Original Design for Every Home

Easy Ways to Add a Touch of Modern Design to Your Home

Easy Ways to Add a Touch of Modern Design to Your Home

Paige Schnarr |

The appeal of modern decor is the feeling of space, simplicity, and style that it brings to a room. Sleek lines and the use of natural materials are common in modern furniture and design. Any item with just the right touch of modern aesthetic can elevate the look of your home. Whether it’s a distinctive jewelry box made of metal, wood, or glass, or a unique, stackable chair, the right mix of material and form create a modern look. Here are a few ways to incorporate a modern motif throughout your home.

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Start with a Chair and Go from There

 

 

If you don’t want to take on a complete furniture overhaul right away, start small. You can slowly replace your bulkiest furniture with pieces that have stronger lines. Add a few functional chairs to any space. Choose chairs that look just as good on the patio as they do around the dining room table. You can find playful, modern chairs that can withstand the elements outdoors but also fit right in indoors as a comfortable place to sit.

An example of this style is the Oh Chair, designed by Karim Rashid, which was the recipient of the 1999 IDEA Award and has appeared in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Available from Umbra, it’s an airy and stackable chair, giving it a softness that will make you want to sit in it.

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Freshen Your Entryway with a Storage Bench

 

 

An uncomplicated storage bench with clean lines is a practical addition to any mudroom or entryway. Go for a modern and minimalist look, while also making sure it’s useful for sitting on and storing items such as shoes. A sleek bench can provide a cheerful touch to the home without taking up a lot of space. The construction should be solid while appearing simple and clean for that modern design touch you’re going for. 

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Add a Decorative Element to Your Vanity

 

 

Modern design places a large emphasis on natural materials in neutral, earthy tones. If you have modern décor, your bedroom furniture is probably minimal, with a focus on the horizontal planes of your bed and complementing bedside tables. It looks inviting yet isn’t fussy. Incorporate personal touches into your bedroom space. A decorative jewelry tree in a nature-inspired shape, for instance, is playful yet perfectly functional. It’s a signature piece that would look beautiful on a vanity or a dresser to hold your favorite jewelry. 

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Soften the Aesthetic with Wall-Mounted Plant Holders

 

 

Add a decorative, modern touch to blank walls with some natural greenery. Geometric-shaped unique planters that can be mounted to the wall will soften the indoor space and minimize clutter. Plants such as small succulents and mini cacti would look great in these types of small wall vessels. It’s a simple touch of décor that can make a great, modern impact. 

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Bonus: Get a Window Cover for Zero Light

 

 

Embracing natural light is key to a space feeling open and airy. Modern design often entails unadorned windows or a light window treatment that’s not too heavy or ornamental. However, there are times when you need a good night’s sleep without worrying about light glaring into your face and waking you up. An ideal solution is a magnetic window cover that helps blackout the space. You can choose a neutral color palette that suits a variety of themes. It’s perfect for achieving a dark room and keeping it cool in the summer.  

About Umbra

In 1979, the Umbra co-founders saw a need to create original designs for modern and casual living. Since that time, Umbra has become a global leader in product design and currently distributes in over 120 countries across the world. Created by Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan, Umbra is based in Toronto, Canada with offices in Europe, Brazil, China, and the United States. The company, whose name means “shade” in Latin, was born out of the founders’ passion for unique design and started with the launch of a single window shade. Today, Umbra’s team of international designers continue to create original product designs for the home by adding creativity, functionality, and modern aesthetics to everyday items, including their jewelry organizer that utilizes wall or door space with an eye-catching design.