Trends

Modern interiors. Inspiring advice from an architect

Styles

Modern or contemporary style is one of the top customer picks when it comes to interior design. It is popular, but does that mean we know all there is to it? The features of a modern home and the path from a modern interior concept to reality are discussed by Iza Gemzała, architect and author of an interior design blog called Prosty Plan (“A Simple Plan”). Modern or contemporary style is one of the top customer picks when it comes to interior design. It is popular, but does that mean we know all there is to it? The features of a modern home and the path from a modern interior concept to reality are discussed by Iza Gemzała, architect and author of an interior design blog called Prosty Plan (“A Simple Plan”).

Modern style in a nutshell

If you want to learn about modern style, it is best to start from its origins. Iza Gemzała explains that modern style was born as a response to overly decorated and lavish interiors and it is synonymous with simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Modern interiors provide plenty of space and feature quality materials. Both features decorate the house. Hence, the features of a modern home indoor design are based on the following characteristics:
simplicity of form, sparse accessories, subdued colours, and the cross-functionality of rooms: a living room functionally combined with a kitchen, or a bedroom functionally combined with a bathroom.

Modern means utilitarian

If you are asking yourself what a modern home interior should look like or how to design and build one inside your flat in a block, it is a good idea to observe the best ones. How? Check out modern-themed project examples in interior or home design magazines and on the Internet. Iza Gemzala highlights that there are thousands of examples of houses and flats which were not expensive to design and outfit in line with the current trends. First, however, have a look at yourself, your lifestyle and what works best for you at home every day. If upholstered furniture is not the best idea with your kids or pets, do not follow this style. If you are not a fan of cleaning and prefer something more pleasant than wiping, sweeping or vacuuming on Saturday mornings, perhaps simple forms and simple geometry of furniture might work best for you. Modern style is perfect in that it does not force you to adapt to your living environment, reducing the most beautiful things to those which simply work.

Modern style: who is it for?

If you are wondering whether a modern indoor design is right for you, focus on your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle. I would definitely recommend a modern style to those who feel overworked. For those who seek refuge in comfort and relief to take a breath and relax their senses at home. Modern style is a good framework to follow for all those who do not want to spend hours on wiping dust of decorative mouldings or cornices. Even if a modern interior becomes cluttered due to a lack of time, too much work, or being weary at the end of the day, it takes only a flash to clean it up should unexpected guests drop by. Closed cubicles, simple geometry of furniture, neutral colours and functional living and storage solutions are the redeeming and helpful qualities of modern style. If you grow tired of this harmony and order, you can find inexpensive accessories to reinvent any modern interior, Iza Gemzała suggests.

Modern inspirations

What are the current trends in modern indoor design? What is evident first is the inspiration with natural materials, including wood and stone. Today, interior design often leans on large stone flags.

Marble, granite, travertine, and onyx: these stone types have become the favourite choice of interior designers. These natural materials can be combined with copper or gold for a splendid effect. Stone is good not only for flooring or wall lining. A stone kitchen worktop is synonymous with luxury, although it requires care and attention.

Wood is another material of choice, and in any colour, type and texture. Wood makes for great flooring, and for wall or ceiling claddings. Other popular materials include wood-textured tiles, which provide a cosy feel in rooms where wood could be easily destroyed or worn out. Gres tiles with an oak ring texture are a popular choice for shower wall linings; this design gives a sense of having a ‘mini-spa’ at home.