Among the most popular interior design styles that Americans continue adopting is Modern. Simplicity, functionality, and neutral colors define it.
In many ways, the modern style is a direct contrast to its opulent predecessors and co-occurring styles between 1918 to 1950. For example, many individuals started to adopt Art Deco in the 1920s.
Thus, people could pick between decorating like The Great Gatsby or Scandinavian simplicity.
Interior design eras result from the circumstances of the time. When the World Wars raged, Americans had to make sacrifices. The government needed materials to build artillery. Thus, Americans cut back on luxuries.
The American Industrial Revolution brought more decor options to the masses. They didn’t have to wait for new products to become available in large quantities.
Britain saw its industrial revolution in the late-1800s. The mass-production of goods meant that the public could purchase items previously reserved for royalty and the upper crust. The public might not obtain the originals, but they could purchase close versions of them.
Despite the access to ornate goods, some individuals opted to decorate in simplistic tones.
How to Decorate in Modern
Elements of modern decor include:
- Open floor plans
- Neutral color palettes
- Uncarpeted floors
- Geometric patterns
- Functional furniture
Plus, the furniture, furnishings, and decor have geometric shapes and lack the frills.
Therefore, a modern living room will consist of German Bauhaus school-inspired chairs, square center tables with built-in storage, and rectangular luxury rugs over bare floors.
This design style stays away from clutter and trinkets. The rooms can still feel warm and cozy. Moreover, individuals can invest in high-end pieces since they will purchase less furniture, furnishings, and decor.
Newer American homes have open floor plans. Thus, their architecture lends to modern decor style. To create rooms within rooms, interior designers use rugs. The borders of the tapestries serve as the borders of the spaces.
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Individuals can create a bar area, dining space, and workplace in an open floor living room by strategically placing rugs.
Those interested in acquiring a modern rug can find a healthy selection at Lawrence of La Brea.
To understand this design style more, let’s look at 5 interesting tidbits about the history of modern interior design.
1. Founder
Modern interior design doesn’t have a sole founder. Instead, it has influencers.
Some see this style as a philosophical movement that stems from abstract principles that opposed romanticism, the Renaissance, and realism.
Keep in mind that interior design comes from art and architecture. Therefore, artists and architects influence interior design trends too.
2. Time Period
This interior design style is specific to the 1920s through the 1950s. It’s not a direct offshoot from Modernism. Although it has similar elements.
Moreover, the style led to mid-century modern from the 1950s to the present time.
3. Influence
The modern interior design draws its influences from the Scandanavians and Germans.
In particular, the Scandanavians emphasize functionality. The United States and Europe adopted their influence from what they saw in Scandinavian architecture.
For this culture, weather played a large role. Since their exteriors remain cold and dark, they sought to brighten up their interiors.
4. Form Follows Function
The German and Scandinavian roots of modern interior design delivered ruthless editing. Form Follows Function means that anything that doesn’t serve a purpose doesn’t belong in the room or house.
Form follows function became a guiding principle for this design trend. It encourages individuals to pick furniture, furnishings, and decor based on its function not how it looks.
However, it doesn’t evolve. Other designs can, such as contemporary, but not modern.
5. Modernism vs Modern
Modernism took place from 1880 to 1940 during the modernist movement. It focused on the simple and clear. Leading figures include Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Eero Saarinen.
Researchers point out that Saarinen influenced chair and table designs.
Modern design takes simple and clear principles a step further. It encourages individuals to purchase the pieces that they need and nothing more, especially if it doesn’t have a function.
Conclusion
Several individuals enjoy the modern interior design style for their homes. It favors a frills-free, minimalist design. Since it stays away from over-decorating, individuals can invest in high-end furniture and decor including rugs. Plus, many homes have open layouts that benefit from the decorating style.
