Intro: All interior design themes have a history. They result from the circumstances of their time including modern interior design.
Some professional interior designers also refer to the modern theme as the mid-20th century style. It grew out of the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Furniture, decor, and furnishings went from man-made to mass-produced.
Color palettes changed too. Some believe that the modern style is adjacent to art deco. Therefore, colors went from wooden browns to black, creams, and grays. Plus, the style changed from rustic to sleek for many Americans.
A decor idea is a combination of several furniture pieces, furnishings, and decorations. To pull together a look, consider starting with a statement piece. Then, build the rest of the living room decor.
The following are nine modern decor ideas for your living room.
1. Center Table
Every modern living room has a center table or the main table. A good size measures 54 inches and 20 inches deep. You can pick a square, round, or rectangular shape.
For the modern home, the center table sits in the middle of the living room. It matches the length of the sofa and doubles as an attractive decorative item.
Pick from manufactured wood, glass, or granite materials for the top. Opt for matching or steel legs.
You, your family, and guests can place snacks, drinks, and food on the table. However, keep the table in good shape by using coasters and placemats. Otherwise, finish the decor idea by placing a table book, vase, or sculpture as the final touch.
2. Fireplace
A fireplace is a popular decor item for modern homes. In Colonial America through the Industrial Revolution, gathering around a fire was an actual activity that families participated in to keep warm.
In some areas of the country, namely where apartments became more common, fireplaces fell out of favor. Nonetheless, new homes built from 1975 through 2005 increasingly included fireplaces.
Then, another significant drop-off occurred in 2010. It probably had something to do with the United States Environmental Protection Agency stepping in.
If your home has no fireplace, workarounds exist. For example, you can install a ventless fireplace in a condo, apartment, or home that doesn’t have the infrastructure for a chimney.
Once you figure out your fireplace situation, set up chairs, a table, and a sofa around it for a modern living room look in 2022.
3. Flooring
The 1950s saw several interior design changes. Among them were new homes that covered hardwood floors with carpet. American home flooring before the Industrial Revolution was hardwood floor planks.
After World War I, the country could mass-produce reclaimed lumber. Plus, manufacturers added decorative touches.
Some believe that British architect and furniture designer Charles Locke Eastlake championed placing rugs over hardwood floors. Thus, modern homes consist of uncarpeted floors and at least one high-end rug.
Luxury rugs fit all interior design themes and trends. Rugs reflect the eras too. Those searching for modern rug options can take a look at the inventory offered by Lawrence of La Brea.
4. Sofas
Sofas for modern living rooms have visible legs in material that resembles wood or stainless steel. They have a boxy look and some resemble futons.
If you make a modern sofa the living room’s statement piece, consider a sectional in a muted color such as beige, brown, or off-white. If you prefer a different color, red and navy work too.
Opt for upholstered and a steel frame. Leather also works for the design theme.
Convertible sofas continue making a comeback. They provide a sleek design and functionality. Thus, if you have guests over or it’s family movie night at home, the sofa provides a comfy place to sit and sleep.
5. Chairs
Every home requires several chairs. They complement the sofa in the living room and provide individual places to sit next to the window, in the dining area, and near the fireplace.
Like modern sofas, chairs have exposed legs and a boxy look. Opt for upholstered or leather material in muted colors that match the living room’s color palette.
6. Art
Clean lines, monochromatic colors, and natural materials define the modern interior design period. Therefore, you can decorate with art that matches the style.
Many individuals leave the walls bare or they hang one piece of art. If you haven’t found the perfect art piece, mirrors and understated picture frames suit the style too.
Art acts as a complement to the overall decor of the room. Therefore, it grabs attention but it doesn’t command all of it.
7. Side Tables
When you look at pictures of interior design during the 1920s through the 1950s, you’ll see at least one side table in most living rooms.
Most interior designers agree that a home requires several side tables. You can place them next to the entryway, sofa, chair, and floor lamp. Your modern living room benefits from having at least one side table for functionality purposes.
These tables that measure two feet by two feet on average blend into the rest of the decor as opposed to standing out. They’re complementary pieces that you can splurge on as an investment.
8. Lighting
The modern design era focused on maximizing natural lighting. Spaces with open layouts and floor-to-ceiling windows are great matches for this interior design style.
Keep the windows mostly bare by skipping too many dressings. Opt for shades or blinds but not both. For the evening hours, use lamps to illuminate the living room.
9. Vintage Furnishings
An interior design trend for 2022 is acquiring vintage furnishings. It’s great timing for those who want to dress their living room in modern decor.
Flea markets, estate sales, and high-end furnishings stores are three places where you can find vintage pieces.
If you have trouble finding them, consider pieces styled to resemble those from the modern period. Art, lamps, and picture frames will do the trick.
Conclusion
Modern interior design offers a frills-free way to decorate a home. The free form and clean lines allow an individual to decorate with less. This helps you invest in specific furniture pieces and decor. Thus, it’s possible to acquire high-end items that establish a luxurious feel.