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It may surprise you to learn that you don't need a massive house or whole home makeover to give your home a modern makeover. With a few simple changes, you can upgrade your house from drab and dated to chic and contemporary. Here's our guide on how to make your house look more modern:
1. Declutter your home
Modern home design is based on minimalism. You can likely make your home look a lot more modern just by getting rid of the clutter. Start by taking a good look at your furniture and decorations. If something is broken, out-of-style, or no longer “sparking joy”, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Clear away any unnecessary items like magazines, books, and knickknacks.
Remove any extra furniture pieces that take up too much space and make the room look cramped. This might mean downsizing your sofa, getting rid of an extra coffee table, or removing a sideboard you don’t use anymore.
It's also a good idea to have your space professionally cleaned by top-rated house cleaning services. You'll be able to think more clearly about your design goals, and you'll be able to spot the areas that need improvement once you have everything orderly and sparkling clean.
2. Exchange heavy furniture for sleek, modern pieces
Modern design is all about light and airy lines, so look for furniture that can be easily moved around without disrupting the overall look of your home. A large sofa or armchair with a few smaller side tables will open up the room more than bulky bookshelves or dressers.
Look for furniture pieces that are low to the ground and have clean, streamlined shapes; think square or rectangular instead of round. Choose light colors like white, gray, or beige, and add some accent colors with throw pillows or blankets.
When it comes to materials, wood and metal are best for modern home decor. Natural wood furniture adds an element of warmth and texture, while metallic finishes such as chrome or stainless steel lend a sleek, contemporary look.
3. Add some statement pieces
One of the best things about designing a modern house is adding the elements that really stand out. Minimalist design, simple colors and materials, and clean lines create a subdued look that's perfect for making a statement with bold accessories.
Think about adding some eye-catching pieces to your home, like a bright piece of art, a colorful rug, or an interesting light fixture. You can also add visual interest by playing with texture and patterns; think velvet furniture, geometric tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, or metallic accents on the walls.
4. Incorporate various textures
The key to achieving a modern look is contrast. While solids tend to be the basis of any modern design, incorporating various textures can give your home an extra kick of style. Our favorite textures include:
- Marble: Tables, floors, countertops, and other surfaces
- Metal: Lamps, handles, and light fixtures
- Cork: Wall coverings, flooring, furniture pieces, and accessories
- Bamboo: Walls and furniture pieces
- Leather: Couches, chairs, accents, and other furnishings
- Plastic: Unexpected modern elements like colorful stools or light fixtures
You don't want to go overboard with textures; moderation is essential in modern design. Stick to a few colors and tones, and use various textures to make those colors pop. Let's say you're redoing your living room with a white, beige, and gray color palette. You can add visual interest by incorporating textures like bright-colored velvet pillows, a white marble coffee table, and a gray faux fur rug.
5. Upgrade your windows and doors
Your windows and doors are the gateway to modern design. Upgrading these features gives your home an instant facelift for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. Natural light is the most crucial thing to prioritize when it comes to your windows and doors.
Look for large windows and French doors that let in plenty of sunlight. If you can, make floor-to-ceiling windows central to your design. For the doors, opt for sleek materials like metal. Darker colors are usually best (black is always classic).
6. Add some greenery
Plants are a great way to make any space look more modern. They add life and color to the room, and some purify the air. Snake plants look great in modern homes. They’re low-maintenance and come in a variety of sizes. Ferns, succulents, and potted palms are also great options for adding greenery to your home. If you don't have a green thumb, opt for artificial ones instead. You can find realistic-looking faux plants that won't require any maintenance at any home decor store or website.
7. Consider a smart home system
No modern home is complete without technology. Smart home systems give you total control over your home from anywhere in the world, so you can turn off lights when you’re away or set the temperature just before you return from vacation. Additionally, they aren't too expensive to set up, which is why more than 60 million U.S. homeowners have them. Our favorite smart home devices include:
- Alexa or Google Home to control your lights, appliances, and thermostat
- Security systems with motion sensors and cameras
- Smart locks for keyless entry
- Smart lighting that you can customize from an app
These additions don't necessarily make your home "look" more modern, but they certainly contribute to the overall feel. When you have guests over, they'll be impressed that you can control your lights and locks with just a few taps on your phone. Then, all your visible additions will be more pronounced.
Endnote
Making your house look more modern doesn't have to be a huge investment. With a little bit of thought and some simple additions, you can create a stylish, contemporary home in just a few weeks. Start by decluttering and downsizing furniture pieces, then exchange the large items for sleek, modern ones. Then, add a few accents that compliment your major additions and your home will be much more modern.