Are you feeling like the design of your Chicago home is a bit outdated? Perhaps you need to change things up and add some modern twists to your space. Modern design doesn’t necessarily mean futuristic or contemporary, but instead, it’s in a class of its own. Here are some tips to liven up your surroundings with a modern touch.

Declutter

Modern design is all about sleek lines and statement pieces, so it’s a good idea to clean out the clutter and be selective in what you choose to display. Declutter countertops, shelving, tabletops, and walls, keeping in mind the modernist mantra of “less is more.” Choose statement art pieces that are large enough to adorn the majority of the wall space as opposed to creating a gallery wall. If you have some smaller pieces you would like to display, do so with clean lines on an expansive wall.

It’s All About Structure

When going for a more modern look, pay attention to the architectural design of your space. Highlight the vertical and horizontal lines of the walls and choose furnishings and art that compliment them. Embrace the structural elements, such as open air ducts or concrete pillars, by leaving them exposed.

Paint

Repainting is a great way to change the feel and design of your space. The neutral look with colors such as grey, white, and black, as opposed to the ornate design of the Victorian era, will make your home feel more modern. With that said, modernism also tends to add some fun splashes of bright and bold colors to accent structural features or as an accent piece.

Add Industrial Elements

Modern design embraces industrial elements such as concrete, glass, and steel. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the space should feel cold and abrasive, but that you’re simply incorporating pieces that may have a rough edge to them along with warmer items such as fabrics, pillows, or throw rugs. If you already have industrial elements in your space, such as cement columns, highlight them instead of hiding them.

Multifunctional Spaces

An open floor plan design allows you to have your kitchen, dining area, and living area flow together into one large, multifunctional space. By omitting interior walls, you’ll have more natural light from the exterior windows, which will make the home feel much larger. Be sure to choose your furnishings, countertops, backsplash, and light fixtures by taking into account that the room should flow from one area to the next. 

Furnishings

Typically, the furnishings in modern design are streamlined with straight lines. Choose pieces that are free from overly ornate fabric and fluff. Instead, find pieces that have minimal decoration and are sleek and functional. Feel free to look at furnishings that combine elements as well – perhaps a table with a glass top and steel legs, or a TV stand made from high gloss wood combined with steel. Basically, you’re looking for simple, functional, and visually interesting furniture with clean lines and design. 

Adding a modern twist to your Chicago home will certainly bring your home into the 21^st century.  Finding the right design for you and your lifestyle may take a while, but it boils down to the aesthetic you respond to. Feel free to take some ideas of modern design and blend them with an alternative design if that’s more your style. What modern elements do you like?