If your living room is feeling dull or lackluster, elevating your living space to have a more modern and sleek feel is your solution. Modern decor seamlessly blends style with functionality, creating an ambiance that feels timeless but also in the moment.
From the muted perfection of neutral tones to the boldness and power of a few carefully placed statement pieces, our 13 tips will transform your living room into a modern masterpiece. Crafting a living room that transcends time and trends while reflecting your personal taste and style, is the perfect way to decorate a space you're sure to feel pleased with.
Modern decor is defined as distinct features that, together, create a sleek, clean and sophisticated aesthetic. As decor trends evolve and experience fluctuating popularity, modern decor shines in its timelessness. Still, the term "modern" is frequently misused in the realm of interior decoration. Its confusion with the contemporary style is fairly widespread.
However, the modern style that we encounter today actually stems from a design movement that originated at the cusp of the 20th century. This present-day modern style in furnishings and decor pays homage to natural materials, employs neutral or earthy tones and embraces a minimalist approach by removing excessive embellishments. While contemporary styling can encompass a diverse color palette, the modern style more strictly adheres to monochromatic hues.
If you're allowed to paint your walls in a rental (make sure to check with your landlord first), this is a great way to set the modern tone in your space. Whether that be a crisp off-white or a cool grey, neutral wall tones can shift the space from feeling dull to more modern in a few paint strokes.
An open display shelf is a great way to combine clean lines and functionality. For a rustic modern look, try a wooden ladder propped up against the wall and adorned with your favorite decor items.
Modern living rooms often feel too simple. Add visual interest to the space with textures like a natural rug. A faux cowhide rug, furry rug or even a woven jute rug can break up the monotony of neutral tones and minimalist furniture while maintaining a stylish and inviting atmosphere.
By incorporating a simple floor lamp into your modern living room decor, you create a well-lit and visually appealing space. This piece offers some creative freedom when it comes to choosing the style of the lamp.
A statement art piece serves as the visual center of attention in your living room. It's the first thing that catches the eye when someone enters the room, which sets the tone for the entire space. This is important in modern design, where bold and captivating art piece breaks the monotony of minimalism and adds intrigue.
Acrylic and glass pieces are a great option for working with a limited color scheme. For example, a transparent coffee table creates sleek sharp lines while naturally matching the colors around it. Acrylic furniture is also inexpensive and is easily repurposed in other rooms.
Part of the modern aesthetic is the newest and freshest technology. Smart devices complement modern spaces well and seamlessly integrate into the sleek and minimalist design. Think smart lighting, speakers and other on-trend appliances.
Introduce modern geometric patterns through rugs and throw pillows to infuse a contemporary vibe. Choosing a pattern that resonates with your personal taste is a great way to add personality to the space as well.
Mirrors are great decor pieces that naturally reflect light which helps the space feel larger. On top of their benefits related to room size, they're also neutral when it comes to fitting a color scheme. (And if you liked the one we featured two photos up, we linked to one similar to it here.)
Wooden furniture is a staple when it comes to monochromatic living rooms. The natural color of the wood often seamlessly fits into the feel of the room, while remaining a timeless piece with repurposing opportunities in other decor themes down the road.
Negative space, which is defined as the intentional creation of empty spots, is a common theme in modernly decorated spaces. Less is more in a modern living room, so purging unnecessary decor items and furniture is a must.
If you struggle to fill large open shelving and want to utilize wall space, opt for wall-mounted storage, like floating shelves. This also creates more negative space, helping give your space a more modern feel.
Picking one color and using varying shades is the most common theme found in modern decor. The easiest way to go about crafting your color scheme is to select a base color and gather shades, tints and tones of that color. Create depth with contrasting light and dark variations by consulting paint experts or using color templates on Pinterest and other design platforms.
Incorporating these tips can help you craft a modern living room that exudes style and functionality while maintaining your unique personality. With these tips and recommendations, you can easily achieve a modern living space that embraces both contemporary aesthetics and your unique preferences — even without hiring an interior designer.
Remember, modern design is about embracing simplicity and purposeful pieces, resulting in a space that feels efficient and effortlessly up-to-date. Find your dream apartment to make your modern muse today!
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She's passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she's not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.