Building and decorating a modern home is all about blending traditional interiors and furnishings with bold looks and contemporary design features. By incorporating colour, textures, and patterns in new ways, you can achieve a look that feels modern while still evoking the styles of days gone by.
So, which design choices have stood the test of time, and which new trend led features should you be introducing into your modern home? Whether your modern home needs some new energy, or you are in the process of building and decorating a modern house from scratch, let us discover 3 interior design tips to inspire your next home improvement project.
Use Colour in a Clever New Way
How and where in your home that you choose to use colour can help to modernize your property. For example, mustard yellows, teal blues, and blush pinks are all hugely popular at the moment and can help the rooms in your home to feel fresh and exciting. When choosing colours for your home, be sure to pick shades that you connect with so that you do not get bored with them. Want to add some fun pops of colour? Deep and intense hues can highlight areas such as alcoves and feature walls while enhancing architectural details and creating a sense of atmosphere.
Beams, banisters, and staircases can be instantly updated by using a coat of paint in a vibrant colour, and outdated kitchen cabinets, cupboards, and armoires can be modernized using fresh shades. If in doubt, it can sometimes be helpful to limit your painting efforts to one strong tone per room. When paired with white or grey, this can create a timeless feel. For further advice regarding colour schemes in modern homes head to Sustainable9.com where you can find plenty of modern house building and interior design resources.
Dramatic Patterns Are Back
Although modern homes should certainly be built with minimalism in mind, there is no denying that introducing a pattern can still feel exciting and new, depending on how it is used. Floral and botanical motifs have stood the test of time, and when paired with modern furnishings and accessories they can look surprisingly fresh. In terms of giving patterns a modern twist, a large mural or canvas in a monochromatic colourway might be all it takes to inject a much-needed touch of personality into an otherwise neat and uncluttered space.
Accordingly, patterned splashbacks can add a measured amount of vibrancy to your kitchen whether in a tiled format or in a decorated panel. Geometric patterns featuring chevrons that are seen often in Spanish or north African interiors are striking and establish a free-spirited tone that should not age provided that the rest of the room is decorated plainly and simply. These particular patterns also look great on curtains that are easy to replace if they turn out to not be to your liking. By sticking to no more than one pattern per room, your home interiors can look clean, inviting, and most importantly, modern.
Introduce Reclaimed Elements
Reusing and repurposing items and materials might be nothing new, but it does seem to be the case that more homes are being built and decorated with recycled materials and furnishings than ever before. Not only is using reclaimed elements better for the environment, but it also adds a sense of character in your home. Pieces that have been marked by wear, or that are coated in a layer of patina almost always have a backstory but can be given a new lease of life in your home. You might even want to adapt or customize some non-domestic pieces.
An old sewing table can be converted into a handy drink station, or a disused bathtub can be transformed into a cosy couch, reminiscent of the one seen in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Not sure where to begin? Deconstruction styles are particularly fashionable in kitchens. Think open units and shelving for storage combined with rustic cupboards. Reclaimed wood can also be used in a variety of different ways together with other eco-friendly materials. From a classic farmhouse table, to an artistic wooden carving or sculpture, the possibilities are endless. Old wooden crates are also a popular reclaimed element and can be used to provide storage space or as seating.
Ultimately, by focusing on clean lines, warm woods, and cosy details, you can create a home that feels modern yet timeless. Above all, when building and decorating modern homes, remember that less is more, and that your design choices in each room should reflect comfort, innovation, and function.
Looking for more ways to add a modern touch to your property? Check out these home improvement tips for modernizing your property.