How to Create a Modern Home | Style Tips from Inspiring Style Makers

Modern homes have become increasingly popular lately thanks to their ability to seamlessly combine functionality and aesthetics, while simultaneously turning your home into a calming sanctuary. Modern homes are characterised by their simplicity, clean lines, monochromatic palette and are versatile, often reflecting your individual style. This is what separates modern homes from other styles, even though it’s defined by a specific time period with certain guidelines, modern homes are completely unique to you. So, come with us as we dive into the world of modern homes and just how you can achieve this style. 

Plus, we’re also looking back on some of our inspiring Style Maker interviews with a range of incredible people, such as Kate Lawrence, Gina Ciancio from Style Curator, and Sarah Ellison, who have shared some amazing advice when it comes to personal style and how you can incorporate this into your own home. 

Image: Sarah Ellison | III Rooms Sydney 

What Characterises a Modern Home?

First things first, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the general characteristics of a modern home. A modern home refers to a specific style of house design that emerged in the early to mid-20th century and is, of course, still popular in today’s architecture and interior design. This style can be characterised by a few defining features:

Simplicity and Minimalism: Modern homes are known for their clean lines and uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic. They typically avoid excessive décor and furniture or complex designs. The focus is on simplicity in form and function.

Open Floor Plans: Modern homes often feature open, airy spaces. This creates a sense of spaciousness, allowing for more light and a better flow between different areas of your home.

Functional Design: Every aspect of a modern home, from the layout to the furniture, is designed with functionality in mind. This means efficient use of space, with storage and furniture often built into the design to maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

Natural Materials: While modern homes often look sleek and new, they frequently incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and linens, especially if it’s an organic style modern home. These materials are used in a way that highlights their natural beauty and often provides a warm contrast to the starker aspects of the design.

Neutral Colour Palette: The color scheme in modern homes typically revolves around neutral colors like white, beige, and gray or sometimes darker tones such as black. This creates a clean and calm environment, and it also allows for pops of color through artwork or décor pieces to stand out.

Image credit: Kate Lawrence Interiors | Nat Spada

Image credit: Kate Lawrence Interiors | Nat Spada

Achieving a Modern Home

Define Your Style 

Achieving a modern home starts with defining what style means to you. “Style to me is a form of communication and a way to express your personality. I don’t believe any person has the same style. Yes you can have similarities but every single client I have has something truly unique about their own ‘Style’ which is very special.” says Kate Lawrence, and we couldn’t agree more. As stated by Kate, your style is going to be unique to you and the same goes for the functionality of your home. For example, there’s no point in opting for all white furniture if you have young children and pets, even if it fits the minimalist brief. Instead, opt for couches in a darker tone with removable covers. We promise your home will still be a modern dream.

Read our Style Maker interview with Kate Lawrence from Kate Lawrence Interiors.

Image credit: Kate Lawrence Interiors | Nat Spada

Embrace Minimalism

As stated earlier, minimalism is a key part of modern homes. This ‘less is more’ approach is utilised across so many different interior styles, but it really is perfect for a modern style home. It encourages decluttering while making you consider what you really need from your home. Minimalism is also a favourite from the aspect that lets the textures and tones of your palette shine. 

We previously spoke to Sarah Ellison, who describes her style as “warm, sculptural minimalism” and how she feels about this trend when it comes to her furniture ranges. “I like a space that doesn’t have lots of things, but just has the right things. It’s that marriage of the right pieces that creates the Sarah Ellison style… When designing a collection, I’m led by a hero piece or two and I try to create a space where all of these pieces play off one another to create juxtaposition, making each shine in its own right.” 

Read the full interview with Sarah Ellison.

Image: Sarah Ellison | III Rooms Sydney 

Image: Sarah Ellison | III Rooms Sydney 

Focus on Neutral Colours with Bold Accents

A neutral colour scheme forms the perfect backdrop for modern homes. Think warms whites, natural beiges, soothing grays, and hints of dark, moody tones. Having a neutral palette allows you to get creative with other pieces that can act as bold accents. We love the idea of adding a pop of colour through artworks or rugs. 

And who better to gain some style inspiration from than Gina Ciancio from Style Curator, who describes her style as ‘contemporary with pops of colour.” We just had to know her go-to styling tips, which fit perfectly with achieving a modern home. “Layering items whether it’s bedding for a luxe bedroom look or objects to create a vignette. Mix things up, we’re often drawn to the same things but contrast is king. If all your décor is made from one particular material, such as brass or concrete, look at what other materials you could introduce such as some woven baskets for softness.” says Gina. “Don’t neglect your walls – artwork, mirrors, wall hangings, etc. – will bring your home to life. Plants are always a good idea. Feather inserts in cushions for a full look, and declutter your home – this isn’t a fun tip but it’s free and often has the biggest impact.”

Discover the full interview with Gina Ciancio from Style Curator. 

Image credit: Style Curator | Thorson Photography 

Image credit: Style Curator | Thorson Photography 

Incorporate Natural Materials

Incorporating elements like wood, stone, and oak can add warmth and texture to your modern home. A wooden coffee table or a stone accent within the kitchen can become a focal point in the room. 

Speaking of kitchens, if you’re looking to renovate your home, these spaces can often be the most important when it comes to flow and functionality. When we sat down with interior design duo and influencers, Zephyr + Stone, they gave us some advice when it comes to designing a kitchen. “First, incorporate the practical and functional aspects and solutions in a layout that maximises the existing space. Then choose a style, colours, and finishes and design your space ensuring there’s visual balance, especially of depth, colour, and material. Always consider your lifestyle and the experiences you’d like to have in your kitchen and design solutions to cater to these.”

Read the full interview with interior design duo and influencers, Zephyr + Stone.

Image credit: Zephyr + Stone  | Mindi Cooke 

Image credit: Zephyr + Stone  | Mindi Cooke 

Invest in Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to furniture and décor, opt for fewer, high-quality pieces. This aligns with the minimalist approach and ensures longevity and durability, key elements within modern homes. But quality doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. We sat down with Chris Carroll from TLC Interiors, who is passionate about providing affordable interior solutions for people and gives us his top tips. “I hate that design is seen in some circles as only for the wealthy. I’m all about skimp-meets-splurge. That’s my design ethos, really. I say it’s always best to invest in any comfort pieces (sofa, armchair, mattress), then have a blend with all the other elements. Sometimes you want to drop $500 on a weird decorative object, and I say go for it, just pull back in another area.”

Discover the full interview with Chris Carroll from TLC Interiors.

Mood board created by TLC Interiors on Style Sourbook. View mood board here.

Image credit: TLC Interiors 

Utilise Statement Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone of a room. Choose bold, statement pieces that are as artistic as they are functional. Think sleek, metallic floor lamps or geometric ceiling fixtures.

Play with Geometric Shapes

Speaking of geometric ceiling fixtures, modern homes often incorporate geometric shapes. Whether it's in the form of a patterned rug, a piece of wall art, or the shape of furniture, geometric elements can add a unique dimension to the space.

Focus on Textural Contrast

While the color palette may be neutral, adding textural contrast through rugs, cushions, or throws can add depth and interest to the room.

Image credit: Kate Lawrence Interiors | Nat Spada

Image credit: Kate Lawrence Interiors | Nat Spada

Modern interior design is much more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a lifestyle choice that promotes simplicity, functionality, and chicness. Start your dream modern home using our mood board tool.