other neutrals. You could also use high-contrast colours to create the illusion of extra space.
10. Allow for lots of natural light
Having plenty of natural light in your home will create a warm and cosy atmosphere. But if you have too much natural light, it can give off an ethereal vibe which can be beautiful but also feel cold and impersonal if that's not what you’re looking for.
When designing your space, think about how each room will be used and whether having daylight is important for those activities. For example, if you have a bedroom with lots of windows, then it's going to be filled with more natural light than one with only artificial lighting.
11. Brighten up your space with indoor lighting
As much as natural light is important, so are your indoor lighting choices. Aside from ambient lighting, why not add some pendant lights, wall lamps and floor lamps as accents to create a cosier atmosphere. With the right lights in your home, you can achieve a cohesive modern look.
~
Designing a modern home is easier than you think
To recap, a modern look that combines sleek lines with a neutral palette creates a simple yet elegant environment. Achieving a modern look starts with a neutral base — white is a perfect choice — and picking furniture that compliments your colour scheme.
Finally, having lots of natural light plus adding some carefully chosen indoor lighting and decor with clean lines that look perfect with your existing style. Have fun designing your space with home furnishings from Echo Grove. Visit us for new lounge furniture, cushions, coffee tables and more!