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  • Hunter Douglas

If you like uncluttered, streamlined, sleek and open spaces, then you probably love Modern design. With its emphasis on angular lines, minimalist ornamentation and simple, functional forms, modern interiors have a sleek look grounded in the Bauhaus school. Contemporary designs are similar but also coexist with other forms to include softer lines, warmer colors and more diverse textures. When developing a modern or contemporary look in your home, keep the following considerations in mind:

Less is More: With modern or contemporary interior design, the goal is to accomplish a desired effect without “going over the top.” Like a good chef who knows when a dish is finished, a skilled interior designer also has a feel for how to build a minimalist room (either all at once or over time) without overpowering the beauty of the individual pieces.

Color: If you are leaning toward a more modern look, blacks & whites are often recommended as a base with more striking colors for dramatic effect. The furniture is upholstered in neutrals or tone-on-tones, with leather adding richness to the space. Adding accessories with more vibrant colors brings interest into the room. Contemporary designs tend to utilize a wider palette, and often incorporate such considerations as mood (peaceful/calm vs. dynamic/energetic), room size illusion (cozy vs spacious), and personal preferences.

Texture: While modern and contemporary furniture tends to feature a sleek look, that doesn’t mean that comfort and texture are sacrificed. In fact, some of the most striking aspects of modern and contemporary furniture are the high-end materials used in their construction -- Italian leather, exotic woods and highly polished metals, among others. Skillfully combined with pillows, window treatments, handcrafted rugs and eclectic art, these elements create a distinctive look and feel that is clean and striking without being sterile.

Lighting: Lighting is vital to illuminating a room’s design. Floor lamps or track lighting are one popular choice, and often feature metals or bold colors to reinforce the other metal accessories or splashes of color incorporated into the room. Consider brightening a space and showcasing a design with pendant lighting or wall sconces with sharp lines and shapes.