Modern Design Trends

Design Notes

The modern look is trending in homes today, characterized by its minimalist design, natural materials, and chic style. Interior designers use it as inspiration as they attempt to build a place that satisfies their client’s demand for a look that emphasizes functionality, stark, clean forms, and abstract thinking—layout with a basic and practical design. Modern design style is rooted in German and Scandinavian design, which sought to pair art with functionality. This was a welcome change from the maximalist look prevalent in the Victorian era. In this blog, we will discuss some of the emerging trends within the modern design look that interior designers use to tell their clients’ story.

Metallic looks

Gold, silver, copper, bronze, and brass are among the top metallic finishes chosen by homeowners and interior designers to blend sophisticated style with functionality. Metal components, from coffee tables to decorative hardware, may add a sophisticated contrast or lavish layering to any room in the house. It is also the ideal complement to a modern design style. A sofa with metal legs, a table lamp in a gold finish, or a metal-framed bookcase are all dazzling ways to enjoy the timeless look in the world of metal. Due to its versatility, metal is the perfect material to mix and match with other elements in the home, such as the hood in your kitchen. Speak to your designer about bringing a touch of metal into your space, or gather some helpful tips in this blog by Better Homes and Gardens.

Modern charm

Selecting a modern design for your interior style is a great choice. It is a style with an elegant charm that combines the best of Mid-century design with sleek modern elements. The results are clean lines and clutter-free spaces. The typical color choice in modern interior design is monochromatic, which utilizes variations of a single color to create a harmonious space. A modern look relies on simplicity to achieve the desired look, but isn’t afraid to blend a hint of the past with the present. Another aspect of the attractiveness of modern interior design is the decision to opt for fewer furniture pieces and accent items, as it prioritizes utility over fashion, placing it in the more minimalist category.

Darker side of nature

Nature is a leading influencer in shaping interior design choices. The softer colors of blue and green gently weave together to form an environment welcoming for all. There is a trend, however, of richer shades of nature, such as navy blue and emerald green, emerging in designs now and creating beautiful contrast against colors like browns and creams. These color schemes, found abundantly in nature, offer their own sense of allurement and measure of calm. Utilizing these darker colors can also make a room feel more intimate and give off a sense of luxury. Pairing it with antique metal finishes, such as copper and oil-rubbed bronze, in accent pieces like table legs or frames, operates ideally within the style guides for modern design as well.

A master bathroom with a close up of a cabinet vanity

Wood tones in modern design

Wood is an essential element in practically every area of the home and any design style. There are various ways to incorporate the aesthetic qualities of wood in design, including the modern style, from cabinets to countertops. Oak, cherry, and walnut are some species that reflect the characteristics of a more modern interior design look. Their features can feel luxurious and add depth to any space. Another benefit is the range of appearances these wood species can offer, such as the classy cerused oak or the textured, rich quarter-sawn white oak. Both cherry and walnut look good in a simple, natural stain, but a little stain can transform them into something unique and magnificent. Be sure to discuss with your designer the best wood tones for your space and how they should be incorporated for optimal results.

Outdoors in

Wellness remains a key priority for interior designers as they begin to chart a plan for refreshing their clients’ homes. Bringing parts of the outdoors indoors is one effective way to achieve this goal, and there are several methods to do so.

Plants come dressed in nature’s beautiful color palette and help clean the air, gently weaving themselves into the landscape design.
Utilizing natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass in your design, either through countertops, flooring, lighting, or furniture, forms an organic contrast against the other modern pieces.
Whenever possible, try to maximize any natural light source, as it produces vitamin D, can help lessen seasonal depression, and gives a more welcoming appearance to any space.

Discuss with your designer how you can incorporate some elements from the outside, as drawing inspiration from nature will continue to be a mainstay in the design field.

Magnolia Groves vintage sitting room with a lot of windows and plants

Glass

Modern interior design emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and natural light, making glass an ideal choice for all three categories. Glass is also an adaptable material, available in not just clear but also textured, antique, and colored versions. It can be used in kitchen cabinet design by replacing some of the traditional doors and giving a brighter, more open feel to the space. Textured or antique glass adds another layer of depth to any furniture piece it is paired with, not to mention a touch of visual interest. Some designers take glass to another level in the home by using it to partition off a specific area, such as a home office, or make it the focal point in a wine cellar design.

Coastal vibes

A modern coastal design has made its way into numerous homes, with its beachy vibes reaching far beyond the ocean shore. Homeowners are enjoying the relaxed feel this lovely style choice brings with its soft color palette and washed wood tones. When incorporating coastal design into any space in the home, opt for a simple color palette, but that doesn’t mean it all has to be neutral. Pops of turquoise and even subtle oranges can really add a lot to the space. Texture plays a key role in this design style, so be sure to incorporate elements like driftwood and faux plants that evoke the shoreline or bring a touch of the ocean indoors, such as a glass bowl filled with seashells serving as a centerpiece for the coffee table. A coastal design style also presents a great opportunity to incorporate eco-conscious materials, such as bamboo and natural stone countertops.

Trends in modern design

Are you ready to refresh your home with a sophisticated look? The modern design style has all the elements needed to dazzle the crowds while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Places like Pinterest and Houzz can provide you with a visual representation of what possibilities await you in your home. Elegant and sleek, modern design delivers it all.

bySierra/onMay 14, 2022/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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