Modern Interior Design Ideas
From LoveToKnow Interior Design
One of the top places to find fresh, modern interior design ideas is Maison et Objet, the “Paris Fashion Week” of the home world. Each January interior designers, furniture dealers, magazine editors, and trend setters from around the globe descend upon the French capital to discover what is next in the world of home design.
The Paris collections cover the entire spectrum of traditional through contemporary, always building upon trends from the years before. Unlike fashion design, which tends to change from season to season, interior design transforms more gradually. If you choose the proper pieces, you don’t need to redecorate every season. Instead, just a few small changes to your design scheme every few years will make your home seem current and up to date.
Top Trends
Over the past few years, lasting trends have included:
- Clean, modern lines
- Bold prints
- Bespoke touches that make pieces special and unique
- Multi-use furnishings
Consumers are becoming more conscious about the quality of their purchases. The key is to spend a little extra on big items, like a sofa or a bed. Ensure that you invest in neutral [[Basics of Color Design colors]] and shapes then change your accessories every few years to keep yourself out of an interior design rut.
Modern Interior Design Ideas
Here are a few trends that are here to stay. If not forever, they will be around long enough to ensure that your children will be begging for your hand-me-downs when they move into their first apartment.
Scandinavian Lines
Simple, clean lines define the Scandinavian design approach, guided by functionality, natural materials and minimal ornamentation. These pieces are so popular today because they can be paired with traditional antiques or ultra contemporary pieces. When looking for simple, Scandinavian furnishings there are several different options--from inexpensive at IKEA to pricier, lasting pieces from iconic designers at Scandinaviandesign.com. There are many Scandinavian design aficionados in the furniture world and, if you are interested in learning more, there is a plethora of information waiting online and in the library.
Bold Prints
The new bold fabrics are inspired by Uzbek folk art, Suzani patterns, and former-Soviet-Union-style motifs. This global look adds a lot of punch for very little investment. New throw pillows, a fun tablecloth, or accessories, like a set of Russian nesting dolls, will be enough to update your look and add a sense of movement and playfulness to your interiors.
Look for these fun patterns at stores like Anthropologie.com.
Bespoke Touches
"Bespoke" denotes a product that is custom-made to the buyer’s specification, such as a tailored suit. Custom furnishings and accessories are the ultimate in luxury, but if your budget is small, there are still options that will make your home look beautifully tailored. Look for subtle touches, like covered buttons on pillows, refined fabrics, one-of-a-kind upholstered antiques re-covered in a modern fabric. Other finishing elements, such as fabric-lined drawers and hand-embroidered linens can lend an air of elegance to your spaces.
Multi-Use Pieces
Whether you currently live in a small apartment or plan on downsizing, multi-use pieces are perfect for anyone in need of a little flexibility. When designing a small space the key multi-purpose items to invest in are convertible sofas, nesting tables, storage cubes that can double as ottomans, and storage cabinets that can hold everything from extra kitchen equipment to electronics. Some of the best places to find multi-use designs are WestElm.com, CB2.com, and BluDot.com.
Trickle Down Effect
Modern interior design ideas trickle down from design shows like Maison et Objet, Salone de Mobile in Italy, and High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina. While the majority of goods showcased at these design shows are the top of the line, trends and concepts trickle down in the market until they are incorporated into furnishings and accessories that make it affordable for you to add a few updated ideas to your decor every few years.
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