From retro bungalows to utilitarian lofts, modern interior design styles have the power to transform a boring home into a living piece of art. This article will show you a few of the coolest design styles, ranked by popularity, so you can decide which style fits the look you want to achieve. With a little creativity and an appreciation for design, you can create your own picture-perfect living space.
6 Modern and Cool Interior Design Styles to Transform Your Home
#1. Mid-Century Modern
Ask two people for the definition of modern interior design, and you’ll get two different answers. “Modern” encompasses any décor between the twentieth and twenty-first century. Despite this range, “modern” evokes a picture of clean lines, open spaces, and sleek furniture.
The first and most consistently popular form of modern design is Mid-Century Modern. This is the original definition of “modern, the ” and it continues to inspire interior design styles today.
First conceived in the 1950’s, this style is defined by natural, yet simple, shapes. Smooth, molded wood is a common feature with this style’s furniture. Common pieces include molded plastic and plywood chairs, the Noguchi table, and the Eames Lounge Chairs. If you don’t have the budget to purchase these classics, don’t worry. Mid-Century Modern’s popularity has made look-alikes available just about anywhere. You can also hit up resale shops for authentic pieces.
Mid-century Modern is a very clean style, so try to accessorize sparingly with boldly-colored glass pieces or brass wall art. If you really want to dive into this style, consider pasting wallpaper to an accent wall. Combined with crisp, white paint, this can be an impressive centerpiece.
#2. Urban Modern
For a more contemporary rendition of Mid-Century Modern, consider Urban Modern. Inspired by urban paradises, Urban Modern living spaces include open spaces, lots of natural light, tall ceilings, and varying materials such as hardwood or brick. Urban Modern furniture takes a few notes from Mid-century Modern while replacing many of the wood features with steel. Although the urban furniture is often large yet sparse-looking, you can soften the look with a luxurious shag rug or heavy throw.
Like Mid-Century Modern, accessorizing should be minimal yet powerful. Try large print geometric pillows and paintings with bold splashes of color. Get creative with your accessories. The best Urban Modern rooms are a mix of unusual ethnic sculptures and sleek modern designs. Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match materials, such as brass and wood.
#3. Industrial
Industrial design began as a massive renovation project. Old, abandoned buildings were brought back to life, housing creative individuals attracted to open floor plans, massive levels of natural light, and the industrial charm of historic buildings. Since then, Industrial has become one of the most popular interior design styles of the twenty-first century.
True industrial design can feel stark in its simplicity. This style uses original industrial metals, exposed pipes, and weathered hardwoods. Grays and muted tones are prevalent; however, a space can be warmed up with rich browns, such as leather couches and stained wood.
Even if you live in a new building, you can add vintage charm by incorporating old-world items, such as steel bar stools, a hand-scraped dining table, and accent shelves with galvanized pipes.
#4. Scandinavian
If you live in an area with long winters, consider decorating with the Scandinavian style. Scandinavian interior design styles have influenced our culture for years, dating back to the original Mid-Century Modern. Fresh and bright, Scandinavian design provides a living space that is simple yet welcoming. This style uses mostly light, low-grained woods, such as ash and beech. Like Mid-Century Modern, the furniture is clean-cut and simple. Although less popular, Scandinavian furniture is readily available, thanks to stores like IKEA and Dania.
The Scandinavian style is inviting. You can add color and interest by accessorizing with mixed materials, such as light wood, brass, or polished aluminum. To give you a glimpse of Spring in those long winter months, furnish the space with potted plants. Look for cozy, unique textiles like woven linen, hand-knitted blankets, and soft faux fur throws.
#5. Coastal
Coastal is very similar to Scandinavian but with a nautical twist. The Coastal style is light and airy and incorporates lightly weathered, pale hardwoods with bright white walls. Coastal furniture is large and plush, leaning towards lighter color schemes with cool accents.
Natural elements are key to a stellar Coastal design. Try scattering pieces of driftwood or seashells throughout the house. Sisal rugs and wicker accent pieces bring the beach indoors. You can add more nautical art, such anchors, compasses, or sea-themed patterns, but try not to overdo it.
Finally, accent colors personalize your design. For a more tropical coastal theme, use bright accent colors, such as coral or bright blue. For a West Hampton’s look, stick with cool greens and blues.
#6. Industrial Chic
Industrial chic is growing in popularity and could easily become one of the most prevalent interior design styles of our decade. If you appreciate the utilitarian design of Industrial but desire a more inviting space, Industrial Chic could be the perfect style for you. Industrial Chic is the marriage between Industrial simplicity and Farmhouse nostalgia. The furniture still consists of large pieces and galvanized frames, but can be softened by elegant throws and luxurious shag rugs. Adding a few creative pillows with muted patterns or witty texts can soften the masculinity of the traditional industrial furniture.
Additional accessories could include plants in vintage planters, a combination of bronze and chrome metals, and weathered inspirational signs.
Bottom Line
Modern interior design styles emulate clean, spacious rooms, simplistic furniture, and unique ideas. Understanding the different styles of modern design is helpful, but remember that your home should represent your style. Don’t worry if you can’t emulate the look completely. Think outside the box and combine ideas. The end result could be an all-new interior design style that inspires others.
