The birth of modern design is traced back to the turn of the 20th century. It is a movement that evolved from its predecessors, specifically the Bauhaus and International styles. The Bauhaus was an architectural school founded in 1918, whose faculty and students developed a style of architecture that favored simplicity and technology integration.
As the ideas of the Bauhaus began to spread globally, the term International Style was coined, which eventually became the basis of modern design.
The philosophy behind the creation of modern style is still a topic of debate today. However, it is widely agreed that the technological advancements brought about by the Industrial Revolution in the mid-19th century played a crucial role in its development.
With the advent of new building materials, such as glass, steel, and concrete, it became easier to present sleek and clean lines that defined the modern aesthetic. Moreover, the idea of progress and the socio-political revolutions of the early 20th century also made an impact. Whatever its foundation, modern design continues to inspire change, making it a movement that has stood the test of time.
Modern design has taken the interior design world by storm, and it remains the prevalent form of design in today’s homes. Most articles in home magazines and journals in the last five years focus on modernizing the home, whether through color, accessories, lighting, or other design elements.
The open plan that Le Corbusier derived from the International style remains the foundation of modern design. The floor plans of modern homes are minimally furnished, with simplicity and lack of ornamentation complementing the overall look. The concept of “less is more” characterizes modern design, as evidenced by the constant streamlining of technology, from computers to automobiles.
Walls in modern homes are treated as a backdrop for the open plan, typically painted in neutral colors such as white, black, brown, gray, beige, or chrome. Originally, primary colors like red, yellow, and blue were used in accessories and artwork to add a pop of color.
More recently, natural themes like cool greens and blues have been incorporated into modern design, making it easier to personalize the space.
Flooring in modern homes consists of natural elements, with wood planking and bamboo being the most common. Brick, stone, and tile are used to maintain a blank canvas, which can be personalized with an infinite variety of rugs in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.
Lighting in modern homes is best characterized by industrial-style lightings, such as track lighting, spot lighting, and recessed cans. Floor and table lamps can also add a personal touch to the space, making lighting options as vast as rug options. Lighting need not be the most expensive aspect of design, as many affordable options are available in the market.
The most exciting aspect of the modern style is its accents and furnishings. It is interesting because there are no fixed rules for these elements. Personal taste and philosophy are the driving factors behind the choice of articulations and furnishings. Almost anything can be incorporated into modern design, with the use of decorative items recommended to be sparse.
However, are there any rules in design? There are frameworks, yes, but they have always been debated and never decided. Modern designers and architects have continuously argued over the philosophy of design. The most intriguing part of the modern style is first personal opinion, and second, personal philosophy.
The framework of modern design is a blank canvas, to be painted as the designer wills. The designer can be eclectic, interesting, colorful, but most of all, unique.
In conclusion, modern design is a movement that has evolved from the Bauhaus and International styles. Its foundations are rooted in simplicity, integration of technology, and the philosophy of progress.
