Modern Interior Style

Modern interior style has its roots in constructivism from the early 20th century. The contemporary look we are familiar with today emerged roughly from zero, when the 1990s trend for flashy interiors gave way to functional and comfortable furnishings. Overall, modern style is eclectic, lacking strict rules, and furniture and decor items can easily be swapped without compromising the general concept.

This interior direction is probably the most democratic among all existing styles. Today, we will tell you what to adopt, which furniture and finishing materials to use if modern style is what your home needs.

Style DNA

When and where it appeared: in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century.
Style foundation: mass-produced furniture and decor items, natural materials, hidden storage, functionality and convenience.
Famous names: Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.

5 Rules for Decorating an Interior in Modern Style
1. Layout can be any

Modern interior style is primarily focused on small spaces. Studio apartments, complex layouts with many curves, boxes and niches – a modern style interior fits everywhere and with proper approach can even correct the most inconvenient living space.

2. Use Natural Eco-Friendly Materials
Despite the total trend to fill homes with "smart" devices and gadgets, modern style is a longing for natural eco-friendly materials. For wall finishing, use flannel wallpapers – they are just as environmentally friendly as paper ones but far more elastic and durable. For example, Italreflexes Empire Dream will fit perfectly into a modern interior. Light, non-loft brick can also be added to the finishing. Old Caravista Blanco is a good example.

For floors, laminate or parquet – light with neutral patterns, like ABLux Maple White. A stylish flooring solution in modern interiors is small hexagonal tiles or "honeycomb" patterns – for instance, Toscana Tridi Negro.

3. Choose Quality Furniture of Mass Production
Hidden storage systems are a key requirement for modern style interiors. Use platforms, built-in wardrobes, sofa-transformers – anything that allows you to organize the space of an apartment or house wisely.

In soft furnishings, the emphasis is on interesting forms and convenient construction. Sofas, armchairs, side tables and console tables are not angular, and rarely decorated. We found perfect items in the product catalog of the Design Center and Interior "Expobuild on Nakhimovskiy".

For special subdued lighting, the glass of this lamp is covered with small decorative cracks.

A pair of ultra-modern chairs designed by Philippe Starck will decorate any modern interior.

A salmon-colored sofa in linen upholstery is neutral and yet quite capable of becoming the center of a modern living room.

A modern, light and very cozy sofa created by British designer Ian Archer invites friendly gatherings.

Funny glass clocks with a "collapsed" dial are an excellent accessory for a kitchen or living room in modern style. A bright chair on thin metal legs looks modern and very feminine.

Want to add accents to a modern interior? Why not do it with knitted poufs in uplifting colors?

Transparent chairs – the trick of modern interiors and a real find for small apartments.

The feature of this bed is its deep turquoise color and simple but very comfortable construction.

Modern interior style is characterized by quality mass-produced furniture, among which there are already items of cult status. For example, Victoria Ghost chairs in modern style designed by Philippe Starck and Visavis by Antonio Citterio have become beloved by designers all over the world and are now furniture classics.

4. Color Palette: Neutral Background + Color Play

Color choices in modern style are neutral tones (beige, olive, cream, gray, white), moderately diluted with bright accents. Background colors don't have to be monochromatic; simple geometric prints like small rhombus, chevron, or plaid fit well into this style. Add prints to the interior via wallpapers, such as Italreflexes Parkour or Axiom, or through curtains, cushions, and bedding.

Bright accents in modern interiors can be introduced using paintings, armchairs in vibrant upholstery, or colorful minimalist lamps. We like Leucos EOS S Rosso. Add color play, use contrasting tones, ombre, interesting patterns. To avoid overdoing it, ensure that neutral colors dominate more than bright ones.

5. Variable Lighting
Lighting in modern style can be organized in several ways. It is acceptable to make it hidden, using only recessed ceiling lights. Alternatively, hang a large chandelier in the center of the ceiling, for example, Leucos LILITH S, and support it with several table lamps or wall sconces in minimalist form. Retro chandeliers with Edison bulbs, like in the Gramercy Home ceiling fixture, also blend organically into modern interiors. Heavy symmetrical light fixtures with lots of decoration are better avoided in such interiors.

Want to decorate your interior in modern style but don't know where to start? At the Design Center and Interior "Expobuild on Nakhimovskiy", you can buy all necessary materials and get a free consultation from a professional designer. Book your appointment now!