How to Decorate With Modern Style

Unify the look of a room through the use of color.

Modern decorating gives rooms an "edge" while preserving a sense of comfort and warmth. Often subtle touches can breathe new life into your space, so you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money to take advantage of modern decorating trends.

Instructions

1. Pick your color scheme. Sky blue, turquoise, deep gold and purple all are trends for modern interior decorating, as are earth tones. Use dark colors in rooms where you want to give a more intimate feel or create depth. Gray is often used in place of beige for a neutral color choice.

2. Consider installing natural wood flooring or ceramic tiles. There is a trend to "go green" in decorating, so synthetics are out. Choose natural fabrics for drapes or natural fiber blinds. If you can't afford major renovations like a new floor, carry the "natural" theme into other decor items, such as a natural wood filing cabinet or desk, a bonsai tree or a stone statue on an entryway table.

3. Choose large, cozy sofas and chairs. Furniture pieces should be large enough for entertaining, gathering around the TV or taking a quick nap. Just be careful that the furniture doesn't overwhelm the space; adjust the size to accommodate the room dimensions.

4. Mix and match decor styles. An eclectic look appears frequently in modern decorating. You can use a vintage piece mixed among more modern furniture or decor items, as well as an antique or two. Blend them into a harmonious look by ensuring the pieces fit your chosen color scheme.

5. Use decor items in bold accent colors. Pillows are an easy way to do this, as are flowers. Layering colorful rugs is another technique.

6. Incorporate reflective surfaces such as mirrors or glass on coffee or end tables or lamps. The reflective surfaces are useful in modern decorating because they give the illusion of more space and amplify light. Use stainless steel appliances and fixtures to achieve this goal in the kitchen.

References

• TKTDW: 2011 Home Interior Design Tips and Modern Decorating Ideas
• Design-Decor-Staging: 5 Modern Decorating Color Schemes for Fall-Winter 2010-2011