Modern Design is often confused with Contemporary Design as it is often incorrectly related to present or recent times. This is actually what Contemporary Design is – a blanket term for the ever-changing design trends. Modern Design on the other hand, refers to a distinct period in time with its own guidelines that give it its own identity.
To truly understand the significance of the movement and its identity, let’s take a brief look at the history of Modern Design.
Modern design – a brief tour
Modern Design dated from the early to mid-20th century and can be traced back to the influence of Scandinavian Design as well as Modern Art from the Bauhaus School in Germany which united fine arts with applied arts.
This design movement was characterized by a minimalistic simple and clean approach to design that balanced the combination of function and aesthetics. Emphasis was placed on the idea that beautiful functional forms could be mass produced. The foundation of this movement followed the principle “form follows function.” Simply put, the purpose of the object, building, room, or space should dictate the design. Any part of an object that did not have a function was considered an embellishment and would be eliminated.
Within the era of Modern Design, there were many other styles including:
- International Style – made popular by Le Corbusier and Mies van de Rohe.
- Bauhaus – founded under the direction of Walter Gropius.
- De Stijl – founded by Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesberg in the Netherlands.
- Other pioneers of the movement include Peter Behrens, Frank Lloyd Wright and William Morris.
Modern design tips
Now that we understand how Modern Design came to be, translating that knowledge into a space can be tricky. Many characteristics of modern design support one another to achieve an overall sense of seamlessness and balance.
1| Practicality and Functionality
The function of a space should be at the forefront of all design choices, but aesthetics is as equally important. Modernists believe that design should be universal, meaning that objects in a space should be designed to function as expected. When you start your design, prioritize how the space will be used and its intended use to help you decide how the space will come together. Each design element should support each other to create a balanced composition.
2| Clean and Simple Lines
Design elements should embrace clean lines and simplicity. Keeping clutter to a minimum ensures that all elements within the space are meaningful. Modern design aims to create a visually pleasing look while using materials that allow for mix-matching – like pairing metal with wood. This idea can extend to your furniture and furnishing choices by selecting soft, clean, and simplistic shapes that give your space a sense of spaciousness and familiarity to all.
3| Neutral Walls and Textures
The colour palette of Modern Design typically includes black, white, beige and earthy tones. On some occasions, you will see the use of primary colours in a very restrained manner. This palette is the basis for a cohesive space. With a neutral palette you have many furniture options and can easily pair them with contrasting or complimentary materials and colours. Natural textures can also be added to the space by incorporating materials like leather, stone, wool, wood and linens in your furnishing and flooring choices.
4| Natural Light
Large and unadorned windows are used in Modern Design to emphasize a spacious, warm and bright interior. Windows bring in the view of the outdoors and reduces the use of artwork that might otherwise be considered unnecessary. Window coverings are not generally used but sheer curtains or blinds can be used to soften the light in your space or provide some privacy.
Hopefully, these tips have given you an insight into appreciating modern interior design style. Transferring this knowledge into a space can be tricky; you can always reach out to an interior designer to help you bring your vision to life!