In one way or another, this year has tested us. It’s tested our motivation, hope, and patience at several points. The good news is, positive change starts from within—how about we start with your home interior?
A home makeover with modern furniture pieces can usher in a sense of new beginnings, and we can’t think of a better time than now to update the homes we’ve dwelled in more than ever before.
To help you renovate your home interior, here are some of the most modern furniture design trends and décor styles.
1. Coastal
Key elements:
- Cotton or linen furniture fabric in neutral hues (e.g., white, light gray)
- Nautical motifs (e.g., pops of blue, rope accents, themed art)
- Airiness (e.g., open space, exposed-leg furniture, semi-sheer drapery)
If you’re looking for small living room design ideas, look no further. This décor style is defined by open spaces cultivated by exposed-leg furniture and a light color palette—not to mention nautical accents, including decorative conch shells, sailor-striped throw pillows, cotton rope baskets, or ocean-themed wall art.
In terms of furniture, light-hued wood finishes—like gray oak, taupe, and whitewash—create depth and can even make a small room appear larger. Mainly, however, the key to accentuating this theme is through texture. Furniture upholstery fabric and throw pillows in linen, canvas, and cotton complement twine accents and soft colors like sandy beige, creamy ivory, and faded blues.
Appropriately named, the Coast to Coast Accents™ brand offers elegant pieces with clean lines to complement the minimalistic coastal style.
2. Eclectic
Key elements:
- Harmony through contrast (e.g., different furniture styles with a core palette)
- Gallery wall
- “Clutter with a purpose”
You’ve surely heard of minimalism, a.k.a., scanty décor with a neutral color palette. In 2020, we urge you to adopt a décor style that is a little more interesting—how about eclectic design?
Defined as having no rules, eclectic design often involves mismatched furniture, contrasting textures, bold statement pieces, and plenty of framed wall art. That being said, in an effort to avoid turning your living room into an eyesore, there are a few things to keep in mind.
To create unity in a busy room, stick to a core palette. And when it comes to modern furniture design, bold monochromatic pieces (like a bright blue sofa) are kicking brown leather recliners to the curb. But if you still crave patterns, let your area rug and throw accents, including pillows and blankets, do the talking.
If you like knickknacks, we say, pick only a few and abide by the Cantaloupe Rule, meaning, do not decorate your surfaces with objects that are no smaller than a cantaloupe melon.
3. Industrial
Key elements:
- Reclaimed-wood furniture and accent décor
- Black metal furniture hardware
- Exposed-bulb lighting fixtures
When it comes to this modern furniture design trend, we can’t help but think of downtown cafes with exposed beams and a brick accent wall. Beyond these two elements, it might be helpful to think of industrial décor as bringing a “repurposed” look to your space. Think file cabinets, plumbing-pipe details, and tables made from thick lumber.
As you’re selecting your furniture, we recommend pieces that evoke a sense of broodiness or that look like they could belong in Sherlock Holmes’s study. Leather couches, antique-style accent chairs, and tables in warm color finishes come to mind.
Dark metal accents are a must, whether you opt for Flexsteel® Carpenter accent tables made with reclaimed-wood planks and a black metal frame, a gear-shaped Ashley® Dermot sculpture set, or an exposed-bulb lighting fixture.
4. Mid-Century Modern
Key elements:
- Curved silhouettes in furniture
- Retro color schemes (e.g., burnt orange and sunny yellow), textures, and patterns
- Minimal decorations
Retro meets quirky when it comes to this modern furniture design scheme. If you have a fondness for ’70s and ’80s interior design, you’re in for a treat—curved edges and vintage color palettes abound if you opt for mid-century modern design.
Silhouettes are everything, so don’t be afraid to invest in wood-paneled media consoles and contemporary-style seating (like a round swivel chair or a track-arm accent chair). Foster intrigue through style-forward furniture choices. In this case, you are encouraged to forgo basic pieces—it’s “go big or go home.”
Contrast is also a pillar of mid-century modern décor. You can achieve this through your retro color palette, whether you complement warm earth tones with a few pops of bright color or mix and match organic and synthetic materials.
True to the nostalgic theme, you can’t forget your knickknacks, but be sure to give your selection a modern, minimalist twist. A few planters as well as decorative bottles and jars are welcome additions.
5. Modern Farmhouse
Key elements:
- Distressed wood and natural fibers in furniture
- Neutral color palette
- Industrial hardware in light fixtures and furniture
You can’t discuss modern furniture design without at least a mention of the word “rustic.” Modern farmhouse design is basically another word for it, with distressed wood furnishings, industrial accents, and a neutral color scheme.
Barn-inspired accents, like decorative crates, whitewashed wood signage, handheld lanterns, a rustic accent table, and antique-style wall clocks are considered essentials.
But when it comes to the furniture that surrounds these decorations, we’d stick to classic-style tables and seating. Since farmhouse-style homes are more common in larger households, we’d also throw in ample seating, including traditional-style accent chairs, a rocking chair, and an entryway bench.
Bonus: Scandinavian
Key elements:
- Muted and neutral colors in furnishings
- Furniture and accent décor exude form and function (e.g., storage bench)
- Cozy essentials (e.g., blankets, faux fur rugs, candles)
Characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, Scandinavian design is ideal for folks who prioritize luxury in terms of comfort over solely appearance.
True to minimalist design, this modern furniture design trend is defined by muted colors, namely gray tones, and stylish multipurpose furniture, like a loveseat futon or a storage ottoman.
Don’t forget to texturize your living spaces with cozy accents, like soft throw blankets, shaggy throw pillows, and a grayscale area rug.
Our experts at Big Sandy Superstore know how to design a living room—let us help you furnish the one of your dreams. Call or visit any of our locations today!