Characteristics of Modern Interior Design Style

In describing interior design, we tend to throw around the term “modern” a lot, but are we really using it correctly?

A lot of times modern and contemporary are used interchangeably, but they do have distinct differences. Modern interior design style  actually was born out of a design movement at the turn of the 20th century. Contemporary interior design style is more about what is popular in the here and now and not tied to any specific era.

Here are 7 characteristics of modern interior design style:

1. Simple and unadorned

Influenced by German and Scandinavian architecture and design, modern interior design style is simple and unadorned. The most important quality of this style is being functional. Form always follows function.

2. Natural materials and earthy tones

Modern interior design usually also includes the use of natural materials and neutral or earthy colors. Think unpainted wood, metals, leather and monochromatic colors.

3. Clean Lines

In modern style architecture and interior design, the emphasis is on fewer curves and more clean horizontal and vertical lines. Structural elements like concrete or beams are also often left exposed.

4. Uncluttered Spaces

If you need uncluttered spaces to keep your stress levels from sky rocketing, then you will love the modern interior design which emphasizes uncluttered spaces. If something doesn’t have a purpose, then it is not added.

5. Natural light and unadorned windows

In modern designed homes, natural light is very important so lots of windows are important, but they are typically unadorned.

6. Simple, functional furniture

Modern furniture like architecture emphasizes simplicity and function. In modern style homes, you will usually see low, horizontal furnishings with clean lines. And the furniture is usually made of natural materials like unpainted wood, leathers, steel, chrome or glass.

For furniture to be considered modern, it also has to be made of smooth surfaces and have very little ornamentation. Back at the beginning of the modernism movement, furniture factories were just started to get popular, replacing hand-carved, detailed pieces.

7. Monochrome color palette

With a modern design usually a monochrome color palette is used. The main colors are typically black and white with some primary colors (yellow, red and blue) to complement the monochrome color palette.

How cowhide can complement the modern interior design style:

A more neutral palette, the unique combinations of black and browns you find in cowhide can bring a note of elegance. Even rooms dressed in modern combinations of grey, black and brown can be enhanced with a touch of cowhide.

A cowhide rug typically comes in black and white, brown and white, speckles and brindle. Each cowhide has a unique pattern that no other hide shares, making it a unique feature in your home.

Here are some ways to accentuate your modern décor with cowhide:

Soften a room of metal and glass. If your modern sensibilities prefer glass and metal throughout the home, there is a danger of veering too much to a hard industrial feel. You still want your home to be comfortable for your daily habitation as well as inviting to your guests when they come over to hang out. A cowhide rug can be that element that softens the feel of the room and adds a touch of luxury. With the variety of colors and patterns available in cowhide, you can really play with it and find the perfect combination. In addition, cowhide is soft to the touch so if you dress up your floor with a cowhide rug or adorn a wall with it, your space will definitely feel warmer. And when your fingers or toes sink into the soft, buttery skin, you can’t help feeling like it is a special indulgence.

Brighten up a neutral palette. Sticking to a neutral palette has many benefits, but it also risks the danger of looking drab and dingy. Cowhide with its unique shades and combinations of blacks, browns and whites and its rich texture can make an interesting focal point in an otherwise simple room. Instead of looking too plain, your room will look warm and inviting with the addition of cowhide on the walls, floors or even as the fabric of our couch or reading chair. Just one element of cowhide in the room can really transform a space. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring if you know how to layer color and texture correctly for the best effect.

Add romance to the bedroom. Your bedroom should always be an oasis away from the stresses of daily life. It should also be a warm, inviting space for romance to ignite. Don’t let clutter or hard surfaces prevent the sparks of romance from stirring. If your bedroom itself is causing you a stress, then you have a problem. Imagine instead a cowhide rug in front of the fireplace in your boudoir. Wouldn’t that be the perfect spot for some wine and cuddling? Or you could use the rug as a throw blanket to snuggle under together. How cozy! Even bedside cowhide lampshades can add a quirky romantic vibe to any room. Have fun with it.

Tone down bright colors. Okay, so you can’t resist bright yellows, reds, pinks and blues and the brighter than better. Does that mean you can’t experiment with cowhide? Absolutely not. Contrary to what you might assume, cowhide does not clash with bright colors. The blacks, browns and whites in cowhide can actually keep bright colors from appearing too garish. The truth is, they go really well together. Don’t be afraid to get creative with color and texture.

Also, don’t be afraid to add other accessories into the mix like painting and mirrors or plants. It won’t appear too busy if you are careful to keep a balance of color and texture in the space.

The bottom line is to not to be afraid of mixing and matching cowhide with your modern décor. Play with color and texture. There is no right or wrong, just your personal aesthetic. It is good to put your personal stamp on your home. You can’t go wrong with cowhide, and your family and friends will love the touch of elegance and richness it adds to your home.

Call Cowhide Outlet today or visit their website to learn more about their quality cowhide.