Graceful and clean lines were simply presented with the glass, steel, and concrete that became highly available thru the mass production of the 20th century. Some insist on the direct relationship with the eclectic art movements of the time, Expressionism, Fauvism, and such like. The idea of progress and the socio-political revolutions of the early 20th century were certainly making an impact also. Whatever the bedrock of this Modern movement, we all know that it definitely was a time of inspiration and change, outstanding enough to endure thru to the present.

Let us examine Modern Design as it stands today in its most commonplace form–the interior. Open any home magazine or book from the last 5 years and I feel quite confident in pronouncing most articles center round the modernizing of the home. Whether or not it’s color, accessories, lighting, etc, designers today are continually enquired as to what looks stylish, and today, modern is stylish. The open plan that Le Corbusier derived remains the source of Modern design. The floor plans of mod houses are sparsely furnished. Simplicity and shortage of ornamentation compliment the look, as the progress of design has become ‘less is more’. Consider PCs, TVs, cell phones, and even the vehicles of today.

This continued easing of technology is no coincidence, it is convenience. With the progress and technology of the twentieth century came the result of a much quicker paced life. The direct reaction to this and properly so was the necessity for convenience. In the inside, this convenience lies in the absence of disarray and congestion and more in modular furnishing–straight lined and easy. Walls are treated as a setting to your open plan. White, black, brown, grey, beige, and chrome are characteristic on the walls of a particularly modern house. Originally, first colors (red, yellow, blue) were employed in accessories and design to add a splash of color here and there. The brilliant thing about modern style is if you start with a scant background, any color can be incorporated carefully. Wood planking, bamboo as an example, is commonest. Brick, stone, and tile are used to again keep the environment sort of a blank canvas. They come in infinite sizes, shapes, colors and designs, and may be employed to personalize and melt a sheer space. Track lighting, spot lighting, and recessed cans are likely the hottest forms. Floor and table lamps can add a personalized touch also. And in no way does lighting need to be the costliest side of design. Accents and furnishings are obviously the most interesting facet of the modern style. I suspect this to be true because there isn’t any kind of outline for them. Pull colors from your rug, your artwork, or add colors thru these modern oil paintings. If there’s any kind of rule at all in modern design, it is to use ornamental items sparsely. But then, are there any rules in design, really? There are frameworks, yes. Modern designers and architects have steadily disagreed with the philosophy of design. The most interesting part of modern style is 1st private opinion, and 2nd, private philosophy. Mine is to use these frameworks for what they are a blank canvas–paint as you will. Be eclectic, be fascinating, be colorful, but most of all, be unique.