A modern home look is a sought-after aesthetic because it brings to mind feelings of simplicity and open space, with organization. Here are a few simple tips to help design a streamlined look and feel.
Declutter: Every modern home design begins with clutter-free space. If you already have furniture and personal items, begin by going through every drawer, closet, and surface with a mission to donate, store, or dispose of things that you have not used or looked at in a year or more. Ask yourself: Do I need it? Do I use it? Is it working? If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, you can probably put it out of sight.
Clean surfaces open up space to display essentials used every day. Keep in mind, not everything used needs to be displayed. If you do not have storage space in a closet, drawer, garage, or basement, consider purchasing furniture that serves a dual purpose, such as a storage bench, or a bed that has drawers under it. It’s a multi-functional way to maximize open space and camouflage items that you wish to hide.
Purchase Essentials in Neutral Colors: Budget-friendly basic furniture pieces tend to already come in neutral colors: shades of black, white, grey, tan, or brown. The goal of most furniture manufacturers and home décor vendors is to sell products to a wide variety of customers. Therefore, they usually select common color palettes to go with most peoples’ homes and existing furniture. Choose items with clean lines and shapes.
Experienced designers may start with an accent or favorite color in mind, but it can be easier to buy the essentials first, so the space doesn’t become overcrowded. Minimalism is the goal. Select each piece of furniture or artwork thoughtfully. Will you need this item? Do you have space for this? If you buy this, will the room feel crowded? Also, ask yourself if it is timeless, and if it matches the materials and colors you already have.
Haphazard purchases of sale items without keeping in mind existing or soon-to-be repainted/reupholstered areas will not help. Having fewer items on display in an area that has furniture, flooring, and window coverings, helps everything tie into each other, too.