Modern interior design is an intricate design style that has fascinated homeowners and designers for decades. Rooted in simplicity and functionality, it emphasizes minimalism, clean lines, and the use of natural materials.
The modern interior design style often shares a strong resemblance to both the Minimalist interior design style and the Scandinavian interior design style, while also being confused with Contemporary interior design style. In this guide, we will dig deep into the origins of modern design, explore its key elements, and provide actionable tips on how to incorporate this style into your home. This will also provide a clear and in-depth understanding of what defines the modern interior design style, helping you distinguish it from other styles.
What We'll Cover
ToggleWhat is Modern Interior Design Style?
Modern interior design is characterized by a “less is more” philosophy. It is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette. It focuses on function and form, emphasizing minimal decor and practicality and the use of neutral elements and organic materials.
This style is not to be confused with contemporary design style, which evolves with current trends. Because, modern design refers specifically to the style popularized in the early to mid-20th century, which emerged as a reaction against the overly decorative and ornate styles of the Edwardian and Victorian era. Since then, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a clean, uncluttered, organized, and aesthetically pleasing living environment.
History and Origin of Modern Design
The concept of modern design was born from a desire to simplify design, focusing on clean and uncluttered lines, practicality and usability, as well as organic materials. Modern interior design style originated in the early 20th century as a response to the highly decorative and ornamental styles that were popular during the Art Nouveau and Victorian periods. The industrial revolution played a significant role in shaping modern design style, introducing new techniques and manufacturing materials like glass, steel, and concrete.
The Bauhaus Movement (1919–1933)

The Bauhaus (German for ‘building house’), was a German art school (1919 to 1933)
The Bauhaus School was located in Germany and was known for its innovative approach to design, which combined fine arts with crafts and technology. It was led by Walter Gropius, and introduced functional and minimalist design, where form follows function. This movement favored simple geometric shapes like triangles, squares, and circles and emphasized simplicity in color schemes, often using basic colors like white, gray, and beige. The movement also mainly focused on functional design, abstaining from ornamentation.
De Stijl Movement (1917–1931)

The De Stijl movement was founded by Theo van Doesburg and Piet Mondrian, and was inspired by the destruction of World War I.
The De Stijl Movement was a modern art movement that originated in the Netherlands. It was a style that stressed on simplicity and abstraction, and was expressed through architecture, design, and painting. De Stijl art used primary colours like red, blue, and yellow, along with black and white, and used geometric shapes, especially rectangles, and emphasized on horizontal and vertical angles. De Stijl was a reaction against the decorative excesses of Art Deco. It reduced interiors and furniture to their most basic geometric forms and primary colors. Designers like Gerrit Rietveld created iconic pieces such as the Red-Blue Chair, focusing on balance and harmony.
Mid-Century Modern Era (1945–1965)
The Mid-Century Modern era was a design movement that took place from roughly 1945 to 1965. It was a period of great change in design, architecture, and graphics. The design characteristics of this era include simplicity, use of warm colours, and geometric shapes. Mid-century modern era represented the simple, optimistic way of life at the time. The use of materials like molded plywood, fiberglass, and plastics became popular during this era. Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen created iconic furniture that remains popular today. The designs were nature-inspired and made modern interiors accessible to everyone.
Modern Design in the Post-Industrial Age (1960s–1980s)
During the post-industrial era, modern design prioritized innovation, pragmatism, and simplicity. Designers’ creations were both practical and fashionable by avoiding unnecessary embellishment and using simple designs. Products became lighter, less expensive, and simpler to manufacture because of new materials like fiberglass and plastic. While social changes fostered creative and environmentally conscious concepts, technology inspired revolutionary designs. Designers like Verner Panton and Charles and Ray Eames rose to fame by producing contemporary, useful designs that are still in style today.
Contemporary Adaptations (1990s–Present)
Modern design changed during the 1990s to accommodate modern lives, merging in perfectly with minimalist, Scandinavian, and industrial design elements. Although the fundamental ideas of simplicity, functionality, and clean lines did not change, there has been a discernible move in favor of technology and sustainability. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo, repurposed wood, and energy-efficient solutions became more and more important to designers. The style became cozier and more intimate, combining open areas, neutral colors, and organic textures to create peaceful surroundings.
Key Elements of Modern Design Style

