Modern Interior Decorating Styles

Modern interior decorating styles have enjoyed a recent resurgence. Simple Asian decor, which looks perfect paired with spare modern style, is making a comeback as well. After the 1990s, with the decade's excesses of busy paint faux finishes, an abundance of fabric prints, piping, tassels and curlicues, the pendulum has swung back to the extreme of clean lines and simple design in the streamlined mid-century style of Eames and Bauhaus.

Modern Interior Decorating Wall Treatments

Stark white walls are back with a vengeance. In a modern room, the focus is on colorful artwork or furniture that doubles as a piece of art. These spectacular pieces are displayed to their best advantage when set against plain white or light, neutral walls that don't compete with the artwork.

Modern Interior Decorating Floor Treatments

The modern floor is made of natural finishes, preferably wood or stone. The wood can be oak, maple, or bamboo in light, medium or dark finishes. Stone for flooring can be marble, granite, slate, travertine or limestone. Dramatic area rugs in bold colors and abstract patterns will help modernize the space and carry on the modern interior decorating theme.

Modern Interior Decorating Furniture

Sleek and streamlined wins the day when it comes to modern furniture. Craftsmanship has to be top of the line when manufacturers can't hide their mistakes with excess gingerbread trim or piping. Browse for furniture online at Ikea, West Elm, or Design Within Reach to see examples of modern interior decorating furniture design. Pieces are simply constructed; fabrics are solid color microfibers or synthetic leathers. The only prints allowed are geometrics: stripes, dots, and color blocked rectangles and squares.

Modern Interior Decorating Accessories

Again, look for smooth accessories with clean lines. Mid-century artwork from the 1940s and bottle paintings from the 1950s look best in a modern interior decor. Look for works inspired by Piet Mondrian and Roy Lichtenstein. When decorating an interior in modern style, the key is to keep it simple.

Less really is more: a single tall turquoise vase on a white brick fireplace mantel makes a more dramatic statement than three vases. The idea behind modern furniture and furnishings is that each piece is a masterpiece worthy of the spotlight, so there is no need to clutter up the interior with lesser pieces that cannot stand alone.

Some complain that a modern interior decorating scheme is cold and unfriendly compared to a cozy country style or traditional style. In reality, different people like different styles. On the contrary, many homeowners and apartment dwellers breathe a sigh of relief when entering a modern interior, because decorating with an absence of clutter and unnecessary accessories creates such a relaxing space.