Are you a square? If so, then it’s time to get your cube on with modern style!

Ah modern, it can often be confused with contemporary or industrial, but what makes it stand apart? Modern nods to the Machine Age which includes the late 19th century and early 20th century. Then, machines were all the rage and the coolest, new thing. For all you nerds like me, when computers, the atom bomb and transistors came into being in the late 1940’s, the contemporary era began moving past mechanics as the once high technology. Let us explore what makes spaces modern. 

Tip#1: Structured Order: Repeat-ability and predictability is the source of comfort for modern style. Whether a space is symmetrical or in a grid formation, structured order is what differentiates modern style from any other and is the most imperative element. Color and themes persist not just through a room but throughout an entire house. 

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Tip#2: The Glass Box: I’m in a glass case of emotion…… for modern style. Nothing can overshadow the surrounding view and modern rooms won’t even attempt to, lending themselves to it instead, reflecting the outer landscape. Floor to ceiling windows and doors and vaulted ceilings bring the view into focus. 

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Tip#3: Materials In the Raw: Like contemporary style, modern spaces are constructed of all natural materials. Whether it is wood, metal, concrete, glass or plastic, materials are brought to a natural finish with no embellishments. Cabinets are flat and surfaces smooth and streamlined. 

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Tip#4: Bringing the Outside In: Modern architecture tends to be structured around the surrounding outdoors. Large, expansive windows that reach the ceiling, glass doors, adjacent outdoor rooms, decks, patios and courtyards; the indoor/outdoor flow is pivotal to modern style. 

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Tip#5: 90 Degrees: Geometry is a big part of modernism particularly squares and 90 degree edges. Squares are a repeatable pattern that tends to permeate in modern spaces as they bring both straightforward structure and symmetry without pomp. 

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Tip#6: Expansive Layouts: Modern spaces should feel big and echo-ey. This openness tends to involve the outdoors. Large canvases work in these airy layouts housing modern art, nothing realistic or too distracting as well as large light installations and scaled furniture. 

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Tip#7: Minimalism and Modern Furnishings: Choose your accessories with great care and ensure they are on theme because decorations and ornamentation should be sparse. Hide your things or lose them because minimalism is everything. Furnishings should feel futuristic whether shelves and surfaces are floating and seating or pieces are one of a kind.  

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Tip#8: Sleek Shine on a Strict Palette: The modern style palette is even more restrictive than contemporary. Often times, modern style promotes a palette of white and one other color which is why black and white style hits its stride in modern spaces. Surfaces are plain but high gloss and polished, metals are light and brushed or stainless. 

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Exterior Style: Hello cubes! Check out some stylin’ exteriors of modernism. 

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We have covered a lot in the Establish Your Style Series: Traditional, Hollywood Glam, Eclectic, Contemporary,Industrial  and Rustic. Next up will be Coastal.

Stay saucy,

Jenn