The term \u201cmodern\u201d gets tossed around a lot these days, often to mean \u201ccontemporary\u201d or current. We search for \u201cmodern kitchen designs\u201d or \u201cmodern homes\u201d, not necessarily meaning anything other than \u201cfresh\u201d or \u201cnew\u201d. But as a design ethos, modernism is its own distinct moment and school of thought. It isn\u2019t what\u2019s happening in the now, but rather, modernism serves as a snapshot of a particular time period and style of design that is still relevant today.<\/p>\n
Modern design philosophies and practices were established during the early-to-mid 20th century: originating in Europe, modernism rejected the excessive ornamentation that characterized the 19th century and envisioned new, rational living spaces where every room, object, and material had a purpose. Typically, modern design is identified by clean lines and minimal clutter, as well as design features that are visually striking while also practical.<\/p>\n
Born in part out of technological advancements that allowed for affordable, mass-produced furniture, as well as the recognition that form should always follow function, modernism has remained a favourite of design aficionados around the world. Elements like natural materials, open-concept floor plans, and an overall lack of ostentation typify modern design. If you\u2019re looking to pare down your space and embrace the lasting impact of modern design, here are a few features you can incorporate into your own home.<\/p>\n
Mid-Century Modern Details<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.ca\/insightblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/175-Rue-Somerville-Ahuntsic-Cartierville-QC-sothebys-international-realty-canada.jpeg\")
175 Rue Somerville, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC<\/a><\/div>\nWithin the blanket category of modernism are different design subsets, perhaps the most famous of which is mid-century modern. This d\u00e9cor movement is distinguished by the tapered furniture profiles and bold colours\u2014mustard, avocado, pumpkin\u2014typical of the period between the 1930s and 1960s.<\/p>\n
The famous designers and artists who shaped the mid-century modern esthetic include Charles and Ray Eames<\/a><\/u>, who are perhaps best known for their Eames Lounge Chair, and Arne Jacobsen, who created the iconic Egg <\/a>c<\/a>hair and Swan <\/a>c<\/a>hair<\/a><\/u>. To incorporate mid-century elements into your home, choose seating from the movement\u2019s most influential designers: many of these designs are still produced\u2014and are still popular\u2014today. The unique shape of the Tulip Chair<\/a><\/u>, designed by Eero Saarinen and featuring a single pedestal leg in rounded white fibreglass, acts as a sinuous dining room focal point. Sleek teak coffee or dining tables, pendant lights that recall vintage Arteluce designs by Gino Sarfatti<\/a><\/u>, and leather slingback lounge chairs all lend mid-century modern sophistication to a space.<\/p>\nNatural Materials<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.ca\/insightblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/81-Gough-Ave-Toronto-ON-sothebys-international-realty-canada.jpeg\")
81 Gough Ave, Toronto, ON<\/a><\/div>\nIn its rejection of overt ornamentation, modern design was far more concerned with the materiality and craftsmanship of furniture, rather than its added flourishes. Materials like teak, moulded plywood, and leather are a staple of modern homes, and complement the often muted colour schemes. However, these natural materials are juxtaposed with the new, synthetic materials of the mid-20th century, such as plastic and Plexiglass, creating both a balance and tension between the organic and the manufactured. When furnishing your own modern space, select pieces that emphasize the strengths of the material used, like durable but stylish walnut side tables and dining tables that display a natural wood grain.<\/p>\n
Open Plan Interiors<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.ca\/insightblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/23C-Glenmore-Drive-West-Vancouver-BC-sothebys-international-realty-canada.jpeg\")
23C Glenmore Drive, West Vancouver, BC<\/a><\/div>\nOf course, modernism isn\u2019t limited to interior d\u00e9cor and industrial design; it also describes the architecture of the early- to the mid-20th century. Open-concept floor plans became increasingly common as ornamentation fell out of favour\u2014because the best way to declutter a small room is to make it a large room. Modernist homes created a sense of freedom, flow, and continuity, and as a result, open floor plans remain a common request for home renovators today. Getting rid of wall interruptions lets your home breathe, and you can differentiate your rooms with strategically-placed furnishings instead. Combining your kitchen and dining areas is a great way to start incorporating modern flair into your home. Embrace natural light by nixing curtains and other window adornments, and consider sightlines when planning layouts\u2014seating near a large picture window does wonders for creating a sense of expansiveness.<\/p>\n
Minimalism<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sothebysrealty.ca\/insightblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/71-Bel-Aire-Place-SW-Calgary-AB-sothebys-international-realty-canada.jpg\")
