Have you ever looked at a photo on Houzz and thought, “How did they get it to look so perfect?” We all have! The secret to creating a stunning and magazine-worthy space is making the many individual choices that create a cohesive overall design. When trying to design a new space, homeowners often want to create it in a modern style but get off track when they see something they like that isn’t in alignment with their goals. As a result, the design is muddied up without realizing it and doesn’t quite achieve the look they were after.
To help you pull off your beautiful design, we’ve created this short guide to keep you on track and give you the information you need to create your own HGTV home.
Keep Things Open
Modern-style homes are all about openness. This is the basis for all of your design decisions from here on out. When it comes to lighting, furniture spacing and design, countertops, window treatments, and everything else, they should all make the space feel more open.
The Color Pallet
Choosing your color pallet is a crucial step in beginning your design. Stick with whites, grays, and beiges that will aid in your goal of a bright and airy modern space. Maybe even create a color pallet mood board on Pinterest to use it as a reference as you make your selections for furniture, paint colors, hardware finishes, and everything in between.
Quality Over Quantity
Modern design emphasizes the quality and value of each piece, whether that be furniture, artwork, lighting, or tools we use daily, like spoons and TVs. So rather than having lots of furniture in a room, stick with a few well-thought-out pieces that make a statement.
Furniture Pieces
Focus on furniture that feels luxurious without making the room feel crowded. Clean lines and simple colors are the way to go for a truly modern space. Keep an eye out for metallic finishes for a hint of industrial feeling in your modern room.
Invite the Light
With large windows and non-obtrusive window covers, modern design has its arms wide open to natural lighting. When choosing window coverings, keep this in mind and look for something that can fold up and away and still be bright and simple when down.
Clear the Clutter
Functional spaces like kitchens shouldn’t be seen with Kitchen Aids and spoon holders on the countertops. Instead, keep your flat surfaces clean and clear of all clutter. This also includes coffee tables, dinner tables, nightstands, and TV stands. To achieve this look, it’s vital in your design to consider ample storage space so everything can be tucked away.
Ideal Counter Material
Speaking of countertops, solid color quartz or lightly marbled granite or stone is a perfect choice. If you want to go for a more industrial look, concrete is a great option as well. Just be aware that it can get expensive and has different maintenance needs than stone or quartz.
Let Loose with Tile
Tile can be a fun part of any kitchen or bathroom remodel. When it comes to modern design, simple and clean is an option, but a kitchen tile backsplash can be a place where you could decide to make a fun choice! A unique pattern or color could be a way to add personality or a splash of interesting color.
Simplistic Cabinet Doors
For your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, it’s essential to stick with a slab door design or something very similar to reduce the busyness of the cabinetry. As for paint color or stain, a white, gray, navy blue, or even black could work perfectly! The color of your modern cabinets is a bit more flexible. Just remember that typically a modern design is more on the monochromatic side. Meaning, if you pick navy blue cabinets, try to incorporate navy blue into your other furniture so it all comes together uniformly.
Make a Statement with Lighting
Lighting fixtures in modern spaces are typically bold and make a statement. Either with their exciting and unique design or with their bright yet soft light. There are endless options for modern lighting, but when looking into the finish, stick with shiny materials such as chrome.
Find a Place for Everything
Find simple storage pieces to hide away all of life’s messy hobbies. This includes cords from TVs, gaming consoles, and stereos; they should be hidden in the wall or kept behind the furniture piece it sits on.
To Sum Up
A monochromatic color pallet, clean and simple lines, bright and airy spaces, and no clutter. Stick to these guidelines, and you’ll end up with a stunning modern design in your home. Of course, these are just guidelines, and if you put your own spin on it and break some rules,
that’s okay too, as long as it’s done thoughtfully and intentionally. In the end, you’ll have a space that mirrors your personality and style. And who knows, maybe one that ends up as someone else’s design inspiration.
