Epic Home Ideas

  • About
  • Contact
  • HOME
  • Interiors
    • Interior Design
    • Home Decor
    • Kitchen
    • Living Room
    • Dining Room
    • Bedroom
    • Bathroom
    • Flooring
  • Exteriors
    • Exterior Design
    • Garage
    • Gardening
    • Roofing
  • Home General
    • General
    • Design Software
    • Home DIY
    • Polls-Quizes
    • Product Reviews
    • Recommendations
    • Renewable Energy for Home
    • Celebrity Homes
  • Home Improvement
  • Home Architecture
  • Real Estate
You are here: Home / Interior Design / 40 Modern Style Interior Design Ideas – Picture Gallery
I may earn a small commission if you buy through the links in this website without any extra cost to you. My Recommendations however are not biased in any way.

40 Modern Style Interior Design Ideas – Picture Gallery

Written By Glenn Prescot

What do you have in mind when you think of modern style interior design? Some people might think of all-white color schemes, or concrete and metal. Others may think of industrial lofts, towering high with distressed brick walls, wrought iron windows, and one-of-a-kind furniture. These examples are entirely contrasting, yet they are both considered modern.

modern style home interior design

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ultimately, there is a reason why everyone’s idea of “modern” is entirely different. There is no wrong way to go about modern interior design.

This is because “modern” is technically not a style at all until it is combined with a partnering influence. In fact, there are only a handful of features that are consistent across all modern interior design styles.

Table of Contents

  • Features of Modern Style Interior Design
  • Most Popular Modern Interior Design Styles
    • Mid-century Modern Style
    • Industrial modern Style
    • Scandinavian Style
    • Bohemian Style
  • Summary
  • More Modern Style Interior Design Ideas
    • Modern Style Bedrooms
    • Modern Kitchens
    • Modern Living Rooms
    • Modern Style Bathrooms
    • Modern Foyers (Entryways)

Features of Modern Style Interior Design

Modern interior design, in all its variations, has three overlying features:

modern storage idea

Source: http://www.dannykuo.com/staircase.html

1) All modern spaces focus on simplicity in some way. Whether it lies within the aesthetics, or the function of the space, this is a consistent feature. An example of aesthetic simplicity is clean lines, squared furniture, and an overall uniform look within a space. Functional simplicity could be hidden storage in innovative places, multi-purpose appliances, concealed furniture, and more.

modern geometric coffee table

Source: http://www.moodymonday.co.uk/2015/04/shapes-and-geometry-in-interior-design/

2) Next, interior design uses geometric shapes to create interesting features. This could be done with décor, furniture, architecture, patterns, or in a multitude of other ways. Sometimes these geometric features are more subtle, and sometimes they are a focal point. This all depends on the sub-style used in the space.

modern style kitchen

Source: http://www.retreatdesign.com.au/

3) Lastly, every modern space is developed around a sense of pragmatism and progressive thinking. Often times, this is done by incorporating cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly materials, and multi-functional features into the design, like the modern kitchen illustrated above.

Most Popular Modern Interior Design Styles

This article will cover four of the most popular styles of modern interior design, describe their most definitive features, and explain their purpose and origin. The four types of modern design include Mid-Century, Industrial, Scandinavian, and Bohemian interior design. For each style we will show you also example pictures to get a better essence and description.

Mid-century Modern Style

mid-century modern style

Source: http://dudeliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/mid-century-modern.jpg

This form of modern interior design is influenced greatly by the flavors of design used primarily in the 1960’s and 70’s. Some may venture to name this style “retro-mod”, an interesting combination considering “retro” is defined as a style of the past, and “modern” is defined as a style of the present, or even a style of the future.

midcenturystyle6

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/amandamiller218/mid-century-modern-design/

Mid-century Modern or Retro-Mod design can be identified by a few easily identifiable traits. First, the furniture is often low-slung, allowing for attention to be drawn upwards by only the décor and oversized retro fixtures.

