Modern interior design: The basics

by Pierre C. Rumpf 02/07/2022

While the term “modern” is frequently used to describe anything "new," modern interior design is a specific style that originated in the early twentieth century. Modern interior design is a versatile starting point for anybody wanting to redecorate part or all of their home. Here are some of the basic elements of modern interior design:

Common characteristics

If you like simple and uncluttered spaces, a modern design might be perfect for you. You can use modern interior design in any size or shape of floor plan. If you want to incorporate it into your home, here is a checklist of some key characteristics:

  • Lack of “fussiness” or embellishments
  • Low-sitting horizontal furnishings like sofas and benches
  • Minimal window treatments to allow maximum natural light
  • An emphasis on natural materials such as wood, metal, leather and natural fibers
  • Reflective surfaces made of chrome, glass or stainless steel
  • Neutral color palettes
  • Exposed structural elements like concrete or wooden beams
  • Straight lines rather than curved lines

Modern vs contemporary

Modern design and contemporary design are frequently mistaken for one another. While they share a great deal of features, it's important to know the differences that set them apart. Modern design is a more specific term referring to a design movement in the early twentieth century. Contemporary design is much more fluid and contains many trends combined with modern elements.

For example, contemporary design includes more ornamentation and embellishments on furnishings. Contemporary furniture pieces have curves rather than hard edges, and the color palette favors dramatic contrast rather than neutrals.

These are just the basics of understanding modern interior design. If you're inspired to try modern interior design in your home, remember these essentials to use as a starting point.

About the Author
Author

Pierre C. Rumpf

Broker Profile: Pierre comes from a diverse background. His adolescent and early adult years found him working for his father, a renowned structural engineer, and his brother, an architectural designer and general contractor. His knowledge of construction design (architectural & structural) and practices is significant. He coupled his construction background with his considerable sales experience, by becoming licensed to sell real estate in Massachusetts in 1986.

Pierre is also a licensed Attorney in the Commonwealth, who formerly worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office as a litigator in the Victim & Witness Assistance Division of the Family & Community Crimes Bureau, litigating cases involving victims of violent crime, and since then has had his own legal practice.

For decades, Pierre has excelled in helping buyers of real estate find that condo, single-family, multi-family, lot of lands, or commercial property they desire to buy, or by effectively marketing his clients’ properties to sell their property for the most amount of money possible. His professional background embodies the ideal combination of construction, sales, negotiating, and contract drafting, which is essential to actualizing his clients’ goals and/or dreams. He does all of this with attention to detail, integrity, and success.

Since 1995, PCR Realty has helped buyers and sellers make their transactions as successful as possible. Using a consultative approach, PCR Realty approaches each experience as a unique opportunity for its clients. As a full-service real estate brokerage firm, PCR Realty provides leading-edge services for buyers & sellers.

When it comes to successfully navigating today’s complex real estate market, you need to work with someone who has the experience and commitment to see it done right. PCR Realty excels at matching buyers to sellers. From state-of-the-art marketing to an experienced broker, PCR Realty works diligently to far exceed your expectations. PCR Realty invites you to learn more.