Modern Decorating Tips for Spring 2012

Clean, sleek lines dominate the modern decor style.

You’ve probably heard of the terms modern, traditional or country chic when it comes to decorating styles. However, not everyone knows the difference between the various decorating and design styles. The modern design style’s focus is on geometry and angular shapes. Clean lines dominate the design style, and sleek furniture is common. Here’s a quick reference guide about the clean-lined modern design style and how to incorporate it into your apartment.

Colors
Modern design incorporates a neutral color scheme. White walls prevail in a modern space, which is perfect for apartment living if painting the walls is not an option granted in your lease. Furnishings, accessories and fabrics also sport neutral tone-on-tone color schemes.

Furnishings
Clean, sleek lines are important when considering furnishings in modern design. The clean lines reflect a delicate balance of simplicity and comfort. While traditional design incorporates bulky furniture and wood elements, modern design has an overall slimmer silhouette. It incorporates elements of metal, chrome or glass. Furniture is free of decorative trim, detailed wood carvings and other embellishments.

Fabrics
The fabrics you choose should also be neutral in color, as it will add to the overall look of the room. However, a way to liven up the room using fabrics is to add texture. Purchase or sew your own fabric drapes for window treatments. You can also incorporate textured, neutral colored fabrics into throw pillows. For furniture fabric, popular choices for modern design include leather, cotton, canvas and linen.

Finishes
Surfaces in a modern space are sleek and smooth. Floors are usually concrete or linoleum, and chrome and stainless steel are common for furniture, as well as in the kitchen.

Accessories
Part of modern design is a minimalistic approach. This allows for the artwork to be the focal point of your space. Consider the elements of modern design when buying artwork and accessories for your apartment. Accessories made from glass, metals, stainless steel and chrome will work best. Have one item that stands out, and have the other accessories blend into the room. If you add framed art to the walls that are serving as your main accessory, add spotlights to add visual impact.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/sergey02