Mastering Modern Style for an Elegant, Timeless Look: Three Secrets Revealed!
How do you master modern style? Believe it or not, Modernism is over 100 years old. Modern architecture (as well as some iconic furniture pieces) actually originated at the Bauhaus, a German art school founded by Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe which operated from 1919-1933. Its principles were the absence of ornamentation and the relationship between functionality and beauty.
If you would like to create a modernist home, there are many ways to do it. Here are three of the best ideas to get you started.
Mid-century modern home allows easy access indoor-outdoor living
1 Open Plan Layout
Modern buildings are open, airy and light. Spaces flow seamlessly from one room to the next, often with vaulted or pitched ceilings for added volume. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors enable the occupants to access the outdoors easily. Modernist architects always design livable space outside to enjoy the beauty of nature.
2 Get to Know Modern Furniture
There is more to mid-century furniture than hairpin legs and straight-edged silhouettes. Plush, cocooning curves and organic shapes also form part of this trend-setting era. These are so sought after, in fact, that an authentic piece can sell for over $60,000! Fortunately, shopping vintage can be a much more affordable option. What’s more, popular brands make high-quality replicas for every price range.
Too much retro furniture can make you feel like you’re in an episode of Mad Men. But one or two distinct pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair (8), the Marshmallow Sofa (7), the Egg Chair (3), or Noguchi Coffee Table (4) is enough. On the other hand, some designer pieces, like the Arco Floor Lamp (1), the Wishbone Chair (5), Saarinen Dining Table (6), and the Knoll Sofa (2), are staples in both Contemporary and Scandinavian interiors. So much so that we often forget that they’re classics.
3 Minimal Window Coverings
If you have large windows, you’re in luck. Modernist architects made the most of the then-new building materials which needed less supportive structures. Large windows, as a result, feature in most mid-century modern houses. These expansive windows bring more natural light and blur the line between interior and exterior spaces. And what better way to show off great glass panes with minimal or no window coverings? If window treatments are an absolute must, stick to transparent materials that let in light while providing privacy.
Transparent window coverings allow light in while providing privacy at the same time
Are you a modern design aficionado? Whether you live in Dallas, Park Cities, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Plano, Frisco, or McKinney, Cavalieri Designs is the best of modern interior designers in the metroplex to bring you real expertise in the effortless yet sophisticated aesthetic delivering you one-of-a-kind visionary designs.
As a limited-time Grand Opening special, we’re offering a complimentary One-Hour Design Consultation with principal designer, Claire Cavalieri, to potential clients who sign up on our website cavalieridesigns.com and fill out our Contact form.