Eames lounge chair

Another method used to achieve this style is using Eames inspired furniture in the design (see above). Charles and Ray Eames invented the first machine able to bend plywood into a curve that could be used for furniture. This resulted in the production during the 1950’s and 60’s of several iconic furniture pieces. One of these is the Eames lounge chair, which is likely the most commonly known mid-century furniture piece.

retro features in modern design

Source: http://www.impressiveinteriordesign.com/modern-industrial-interior-design-definition-ideas

Mid-century design also uses more obvious retro features. For example, the use of the staple colors of the 1960’s and 70’s is quite common as well. These colors are mostly jewel tones like mustard yellow, avocado green, eggplant purple and tangerine orange. Other common retro décor includes items like sunburst mirrors, paisley fabrics, shag carpeted rugs, and wood-paneling.

Industrial modern Style

industrial modern loft attic room

Source: http://www.mytechref.com/172708fde7a44b2c.html

Industrial modern interiors are increasingly popular, especially in loft apartments and industrial buildings. Usually found in large cities, these spaces are quite the spectacle. The purpose of this type of design is to create beauty by using what was once placed entirely for function. By utilizing an industrial space’s existing ductwork, pipes, and electrical work, designers are able to shed light on the natural beauty of the space. Industrial design can be identified by several components.

exposed pipes industrial design

Source: http://www.trendir.com/brutalist-style-architecture-exposed-pipes-as-a-decor-feature

One key feature, as mentioned before, is exposed plumbing, ventilation, and electrical components. Sometimes these components will be painted to help them blend with the design, other times they will be left as is. Either way, this is one of the key features of industrial design. While some may find this to be unappealing, others find it to be the most beautiful part of industrial design. Similar to the restoration of historical buildings, designers of these industrial spaces breathe life back into what was once beautiful. Or in this case, what was once simply functional.

industrial-kitchen11

Source: http://picmia.com/1531844-industrial-farmhouse-kitchen-here-i-like-the-modern-island-but-the-rustic-beam-and-recycled-lighting

Another feature that is often used in modern industrial design is the use of concrete, metal, and wood to define the space even further as a functioning beauty. Concrete countertops, wrought iron window mullions, and oftentimes refurbished wood floors are common staples in this style.

old-chairs-stools12

Source: http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/13d12bff0e9613f6_14-1529/loft-kuhnya.jpg

Vintage furniture and accessories are also used in industrial design quite often. Sometimes when an industrial building comes under new ownership, furniture from the structure’s past uses is made available. Rather than throwing out the old furniture, many industrial modern designers will restore the furniture, and find new use for it in the space.

Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian design style

Source: http://www.aplusstud.io/

Scandinavian or “Scandi” interior design is defined by its functionality, bright spaces, and use of white or natural wood furnishings. Especially popular for use in kitchens, this style has come a long way in recent years. Clean lines and a fresh, bright feeling are important components of this style. Honest use of natural materials and impeccable craftsmanship are equally important when using this style of modern design.

Scandinavian modern kitchen

Source

One of the most definitive features of Scandi design is the use of white walls and flooring. This is important for making the most of natural light in a space, which happens to be another important feature of this style.  Large windows, skylights, and the use of white to reflect the light combine to create the sense of serenity and simplicity which Scandinavian design offers.

sophisticated-scandinavian-furniture-ideas15

Source: http://wallsizeq.com/

Another key feature of Scandi interior design is the use of wood. Grey oil is often used to remove the yellow colors found in most natural woods. This also plays on the pure white style mentioned previously. Wood is used often used to panel walls, usually in a horizontal fashion to make rooms feel more spacious and open.

scandinavian-attic-room16

Source: http://www.evermotion.org/tutorials/show/9609/making-of-modern-living-room-tip-of-the-week

Form and function both play important roles in Scandinavian design. Form utilizes simple shapes and clean lines, which also applies to furniture and architectural elements. Function is equally important, and allows the inhabitant to live without added stress and clutter. Everything should have a place in Scandinavian spaces. Similarly, these designs should lack accessories and extra decorative items in order to allow the simplicity of the space to lead the way.

Bohemian Style

Bohemian style modern design

Source: https://www.steinberg.us.com/people/charlie-diaz-gutierrez/

Bohemian or “boho” modern interior design is also increasingly popular. Known for its’ eclectic and colorful features, bohemian design has found its way back to the top of the design chain. Bohemian modern spaces are often designed around the goal of creating a feeling of wanderlust and adventure. Bohemian style emerged in the late 60’s when all things conventional became dull, and adventure spiked the veins of all who longed to stand against the norm. Like something out of a fairytale, bohemian modern design is truly one of the most interesting styles out there.