71 Bel-Aire Place SW, Calgary, AB<\/a><\/div>\nPerhaps one of the most important aspects of modernism\u2014as well as the easiest to implement\u2014is the pared-down, minimal design aesthetic<\/a><\/u>. Modernism holds in high regard notions of functionality, continuous lines, and the ethos that less is more. Turn to well-designed but unfussy pieces to maintain the sense of airiness achieved by an open layout. Minimalism can also be translated through neutral colours like whites, creams, and beiges, which pair well with steel, concrete, glass, and the natural materials that form the structure of the home. Select pieces of furniture that won\u2019t unbalance a space or overwhelm the senses. Remove any unnecessary d\u00e9cor pieces or items that no longer suit your style; modernism is about informed choices and letting pieces stand on their own, rather than saturating a room so that it feels overdone.<\/p>\nModernism remains one of the most influential design movements, and for good reason. Smart design and effortless function meet in an elegant home, resulting in a stunning yet livable space that doesn\u2019t rely on passing trends.<\/p>\n
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175 Rue Somerville, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC<\/a><\/div>\nWithin the blanket category of modernism are different design subsets, perhaps the most famous of which is mid-century modern. This d\u00e9cor movement is distinguished by the tapered furniture profiles and bold colours\u2014mustard, avocado, pumpkin\u2014typical of the period between the 1930s and 1960s.<\/p>\n
The famous designers and artists who shaped the mid-century modern esthetic include Charles and Ray Eames<\/a><\/u>, who are perhaps best known for their Eames Lounge Chair, and Arne Jacobsen, who created the iconic Egg <\/a>c<\/a>hair and Swan <\/a>c<\/a>hair<\/a><\/u>. To incorporate mid-century elements into your home, choose seating from the movement\u2019s most influential designers: many of these designs are still produced\u2014and are still popular\u2014today. The unique shape of the Tulip Chair<\/a><\/u>, designed by Eero Saarinen and featuring a single pedestal leg in rounded white fibreglass, acts as a sinuous dining room focal point. Sleek teak coffee or dining tables, pendant lights that recall vintage Arteluce designs by Gino Sarfatti<\/a><\/u>, and leather slingback lounge chairs all lend mid-century modern sophistication to a space.<\/p>\n
Natural Materials<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In its rejection of overt ornamentation, modern design was far more concerned with the materiality and craftsmanship of furniture, rather than its added flourishes. Materials like teak, moulded plywood, and leather are a staple of modern homes, and complement the often muted colour schemes. However, these natural materials are juxtaposed with the new, synthetic materials of the mid-20th century, such as plastic and Plexiglass, creating both a balance and tension between the organic and the manufactured. When furnishing your own modern space, select pieces that emphasize the strengths of the material used, like durable but stylish walnut side tables and dining tables that display a natural wood grain.<\/p>\n
Open Plan Interiors<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Of course, modernism isn\u2019t limited to interior d\u00e9cor and industrial design; it also describes the architecture of the early- to the mid-20th century. Open-concept floor plans became increasingly common as ornamentation fell out of favour\u2014because the best way to declutter a small room is to make it a large room. Modernist homes created a sense of freedom, flow, and continuity, and as a result, open floor plans remain a common request for home renovators today. Getting rid of wall interruptions lets your home breathe, and you can differentiate your rooms with strategically-placed furnishings instead. Combining your kitchen and dining areas is a great way to start incorporating modern flair into your home. Embrace natural light by nixing curtains and other window adornments, and consider sightlines when planning layouts\u2014seating near a large picture window does wonders for creating a sense of expansiveness.<\/p>\n
Minimalism<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of modernism\u2014as well as the easiest to implement\u2014is the pared-down, minimal design aesthetic<\/a><\/u>. Modernism holds in high regard notions of functionality, continuous lines, and the ethos that less is more. Turn to well-designed but unfussy pieces to maintain the sense of airiness achieved by an open layout. Minimalism can also be translated through neutral colours like whites, creams, and beiges, which pair well with steel, concrete, glass, and the natural materials that form the structure of the home. Select pieces of furniture that won\u2019t unbalance a space or overwhelm the senses. Remove any unnecessary d\u00e9cor pieces or items that no longer suit your style; modernism is about informed choices and letting pieces stand on their own, rather than saturating a room so that it feels overdone.<\/p>\n
Modernism remains one of the most influential design movements, and for good reason. Smart design and effortless function meet in an elegant home, resulting in a stunning yet livable space that doesn\u2019t rely on passing trends.<\/p>\n
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