A helpful guide on modern interior design

According to several written pieces on décor, the modern design movement took shape in the 20th century. However, it received more recognition and approval in the 21st century.

Experts characterise it to include monochromatic colours and are quite different from contemporary interior designs.

On average, UK households spend between £1,000 and £10,000 to get their interiors to look well together. Others may spend more depending on the desired theme.

If you're looking to incorporate modern interior design elements when decorating your home, these tips should help. 

1. Modern industrial

Originally inspired by old factories and industrial buildings, this style brings out the beauty of metals and pipes. It focuses more on set pieces or elements you will normally find in an old factory.

For example, steel pipes, bolts, nuts, and other metallic pieces are common elements in the modern industrial design home. It is thought to present a minimalist appeal in some circles because modern industrial design eliminates opulence.

Furthermore, the modern industrial design throws light on the fusion between architectural elements and industry. Indeed, this is where the beauty lies. For some households, that is more than enough to complete the theme.

An industrial bedside table against a wide metal bed can complete the look in places like the bedroom. Moreover, because the modern industrial theme thrives on space, you may want to keep an open floor plan in your interior.

That way, you can see much more of the floor than furniture pieces. If you decide to include more furniture in this design, it is better if they are functional and multipurpose.

2. Eclectic design

As the name sounds, the eclectic design is a bit of everything coming together to create a design theme. The eclectic style is a fusion of eras, colours, trends, shapes, etc.

It is a carefree and fanciful approach to designing for some interior designers. Indeed, there seems to be no strict rule regarding eclectic interior design. However, experts say a few things to be mindful of to get the look right.

For example, if you’re incorporating shapes into the rooms, it is advisable to group them according to sizes. Therefore, using at least two contrasting sizes works best to decorate your couch with throw pillows.

The same applies to your use of patterns, colours, and textures. The contrast brings out the eclectic look and makes your interior look modern and tasteful.

3. The modern farmhouse

Farmhouse and modern seem to be a sharp contradiction in interior design. But, believe it or not, it’s trending in many households. To help you understand the modern farmhouse design, why don’t you take a look at the traditional version.

This involves using more wooden elements, neutral colours, and practicality. In contrast, the modern farmhouse focuses more on glossy accents, smooth lines, and less use of rustic elements. It is why even in city centres, the modern farmhouse interior design holds appeal.

There is the belief that people who opt for this style want a blend of tradition and modernity. In creating that fair balance, the modern farmhouse design was birthed. Fortunately, this country living inspired style is ideal for spaces that entertain family and friends.

This explains why you will often find more seating in a modern farmhouse living room. While it does not lose sight of the use of natural elements, it makes a point to create a blend between artificial and organic essentials.

For example, reclaimed wood combined with leather makes the ideal set of dining chairs in a modern farmhouse design home.

4. Scandinavian interior style

For starters, the Scandinavian style is synonymous with minimalism. Indeed, this style originated in the Scandinavian countries and eventually became trendy in the Americas and Europe.

The use of neutral colours and straight lines adds beauty to the functionality of this modern interior design theme. More often than not, the colour white is the go-to shade for walls. 

More importantly, the Scandinavian interior design relies heavily on a decluttered space. This is why many Scandinavian designs have a long expanse of floors. Even with sparsely arranged furniture pieces, the floors look open and unoccupied.

The secret here is the maximum use of simple furniture with legs. The longer the legs, the more open the floors look. It is worth noting that even with minimal use of colours and furniture, the Scandinavian interior style is not a bland look.

5. Mid-century modernism

First of all, there is the belief that this is an American design movement. It crossed borders and is now adopted in Europe and parts of Asia.

The mid-century modernism relies heavily on the use of geometric and organic shapes, which include the outlines of natural elements like leaves, seashells, rain puddles, etc. On the other hand, geometric shapes are triangles, trapeziums, squares, and those based on mathematical principles.

Therefore, joining organic and geometric shapes combines nature and artificial elements. It also seems like a blend of modern farmhouse and Scandinavian style components to complete the look. This interior style was the craze in the 1920s through to the early 70s.

A dominant feature of this design is the clean and unembellished look. The mid-century style has become an urban and suburban design theme with modern influence.

6. Modern glamour

Even in the UK, interior decorators believe that modern glamour originated from the early days of Hollywood, perhaps, from the 1920s through to the 30s.

The opulent use of vibrant colours, gold embellishments, artistry, comfort, and luxury define this interior design. Having made a full comeback in the 21st century, it seems to have caught on very well in the UK.

Although some UK households love to add a touch of British vintage, the overall appeal still gives you a sharp reminder of early Hollywood.

Indeed, the options are many under modern interior design. However, it helps to be guided by certain elements.

For example, if your building is of vintage architecture, it may be a mismatch to decorate the interior with an industrial theme. In other words, the house design can influence what style to use in the interiors.