Modern Interior Design
Modern interior design is a pared-back style rooted in 20th-century modernism, built on clean lines, open layouts, a neutral palette and very little ornament.
Real Modern Rooms Designed by Spacejoy
open living and dining room
Mid-Century Modern Living Room with Workspace
living room
Cozy Living Room: Modern Farmhouse with Warm Woods
living room
Modern Living Room with Gallery Wall
living room
Living Room Modern Elegant with Cozy Seating
open living and dining room
Elegant Living Room with Modern Fireplace Design
home office
Home Office: Modern Elegant with Cozy Reading Nook
The Modern Look
What defines it
- Open, uncluttered layouts
- Clean, straight lines
- A neutral color palette
- Metal accents in steel or chrome
- Little to no ornament
Colors and materials
- White, black and gray as the base
- Wood in simple, flat-front forms
- Polished steel, chrome and glass
- Leather and smooth woven fabrics
- Concrete or large-format tile floors
Key pieces
- Low sofa with track arms
- Glass or stone coffee table
- Lounge chair with a metal frame
- Flat-front media console
- Arc floor lamp or simple pendant
- One large abstract artwork
Pairs Well With
- MinimalistMonochrome or very limited palettes · Simple, geometric forms · Plenty of open spaceRead the guide
- Mid-Century ModernFurniture on slim, tapered legs · Warm teak and walnut wood · Organic, rounded shapesRead the guide
- IndustrialExposed brick · Visible metal piping and ducts · Concrete floors and surfacesRead the guide
Modern Design FAQ
What is Modern interior design?
Modern interior design is a style based on 20th-century modernism. It favors clean lines, open space, a neutral palette and materials like steel, glass and wood, with every piece chosen for function.
How do I make my living room Modern?
Clear surfaces and keep only what you use. Choose a low sofa with clean lines, a simple coffee table in glass, stone or wood, and a palette of white, gray and black. Add one metal accent and one large artwork rather than many small ones.
Is Modern the same as Contemporary?
No. Modern refers to a design movement from the early to mid-1900s, so its look is fixed. Contemporary means the design of the moment, so it changes over time and today tends to be softer, with more curves and mixed materials.