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Modern Decorating Ideas
by Aksana Nikolai
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Overview
Selecting a decor style for your home is an important decision. Regardless of the interior decor style you choose, your goal should be to create a welcoming atmosphere that you will enjoy returning to at the end of the day. Homeowners who prefer simple, minimalistic designs over the rich look common in Victorian or Arabic style interiors should consider decorating with a modern scheme in mind.
Chrome and stainless steel are two materials often used in modern interior decorating.
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Colors and Textures
Stick with a neutral color palette when choosing wall colors. Complement this color choice with furniture pieces and accessories in pastel colors and/or white. If you want to make a particularly bold statement, use white for all of the walls in your home. However, some homeowners perceive an all-white interior as seemingly cold and barren. If this is the case, offset the copious amount of white by painting one wall of each room in a warm neutral shade such as cream or beige.
Clean, polished surfaces are commonly used in modern interior decorating. For example, use lacquered cabinets throughout your home. Ideally, words such as "clean" and "minimalistic" should also describe the electronics in your home, such as stereo equipment and television screens. In addition, opt for floors made of materials such as granite or linoleum and avoid covering them up with rugs and carpets.
Chrome and stainless steel are often represented in a modern interior through the use of various accessories. These materials are perhaps most easily incorporated in the kitchen and bathroom. In addition to using faucets and other functional equipment made of chrome and stainless steel, place shiny storage containers made of similar metallic materials on bathroom and kitchen counters.
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Furniture
Minimalism should also be a dominant theme in your furniture. Choose chairs, couches and tables characterized by sleek, clean lines that create the illusion of more space. Angular, geometric elements are a recurring theme in modern decor, particularly when it comes to furniture. Whether you choose triangular and squared-shaped pieces, it is important to avoid placing too much furniture in any one room. Stick to the essentials, leaving plenty of space throughout the room open for walking. It follows that clutter and overly busy decor have no place in a modern interior.
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Windows and Lighting
Choose minimalistic light fixtures that can be mounted on the highest point of the ceiling or, better yet, built-in ceiling lighting. If you are building a home from scratch and intend to go with a modern decor scheme once your home is completed, plan on placing large windows in each room. When decorating, avoid ornate window treatments characterized by a large number of colors and textures. Opt for plastic blinds and shutters or drapes made of simple, reserved fabrics such as linen. Use understated rods and brackets to hang the drapes, avoiding overly ornate elements such as finials.
