Planning to update your decor with a fresh and modern new look? Check out these home decorating tips for carrying out a contemporary makeover on a budget.
“Modern” interiors are often confused with cold and minimalistic but modern and fresh can actually mean comfortable and welcoming when done right. Feel your home is too cluttered and dark? Does your home look the same even after years of living in it? Do you think your home already looks and feels boring? If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, it might be time to give your home a fresh modern look. And, you don’t have to worry because this task will not require you to break the bank.
Here are some ways you can decorate your home with a modern fresh look, starting with the basics. Also don’t forget the exterior either and be sure to check out vinyl siding cost for a great option.
The basics of a modern and fresh interior
A modern style of decorating is defined by simplicity, subtle sophistication, deliberate use of texture, and clean lines. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things and the result is fresh and inviting. It’s vital that you understand the premise of what a modern look is so you’ll have an idea on how to decorate your home.
Restraint
One of the key things to remember when giving your interiors a fresh and modern new look is to practice moderation and restraint. Choose a clean palette and then add one or two statement pieces.
Lines
Strong visible lines are evident in any modern space and can be found in architectural details, use of bold color blocks, high ceilings, bare windows and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture.
Space
The bare space on walls, between pieces of furniture, and above upper areas is an important element of modern design. Less is more, allowing each piece to stand out as individual and unique.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a large property for you to achieve a modern look. If you own a small home, spend some time to declutter and remove unused or damaged items from your home. You’ll be surprised at how spacious your home will look once you’ve gotten rid of unnecessary items!
Color
Neutrals, black, grey and white are the main colors in modern interiors. Black is often used for grounding and defining while walls of neutral create a wonderful backdrop to bold-colored accessories. Check out Dulux for the latest color ideas and trends and make sure to shop around for house painting quotes if you’re not planning on doing it yourself.
Light
How you position your lighting and the fixtures you use can manipulate your home’s atmosphere. Lighting should reflect the function of the space and therefore change from room to room. Track lighting and recessed lighting help to wash your walls in light while cove lighting and indirect light help to add interest. Spotlights or uplights can draw the eye to art or the pieces you want people to focus on.
Smooth floors
Floors in a modern home should be bare and smooth – think wood, stone, tile or vinyl. If you must use the carpet for warmth or sound control, choose commercial grades and add color or texture with plain or geometric-patterned area rugs.
Texture
Generous use of metal, stone, and glass is encouraged in a modern space but to create balance it’s important you add textured fabrics in plain colors. Fussy prints should be avoided but a heavily textured striped rug will complement the other elements and will look great when paired with solid-colored sleek furniture.
Greenery
Succulents, moss, grass, and branches offer an organic look that’s perfect for bringing a touch of modern freshness to your space. Edgy palms and eye-catching focuses also look great and are some of the easiest and quickest ways to liven up your decor.
If you have a hard time maintaining real plants, opt to decorate your home with dried flowers from well-known brands such as Milla Rose instead. Dried flowers won’t wilt, which means that you’ll be able to maintain your home’s look for months with minimal effort when you use these.
Sleek silhouettes
Sculptural task lamps and streamlined furniture pieces are a must in modern design. If you feel the look is too harsh, you can offset the sleekness with floral and paisley accessories and layering or a statement upholstered a mid-century-modern chair.
Taking modern design one step further
Once you have the basics of modern interior design down pat you can take your fresh new look a step further with these top tips:
Mix old and new
Old and new belong together and a mix of modern pieces with antiques will never die. Very few people decorate with furniture sets these days and the most impactful design combines elements from multiple periods, styles and places. Choose an inspiration piece and then build from there.
If you’ve been keeping an antique table, for example, use it in your living area and pair it with modern-looking sofas or couches. You can also mix and match classic and modern patterns in your wallpapers and carpets as long as these have similar hues or colors.
Add a touch of whimsy
Wicker is an element that is loved for its texture, versatility, and affordability. The hand-woven effect makes every wicker item feel unique and despite being light it’s weather-resistant and durable. Wicker baskets are functional and whimsical and great for housing both indoor and outdoor patio plants.
Invest in art
Art has a way of instantly transforming a space so if you’re after a modern and fresh feel, invest in some illustration wall art. Go to galleries to get a feel for what you like and search the Internet for artists you’ve never heard of. Set a budget, get to know your living spaces, and understand that size does matter.
Investing in different pieces of art will make your home more interesting and appealing. This is especially true if you choose to use huge pieces of art as your decors as these can become the focal point of your rooms.
Use tall furniture
If you don’t have the luxury of high modern ceilings, create the illusion of height with tall pieces of furniture. Other ways to create height include uncovering the ceiling’s architectural skeleton, using recessed lighting, painting the ceiling white and removing crown molding.
Indulge a bit
Giving your home a fresh and modern new look on a budget is doable but it’s worthwhile splashing out on an item or two if you really fall in love. Having a couple of statement pieces you truly love will make you feel much more excited about your fresh new space.
Knowledge Is Power
Your home is likely one of your most important investments, which is why it’s completely acceptable if you want to exert time and effort to ensure that it looks good. But if this is your first time to give your home a makeover, consider this article as your guide so the entire process will be easy for you!
