Contemporary design has its roots in modernism, the turn-of-the-century movement characterized by an emphasis on abstract thinking, functionality, and sharp, simple forms.
1. German and Scandinavian Roots: You can trace the origins of modern design to German Bauhaus design and Scandinavian design. Also known as the Staatliches Bauhaus, the Bauhaus was a German school of design and subsequent art movement in the early 20th century that married art and functionality in the visual arts, decorative arts, and architecture. The modern design aesthetic of the Bauhaus school includes minimalist functionality and experimentation with form.
2. Modern Art Influence: Modern home design grew out of the modern art movement, which rejected the maximalist tendencies of Victorian design in favor of a form-follows-function philosophy. New technology, industrialization, and the availability of building materials such as steel and concrete also informed modern art and architecture from the 1920s to the early 1950s. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, open living areas and flat ceilings became the dominant style of this era.
3. Lasting legacy: By the end of World War II, young architects had begun to criticize the stark nature of minimalism. In the 1960s, minimalist sensibilities began to give way to a rebirth of ornamentation and postmodernism. Yet the legacy of modernism lives on in iconic buildings and as an inspiration for contemporary architecture.
1. Clean lines: Modern homes are designed with clean, straight lines and minimal embellishment.
2. Minimal home decor: Modern spaces are free of clutter and unnecessary flowers. Modern interior design prioritizes functionality over fashion.
3. Neutral Colors: Modern style eschews bright colors in favor of a monochromatic, neutral color palette. Think white, beige, grey, black and pastel tones.
4. Open floor plan: Use furniture instead of walls to separate the spaces in an open plan home. For example, a kitchen island can separate a kitchen from the dining room, and a sectional sofa can add definition to an open living room.
