Published by Programme B
The living room is the most inviting place in your home. This is the room where you entertain guests and relax after a long day. It’s also a great place for you to try new things and express your creativity through design. However, with all the different trends and styles that have evolved over the years, it can be overwhelming to choose and stick to a cohesive style. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your lifestyle and make your space feel classy, a modern living room design is the way to do it.
A modern space is defined by its use of clean lines, neutral colors, and simple decor elements. Each item in a modern space should serve a specific purpose. That’s the fun part about modernity: Finding things that are as functional as they are stylish. Here are the top 16 tips to help you build the modern living room of your dreams.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Bold Furniture
Bold-colored furniture shouldn’t intimidate you. Showing your vivid-colored statement piece against stark white walls is a stunning look for your home. The white allows the vibrant furniture to really stand out. This is a slightly unconventional approach to modern design, which is the perfect way for you to express some creativity and make it your own.
2. Install an Electric Fireplace
Take the classy, chic style of modernity up a notch with an electric fireplace. These are an excellent way to add a bit of dimension to your living room. Use it as extra decor space by adding a few accessories, or leave it plain to embrace the sleek, minimalistic style. An added bonus is the coziness the fire will add to your space!
3. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Floor-to-ceiling windows are a signature feature of traditional modern architecture. While you may not be able to replicate this exact look in your space without construction, you can add a thick border around your window to make it appear bigger. You should also leave your windows open to allow more natural light into your space.
4. Accent Lighting
Many modern rooms are centered around a single striking accent, and lighting is an excellent place to start. A sculptural statement lighting fixture can add a playful element to an otherwise straightforward modern space. Consider a starburst fixture, which is a quintessential modern shape.
5. Low-Slung Furniture
Give your living room a decidedly modern vibe by incorporating simple, low-slung furniture. “Low-slung” means the furniture sits close to the ground, which makes it look more minimalistic. Materials are critical: Look for leather, marble, iron, and other tactile elements that exemplify the modern, minimalist aesthetic.
6. Create a Hybrid Look
The most effective spaces are often a combination of two slightly dissimilar but complementary styles. Try using a mix of furniture and decor that incorporates elements of both styles. For example, the couch and light fixtures could be more contemporary, while the accent chairs and curtains are used to add a touch of contemporary flair.
7. Artwork That Adds Dimension
Don’t feel obligated to use only statement paintings and photographs as wall art. Make a statement in a small living room with something three-dimensional and/or abstract. The more variety you incorporate into your selection of wall art, the more exciting your modern living room will be.
8. Embrace Small Spaces
Modern design is well-suited to small living spaces, thanks to its “less is more” style. Incorporate a monochromatic, white color palette and simple furniture to help open up the space. Another tip is to incorporate a large chic mirror because the reflection will make your space look a bit larger.
9. Take Advantage of Natural Light
Floor-to-ceiling windows are a signature feature of traditional modern architecture. While you may not be able to replicate this exact look in your space without construction, you can add a thick border around your window to make it appear bigger. You should also leave your windows open to allow more natural light into your space.
10. Include Subtle Bohemian Elements
Skilfully incorporate some bohemian design elements using throw pillows, blankets, and an area rug. Modern Bohemian adds a certain warmth to the space, which is perfect for people who feel that modern design is a little “stiff.” As long as you have a beautiful living room that incorporates modern and bohemian design, you don’t have to sacrifice one style for the other.
11. Add Muted Southwestern Elements
Another great way to relax modernity if you feel it’s a little stiff: Add warmth with some Southwestern-inspired elements. You can keep the minimalist furniture and neutral color palette and add warmth with Southwestern-inspired elements, such as patterned throw pillows and rattan accessories. Though incorporating these elements will require some thought, the final product will look super stylish and chic in an effortless sort of way.
12. Incorporate Natural Elements
Modern homes are ideal for natural materials and tend to feature plenty of exposed wood, beams, and brick. Instead of painting, consider refinishing the wood on your fireplace mantel, ceiling, or windows. If you don’t have exposed materials like these in your home, try using a wallpaper that mimics the same style.
13. Utilize Tonal Colors
Modern doesn’t mean you can only have white walls! Don’t be afraid to paint the walls tonal color. A dark blue or sage green shade can make simple furniture look more elegant and polished. It’ll simplify furnishing tremendously, as you’ll be able to shop for complementary pieces within a neat, tonal palette.
14. Add a Stylish and Functional Fireplace
Adding a fireplace to your space may seem like a huge renovation. However, you can still inject some stylish warmth into your space with an easy-to-install wall mount electric fireplace. This gives your space a cozy vibe while still keeping a clean and modern aesthetic.
15. Get Creative With an Accent Chair
Accent chairs can elevate your space to a new level. They allow you to add a bit of contrast and flair, while also tying the room together. It’s also a great way to incorporate a more soft and simple but complimentary couch. This is a great option for people who want a balance of comfort and style in their space.
16. Use Trendy Greenery
If you’re looking for a look that combines modernism with a trendy aesthetic, look no further. The use of greenery is perfect to soften a modern look. Whether it’s oversized trees or smaller potted succulents, plants are the perfect way to breathe some life into modernism and create a more relaxed environment.
17. Embrace Scandinavian Vibes
Modern design meshes extremely well with Scandinavian decor. In fact, the modern style we know today actually has roots in Scandinavian architecture. If you want to go for this aesthetic, be sure to use natural fabrics and lots of throw pillows to break up all of the Scandinavian whites.
Your Modern Living Room
Modern living rooms are a great way to elevate your space. This design style is a great way to balance comfort with style and is versatile enough to make it your own. Upgrade your life and start shopping for modern decor today!