What is modern style?
Modern style should not be confused with modern. Modern style, also called contemporary, is a relatively recent creation of design art, has a number of features and taboos, which will be discussed in detail below. While modernism dates back about 300 years of existence and is characterized by details so different from contemporary that after one glance at both styles it is no longer possible to confuse them.
The essence of modern style is opposition to the canons of classical style. If classic is a richly decorated, strictly canonized movement, then modern style represents forms determined by the requirements of functionality and freedom.
What will the interior of a living room of 21 square meters be like? m in modern style
A typical modern living room will stand out from the rest with its basic details. They characterize the style by their presence, but do not define it:
- Simplicity of the interior and clarity of forms. The content comes to the fore and can be unique, while the form remains simple and clear.
- The space is as open as possible. The living room is a studio, floor-to-ceiling windows, no unnecessary or heavy elements or structures.
- Versatility through simplicity. The seasoned finish of walls and furniture is an equally good background for work, relaxation, and entertainment.
- Artificial and natural materials are used on equal terms, in contrast to the above-mentioned Art Nouveau, which especially “loves” natural materials.
- Variability. Decor can transform design into styles related in concept: techno, hi-tech, minimalism, art nouveau.
- Art objects occupy a special place in the interior. Semantic content prevails over external design, subject to a clear and clear concept of the object expressed externally.
The principles of design in a modern style will be the same for the living room, loggia, bedroom and other rooms. If the details can be used at the discretion of the decorator and the owner of the apartment, then the principles are always present in full and it is they who determine the style:
- The desire for panorama and multidimensionality through open space, clear lines, angles and simple geometric shapes. The basis is sharp lines and shapes, the softening addition is smooth, rounded simple shapes.
- An open space that remains open, subject to zoning. It is realized due to the fact that zoning becomes a tool for organizing a universal open space, within which functional zones coexist.
Zoning in a modern style is a separate word. Most of the techniques are implicit. They are not special decorative items or architectural elements created to divide space. The following are used in this capacity:
- lamps, lamps, lighting in general;
- thresholds and podiums;
- walls with different finishes;
- furniture grouped in accordance with the idea of zoning;
- art objects;
- transparent partitions.
The techniques comply with the principles and can be implemented in conditions such as a living room of 21 square meters. m, and small-sized halls due to simplicity and airiness.
Layout
It is not difficult to redevelop functional areas in Khrushchev-era buildings, since the walls are not considered load-bearing. If the house is panel, this may cause some difficulties. More details about the most popular options for kitchen-living room layout will be discussed below.
Rectangular
For an elongated kitchen-living room, a rectangular layout is suitable. On one side you can place a bar counter or countertop for preparing food. It is better if they smoothly transition into the guest area.
With a rectangular layout, a corner kitchen set will look harmonious.
In the corner you need to put a sink or cabinet for storing kitchen utensils.
Square
To make the kitchen-living room practical, make a square layout. Furniture should be chosen in light colors. It is better if the kitchen set has open facades.
For a square room, a corner arrangement is suitable. This will provide a convenient work triangle with kitchen appliances. This arrangement will provide more free space so that you can create a dining area.
With office
If you want to harmoniously decorate the interior of a kitchen-living room of 20 square meters, you can make a layout with an office. The work area is placed next to a window to get plenty of sunlight.
In a small office, place a table and an armchair along with a sofa. You can complement the design with a shelving unit or hanging shelves.
How and with what are the walls, floor and ceiling decorated?
The concept of style allows you to include the idea of functionality in decoration. Ease of use and unpretentiousness - the versatility of the look - are taken into account.
For walls, this is expressed in the absence of catchy colors, patterns and prints. Here the wall is the background for filling with interior items. Against its background, abstract painting and a functional sofa should look equally good. Therefore, the walls are smooth surfaces of muted and light shades. Finishing – paint, vinyl wallpaper, decorative plaster, 3D wallpaper (on one of the walls, for example).
The floor is again functionality and convenience. Modern style tends to favor the absolute primacy of smooth surfaces, and the floor is no exception. Covering materials: porcelain stoneware, self-leveling flooring, laminate, stone, tile, light wood. Colors are used from black to milky, but preference is given to natural shades: walnut, coffee, dark amber.
The ceiling is plain, smooth. It is possible to use suspended and beam structures. They carry the task of either highlighting a spatial area or adding lighting, and most often – both.
Basic interior colors: light, pastel, white, black, warm natural, muted. These are neutral colors that allow combinations and variations with the inclusion of complex shades and bright accents. But the dominant design remains the calm, moderate basic color.
Design project development
The studio's design project is quite suitable for decorating a small room in a dorm or remodeling a cramped one-room apartment. The living room is combined with the kitchen, and if there is a balcony, with it too. There is only a compact bathroom in a separate room.
Here they provide:
- the most compact, comfortable, ergonomic furniture;
- light, thin zoning elements;
- many mirrors;
- light finish;
- lack of volumetric decor.
In a room with a ceiling height of three or more meters, a second “floor” can be easily organized, where a bedroom, storage space and even an office are located. An insulated balcony is also used for these purposes.
Furniture
The conceptual idea of modern style is freedom and careful consistency within the framework of what is necessary. Therefore, the basic set of furniture for the living room is:
- sofa;
- armchairs;
- coffee table;
- wardrobe or modular design.
Most often, the listed items belong to the class of transformers: they change shape, meeting several functional requirements at once.
Priority characteristics for furniture:
- Symmetry, convenience, practicality. The furniture frame and upholstery textiles are smooth, plain, made of natural or artificial materials. Bright accents are placed through the furniture using textile inserts.
- Straight, clear lines. Complex lines are taboo.
- Designs devoid of all impractical elements. For example, armchairs and sofas have no drapery.
- Furniture is often custom-made modular designs: convenient, practical and saves precious space.
Decor
The idea of abstraction is much closer to the modern style than practical realism, in which a complex and familiar form can block the meaning. The decorations are aimed at enhancing the idea of style:
- Paintings (abstract or photorealism) without bulky frames. Often the frames are not used at all.
- Wall graphics.
- Sculptures that, in contrast to the general tendency towards straight and sharp lines, perform a softening function. Smooth lines, streamlined shapes, primitivism skillfully playing with meaning are possible options.
- Plants in simple pots.
- Vases, jugs and amphoras of simple, clear shapes - 1-2 per room.
- Carpets are plain or with geometric motifs.
- Lighting as decor.
- Curtains - light, light without a pattern or with the image of geometric shapes, matte or shiny.
The advantage is in decorative elements behind glass and metal.
Lighting
For a studio apartment, it is worth considering local lighting for each functional area: kitchen, bedroom, living room and storage area. This can be overhead lights or wall lights, as well as floor lamps or lamps attached to furniture.
- For the kitchen, it is better to choose overhead lighting, and for additional lighting of cabinets or niches, you can purchase LED lamps. They are easily attached to furniture. They are also great for a closet or dressing room. And it is best to make the overhead light separate for the kitchen and living areas.
- For a sleeping place, wall lamps are suitable, which can be easily turned off while lying in bed.
- If the guest area is located under the sleeping area, then it is also worth placing a wall lamp in it.
- As for decorative light, in a small apartment it is better to use lighting without large lampshades and shades. These could be strips of LEDs behind furniture or light bulbs in niches.
