Modern interior décor can be achieved with sleek, strong lines, and minimalism.  Through the use of materials, color, and rich interiors, modern decor is as stylish as you want to make it. The focus in modern decor is in the styling and atmosphere of the spaces.  Here are some ways that you can achieve contemporary style in your home.

COUCH/CHAIRS: In modern decor, furniture has strong linear form, and absence of ornamentation. Modern interiors have only the essential pieces of furniture. When choosing couches and chairs, modern styling may include the illusion of “floating” horizontal planes.  Bulky, furniture is replaced with sleek and refined materials. The use of leather, micro-fiber, tweed, and tightly woven fabrics makes furniture sophisticated and durable. Consider your space to furnish, and include only enough pieces to fit the function of the space. Modern decor’s appeal is the feeling of airiness, space and light.

TABLES: They will follow the same philosophy from the couches with their strong horizontal lines, and fine use of wood, metals, and glass.  Use shiny and reflective touches to bring a strong industrial feel to the modern decor of a room. Ottomans and side tables in smooth linear form coupled with clean shaping make for wonderful accent accessories. Most cocktail tables in modern décor stand lower than traditional one’s to give emphasis to sitting space, and minimalism.

WINDOWS: Light is key in modern décor. Window treatments should be kept light in texture, color, and weight. Heavy blinds, drapery and puffy curtains are too ornamental and ‘heavy’ looking for contemporary styling. Minimalism is achieved more easily when an abundance of light fills the room. If living in a smaller home, use less furniture and this will visually open up the room. Even though light may not be abundant, the use of lighter colors and less furnishings will instantly make windows seem brighter.

Is your bathroom so small that you can touch both walls when standing inside?  Small bathrooms are a huge challenge to use and to decorate. Some bathrooms have the ability to feel bigger, while others may need small renovation projects to improve the square footage.  Depending on your particular bathroom the options can be easy.  Decide what your budget is, and then follow these big design ideas for your small bathroom.

VANITY AREA: Your sink and how much space you can maneuver around it, is crucial in the use of your bathroom. Determine your specific needs for your sink. Are you someone who has a lot of toiletries, accessories, and need a lot of storage? Use a small vanity that has under counter cabinet doors, and add organization shelves and drawers inside the cabinet.  Don’t have a lot of storage needs, but want it to look decorative? Consider using a pedestal sink, or a wall mounted sink with decorative shelving below.  If you don’t have space for either, they also make sinks that fit in the corner of two walls. This sink has a 90 degree back and the sink nestles between the walls to give you maximum floor space.

TOILET: Most people enjoy having maximum room around the toilet, although this is not always a realistic option in today’s small bathrooms.  If you’re able to change out the toilet, they come in smaller sizes that take up less floor space, and allow for more room around them.  If you cannot change the toilet, try to minimize floor items like scales, trashcans, and laundry hampers in the bathroom.  The more floor area you can see and use, the better you will feel.

BATHTUB/SHOWER: In most small bathrooms you either have a combination bathtub with the shower inside, or you only have a shower. If your budget allows, lose the shower curtain and add a glass door enclosure.  Glass will create the illusion of a bigger bathroom, and when you’re using the shower, it will feel larger too.  Consider using clear or lighter colored shower curtains if installing a glass door is not an option.  If you have tall ceilings, install the shower curtain at a higher head height to elongate the feeling of the room.

LIGHT: Dark colors will make the room feel smaller and lighter colors will make the room feel larger.  If you have the luxury of having natural light pour into your bathroom, it will feel much bigger. Mimic the feeling of natural light with neutral and sunny tones that feel warm and inviting. Change your light bulbs to ones that emit a warmer glow. Light bulbs play a huge role in how you see yourself in the mirror. You will hate using the bathroom, if you hate how you look in the mirror!

Even though your bathroom is small, you can still love its potential. Use these big design ideas and love your bathroom again.

RoniqueGibson