Image Source: The Spruce
Clean Lines

Image Credit: Ly Anh Thi (ATviz)
At the heart of modern design there lies clean, straight lines and geometric forms. Furniture and architectural elements often feature minimal ornamentation, focusing on sleek and polished finishes. This emphasis on simplicity ensures that every element contributes to a cohesive, uncluttered look.
Minimal Home Decor

Image Source: Andrea Calo
Modern interior design style prioritizes quality over quantity. The decor is kept very minimal, with carefully selected pieces that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. This approach not only reduces visual clutter but also enhances the overall sense of openness in the space.
Neutral Colors

Image Source: Quagga Designs
A hallmark of modern design is its dependence on neutral colors. Shades of black, white, beige and gray dominate the palette, creating a calm and balanced environment. These neutral tones provide a versatile backdrop that allows for the occasional pop of bold or earthy colors through accessories or accent pieces.
Open Floor Plan

Image Source: Maison Valentina
Modern design thrives on the concept of open, airy spaces. The layout consists of dividing the different spaces with furniture rather than with walls. This encourages a seamless flow between different areas, such as the living room, bedroom, dining area, and kitchen. This type of floor planning maximizes natural light and fosters spaciousness.
Low level Furniture / Silhouettes

Furniture in modern interiors often features low profiles with clean, horizontal lines. This design choice contributes to the overall sense of modernity and helps maintain a balanced, harmonious look. Low level furniture also emphasizes the height of the space, drawing the eye upward and enhancing the room’s dimensions, making it look bigger and spacious.
Indoor – Outdoor Connection
Modern design blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows, sliding glass doors, and the use of natural materials help create a smooth transition, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside. This connection not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of well being and tranquility in the space.
Natural Material / Elements

Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and leather adds warmth and texture to modern interior design style. These elements create a balance with the sleek, minimal aesthetic, adding meaning to the space. The use of natural materials also reinforces the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
Industrial Elements
Industrial elements such as concrete floors, exposed beams, and metal finishes, add a raw, unpolished look to modern interior designs. These features provide a subtle contrast to the otherwise clean and polished surfaces, introducing an edgy, contemporary vibe to the space.
No Fluff Design
Modern design is all about functionality. Every piece, from furniture to decor, serves a purpose. There are no unnecessary frills or embellishments, ensuring that the space remains practical and efficient. This no-fluff approach reinforces the minimalist ethos of modern design, where form follows function.
How to infuse Modern design style into your interior space?
Declutter and Simplify
The first step to adopting modern design is by decluttering. Removing unnecessary items to create a clean, open space. Focus on keeping only essential pieces that serve the purpose and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the room.
Use a Neutral Base
Start with a neutral color palette for your walls, floors, and larger furniture pieces. This creates a serene backdrop that allows for flexibility in incorporating different textures and accents.
Prioritize Functionality
Choose furniture and decor that are both functional and stylish. Opt for pieces with clean lines and minimal ornamentation, ensuring they align with the principles of modern design.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring warmth and texture into your space by using natural materials like wood, stone, and plants. These elements add beauty and character, creating a balanced and inviting environment.
Embrace Minimalism
Keep decor to a minimum, focusing on simple, elegant pieces. Avoid overcrowding your space with too many accessories or decorative items, and let the beauty of the design shine through.
Ideas for Incorporating Modern Interior Design Style Into Your Home
Living Room
Make the living room a display of modern design. Select a sofa that is low-profile, neutral, and has straight lines. Include a centerpiece, such as a striking pendant light or chandelier. Keep the décor simple and add a few sculptures or works of art to complete the ensemble.
Kitchen
Blend design and functionality for a modern kitchen. Opt for handleless cabinets in muted colors. For a clean look, use appliances that match the cabinetry and a basic subway tile background.
Bedroom
Design a serene and tranquil bedroom space suitable for modern design style. A streamlined platform bed with a basic headboard establishes a modern atmosphere. Opt for a neutral color scheme for the bedding, incorporating texture with throws and cushions. Integrated wardrobes or minimalist storage solutions maintain the functionality and tidiness of the space.
Bathroom
Merge practicality with a spa-inspired ambiance. A floating vanity promotes a sense of space, while a frameless glass shower introduces a chic, modern element. Keep accessories to a minimum, prioritizing essentials such as a soap dispenser or toothbrush holder.
Modern Vs. Contemporary Design Style
While the terms modern and contemporary are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Understanding the distinction between the two can help you curate a space that truly embodies the design style you desire.
Modern Design Style
As we’ve covered, the term “modern design” describes a certain style of design that arose in the early 20th century and was largely impacted by the Bauhaus, and mid-century modern movements. Modern design steers clear of too ornate elements in favor of functionality, minimalism, and clean lines. With a focus on using natural materials and establishing a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor areas, the style is based on minimalist design, low-profile furniture, and neutral color schemes.
Contemporary Design Style
Contemporary spaces might incorporate a variety of elements, including sleek lines, open floor plans, and natural materials, but they are not bound to the historical principles of modern design. A contemporary space can blend multiple styles, creating a dynamic, trending environment that feels fresh and relevant to the current moment.
The difference is that contemporary design refers to the current trends and evolving styles of the present time. While it shares some similarities with modern design, it is more fluid and keeps changing, adapting to the latest trends.
In short, modern design adheres to a set of established principles of functionality and decluttering unnecessary items, while contemporary design is more about what’s popular today.
It draws inspiration from modernism, minimalism, Art Deco, and various global influences, blending these styles seamlessly without emphasizing any single one.
FAQs
Why is modern design style mistaken for contemporary design style sometimes?
The confusion between modern interior design and contemporary interior design style arises because both share several key characteristics. Both prioritize open spaces, clean lines, and a minimalist approach. Additionally, the use of neutral and muted colors, organic elements, and practicality is common in both the design styles. However, the key difference lies in their origins and evolution. Modern design refers to a fixed period, from the early 20th century to the 1960s, whereas contemporary design is constantly evolving and reflects current trends.
Is modern design style considered as an evergreen design style?
Yes, modern interior design style is often regarded as an evergreen and timeless style. Its focus on clean lines, functionality and minimalism makes sure that it stays adaptable and relevant over time. Unlike other styles that may fall out of trend, the practical nature of modern interior design allows it to withstand the test of time, making it one of the classic choices in the interior design industry.
What is the difference between modern and mid-century design style?
Mid-century design style can be considered a subcategory of modern design style. The two styles are almost similar when it comes to valuing function over form, emphasizing on clean lines, minimalism, and use of natural elements. But the key differences between both these design styles is that mid-century design style utilizes bold pops of colors and decorative accents in the room focusing on giving a retro vibe to the space, unlike modern design style that keeps the decorative element to the minimum.
What type of spaces are ideal for modern design style?
Modern design works well in a variety of spaces, from apartments to large homes. However, its open, airy nature is especially suited for spaces with large windows and abundant natural light. Modern design also works well in urban lofts, where the industrial aesthetic can be complemented by sleek, minimalist decor.
Some examples of spaces where modern design excels include:
1. Living Rooms: Spacious and uncluttered, with simple, low-profile furniture.
2. Kitchens: Featuring clean lines, open shelving, and sleek, functional appliances.
3. Bedrooms: Minimal, with a focus on comfort and functionality over decoration.
4. Offices: With a minimalist approach that helps foster productivity and focus.
What design styles complement modern design style?
While modern design is often seen as a standalone style, it can also be successfully paired with other design aesthetics. Some complementary styles include:
1. Mid-Century Modern: A natural pairing, given the overlap in their historical roots and design principles. Mid-century modern’s use of organic forms and bold accents blends well with the clean lines and neutral tones of modern design.
2. Industrial: The raw, exposed materials of industrial design can add contrast and texture to the minimalist nature of modern interiors, creating an intriguing balance between sleek and rugged.
3. Scandinavian: Often categorized under modern design, Scandinavian style emphasizes functionality, natural materials, and simplicity. It pairs seamlessly with modern interiors, particularly with its emphasis on neutral colors, wood accents, and clean lines.
4. Art Deco: For those seeking a bit more glamour within a modern space, Art Deco’s luxurious materials, bold patterns, and geometric shapes can provide a striking contrast to modern design’s minimalist approach, adding sophistication to the space.