Cornerstones of Modern Design
Modernism, which began as an intellectual movement, was most popular as a design style from the end of the 1800s through the 1950s, although elements of it continue in today’s contemporary homes. It grew out of a blend of Scandinavian and German Bauhaus architecture and design of the time, and it was a rejection of earlier styles and traditions, like Victorian, Gothic, and Renaissance, which emphasized drama, ornamentation, and dark colors.
Its philosophy, centered around “form follows function,” led to simplified designs. If something didn’t have a purpose, it should be removed from the design. New materials, including reinforced concrete and steel, allowed for geometric building shapes with flat roofs and large windows. The mid-century modern design arrived in the 1940s and 1950s, bringing woods and new color tones. Modern interior design focused on open rooms, natural colors, and minimalist decoration.
Features of Modern Design
While you may not be able to change the architecture of your home, the addition of new Naples living room furniture can inject a modernist flavor to your living spaces. Here are some features to consider before visiting Matter Brothers Furniture, your Naples furniture store:
- Neutral Walls: After years of Victorian wallpaper and murals, design moved in the opposite direction to plain, neutral walls. Whites, beiges, and grays are good choices for wall paint. It’s great to add visual interest to the walls with abstract art pieces.
- No molding: Modernist homes skip the crown molding and chair rails, sticking with the simplified look. With an emphasis on open-concept floor plans, there are fewer walls to use molding on. The style also omits moldings around windows.
- Strong lines: Horizontal and vertical lines are featured in buildings, furniture, and decor. Concrete columns add additional vertical lines. Curves are not a part of modern design.
- Earthy colors: Some modern design incorporates limited accents of red, yellow, blue, and black into furniture and art. Most designs, though, focus on earthy tones and are centered around the softer colors of turquoise, brown, rust, or olive green.
- Minimalism: In response to the excesses of Victorian decoration, modern design doesn’t over-accessorize, which keeps away clutter. Decorative pieces tend to have a purpose and function.
- Streamlined furniture: Modern furniture is characterized by straight lines and little decoration. Furniture generally has exposed legs and no skirts. Sofa arms are straight rather than rolled. Solid color fabrics are more common than patterned, and colors are often neutral or earth-toned. Mid-century modern furniture sometimes has fabrics inspired by menswear textures.
- Metals and Woods: Furniture tends to feature glass and reflective metals. Chrome and stainless steel appear while wrought iron does not. These metals are incorporated into furniture for table legs or chair frames. Chrome is also featured in faucets, knobs, and lamps. In addition to metals, furniture features natural, unpainted woods. Wood legs are straight without feet or carvings.
Featured Furniture
For modern inspiration when redesigning your Naples living room, consider this selection of pieces available at Matter Brothers Furniture:
- The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Pacifica Dining Table is made of wood and features straight lines.
- The Hooker Furniture Living Room Cherie Metal Frame Club Chair incorporates both chrome and leather. It’s reminiscent of the famous Barcelona chair.
- The Hooker Furniture Living Room Wylie Exposed Wood Chair utilizes both natural wood and leather.
Many more options are available in the store.
Visit Matter Brothers Furniture Store
Modern design has become a classic style, and it can add a clean and natural appeal to your home. Matter Brothers can help add modern touches. Contact us or visit the Naples furniture store for our complimentary design services.