Bohemian style

Source: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/interiors-entertaining/g5555/boho-chic-interior-design-ideas/?slide=17

To fully understand the meaning behind this style, it is important to consider the origins. People who considered themselves “bohemian” were often wanderers or travellers, often-times collecting interesting and beautiful things during their travels. Bohemian styles often include elements from other cultures and time periods. It is also important to understand that mixing objects from these differing cultures and time periods is encouraged in this style. Mismatched items, distressed materials, and bright colors are used to make the space feel warm and cultured.

bohemianstyle19

Source: http://designfile.architecturaldigest.com/photo/exotic-media-game-room-judith-lance-stephen-samuelson-calabasas-california-201109-2

Another key feature of modern bohemian design is the use of textiles. Wall tapestries, macramé, rugs, pillows, canopies, and many more textile products should be combined in the space to complete the look. Many bohemian designs contain areas for relaxation, usually containing many textiles. A mountain of pillows with varying patterns, colors, and textures beneath a sheer or macramé canopy will often do the trick. It is also common for bohemian spaces to mismatch furniture. Perhaps the dining room table could be surrounded by several different chairs, each with their own history.

Summary

The differences between these sub-types of modern design are large to say the least. While Scandinavian style encourages a lack of accessories and décor, bohemian style encourages the designer to collect as many accessories and decorations as possible. While Mid-century modern brings one back to the days of paisley, industrial design encourages the use of innovation and technology, even exposing the bits and pieces which usually hide behind the scenes. However, while these styles are contrasting, they all point back to the main components of modern design.

More Modern Style Interior Design Ideas

Let’s see some more images of modern style designs for extra inspiration:

Modern Style Bedrooms

bedroomshutterstock_90571249

modern-bedroom-shutterstock_37067791

modern-bedroom-shutterstock_118129426

modern-bedroom-shutterstock_181015433

Modern Kitchens

modern-kitchen-shutterstock_37067758

modern-kitchen-shutterstock_43891264

modern-kitchen-shutterstock_174947018

Modern Living Rooms

modern-living-room-shutterstock_119752720

modern-living-room-shutterstock_122294059

modern-living-room-shutterstock_150192164

modern-living-room-shutterstock_159901475

modern-living-room-shutterstock_177811412

modern-living-room-shutterstock_191001125

Modern Style Bathrooms

modern-bathroom-shutterstock_28010068

modern-bath-shutterstock_173479247

Modern Foyers (Entryways)

bigstock-foyer-in-modern-home-10904297

foyer-modern-home-shutterstock_31218409

foyer-modern-home-shutterstock_32038711

foyer-modern-home-shutterstock_39153091

foyer-modern-home-shutterstock_66607354

foyer-modern-home-shutterstock_162335150

 


Related Posts

  • Some FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About Wall Paneling for Homes
  • What Color Wall Paint Goes With Brown Furniture – Some Design Ideas
  • What Color Furniture Goes With Hardwood Floors – Design Ideas with Photos
  • Best Paint Colors for Nursery Rooms – Design Ideas with Photos
  • How Much Does it Cost to Furnish a House – Living Room,Bedroom,Kitchen etc
  • What Color Sofa Goes With White Walls – Design Ideas With Photos

Filed Under: Interior Design

About Glenn Prescot

I'm Glenn Prescot, an Interior Designer originally from Kansas USA and now living in Europe. I am a fan of DIY, home design, gardening and anything related to home interiors and exteriors. I'm also interested in crafts and Home Improvement projects.

I have been in the home design industry for more than 17 years. I love decorating and transforming spaces so that people living in them are happy and pleased with their space.

Have a look around and I hope you'll like the content and ideas in this website!!

Here is my more detailed Profile.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search this site

Recent Posts

  • 6 Different Types of Soil for Gardening – How to Identify and Improve Each Type
  • 6 Great Alternatives to HardieBacker Cement Board
  • Landscaping with Rocks vs Mulch with Pros and Cons
  • Comparison of WonderBoard vs GoBoard Used as Tile Backer Boards
  • Comparison of Manufactured vs Modular Homes with Pros/Cons

Amazon Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Copyright © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Contact | About | Terms of Use | Disclaimer/Disclosure | DMCA Notice | Amazon Disclaimer

20 shares