The Modern Style emerged in the 20s and is still one of the most inspirational styles in interior design. In this guide, we will explain everything that you need to know about it.
Modern style is one of the most well-known styles in interior design – this style that emerged in the 20s still inspires interiors worldwide. This famous style can sometimes be mistakenly associated with Contemporary Style. And before you ask- even though the words modern and contemporary are synonymous, the styles aren’t. Modern has its movement and characteristics. In this guide, you will understand everything about this style- from the main attributes to the difference between Modern and Contemporary. Keep scrolling to discover more.
1. What is Modern Style?
In interior design, the Modern Style creates functional spaces with a delightful aesthetic. The Bauhaus philosophy and architecture inspire the style, highlighting the use of clean lines, geometric form, and natural materials. Modern style in interiors evokes a simple yet elegant lifestyle.
2. History and Influences of the Modern Style
Modern style is related to the age of machination – throughout the first half of the 20th century, it continuously increased in popularity. Emerging after the Art Deco movement, the style was born seeking simplicity and was inspired by German and Scandinavian architecture; in this movement, forms follow function. Midcentury modern and postmodern are later variations of this style. Below we will explain more about some styles and movements that influence the style:
- German and Scandinavian Architecture and Design: Also known as Bauhaus, the German school of design directly influenced the Modern Style with the belief that art, decorative art, and architecture would match with functionality.
- Modern Art: The Modern art movement emerged in response to Maximalist design; for this movement, form followed a function, which inspired the Modern Style interior. From the 1920s until the early 1950s, new technology, industrialization, and access to construction materials like steel and concrete also influenced modern art and architecture. This period saw the emergence of a clean-lined, open-concept design with flat roofs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spacious interiors.
3. Modern Style Main Characteristics
We already shared some of the main characteristics of the Modern Style, which highlights the clean lines, geometric form, and natural materials – but now we will go further and explain a little bit more about how it approaches the interior.
- Clean lines
Modern interior design evokes simplicity, and clean lines are one of the main characteristics. The designs with this Style present clean, straight lines and less adornment. Remember, the key to this style is to keep it simple, which is why less can be more here.
- Neutral Colors
Regarding the colors, white, beiges, and earth hues rule in modern interiors. The choice of colors aims to emphasize the natural materials and keep the space simple and clean. The palette color of a modern interior will always highlight monochromatic and nude hues.
- Natural Light
Modern interiors aim to make the space feel more airy and open, and for that, the help of natural light is always welcome in these layouts.
- Floor plan concept
The key to a modern design is to keep it simple – so fewer walls are better. This style highlights the open floor plan concept – furniture and accessories can be an excellent choice to delimit areas in an open space.
- Natural Materials
Modern interiors highlight using natural materials, such as stone, wood, and leather.
- Functional choices
One of the modern style principles is that the form should follow usability. Regarding interiors, most decorative pieces and furniture have a purpose.
4. Difference between Modern and Contemporary Style
Modern or Contemporary? Both words can be related as synonymous, but when regarding interior styles represent two different movements. The Modern Style comprehends the period of the early to mid-twentieth century. At the same time, the contemporary doesn’t have a specific period cause it is constantly evolving as the people, culture, and times change – reflecting the style in vogue in the present. In other words, we could say that the contemporary style highlights what is happening at a specific time, which is also a fluid style that changes as society evolves. Conversely, the modern style will always be identified by the same aesthetic that highlights nude hues, clean lines, and balance.
Now that you know what modern style is, check out an example of how this style can be applied to the interior by reading the article Ideal Modern Home Interior in Greentown Trees Villa.
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Source: MasterClass
