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Achieve That Style: Modern Edition


Let us take you back to the early to mid-twentieth century, when interior design was more than just a style. It was a movement. In the wake of World War I and the devastation it brought with it, people's mentalities began to change. At the same time, industrialism swept the nation bringing with it significant societal growth and advancements in technology. Art and architecture saw a drastic shift. No longer was realism the highest form of sophistication. People were more interested in saying something; making a statement with their work. Thus, art became a form of expression like never before.

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Instead of stuffy portraits/landscapes and ornate interiors, artists and architects, alike, began thinking in the abstract. Modernism was born. Clean lines, bolder colours and streamlined silhouettes made their appearance and grew significantly in popularity during this period. Interior design styles began to mimic this change.

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So what makes a style Modern? While the name alludes to something that is current, don't be fooled. Unlike Contemporary design, which relates to ever-evolving present and future trends, Modern design actually refers to an era that has passed. Get in mod-mode with these pro-tips!

Art Deco Modern

When it comes to achieving the Art Deco style of the 1920's, think Great Gatsby! Glitzy accents, geometric prints, and rich tones will be your go-tos. Play around with shapes; whether that's through wall art, decorative accents, rugs, or even lighting. Whatever you do, do not forget the gold! Gold accents make the space come alive with an air of wealth and sophistication. The aim, here, is to go against the grain; be bold and intentional.

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The idea behind Art Deco originated in one of the most elegant and stylish countries in the world — France. So, as you would expect, the look draws inspiration from this fashion capital of the world. Decorative artists ("Art Deco") came together to create unique and lavish furniture, art, and decor pieces in an attempt to compete with the cheaper cookie-cutter designs being produced in Germany at the time. They wanted to make a name for themselves, and so they did. Their sleek designs took the post-war world by storm. Designs prominently featured industrial elements, with sleek contours, clean rectangular shapes, and geometric patterns.

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GET THE LOOK: To mimic this iconic style in your own home, use vibrant colours, sunburst motifs, chevron or patterns with straight and smooth lines. If you love florals and wish to incorporate them into your design, opt for a more stylized floral pattern to compliment the vintage feel of the space. Zigzag patterns, and triangular and trapezoidal shapes are popular Art Deco features as well. If you need help completing a room, feel free to reach out for a design consult with one of our experts.

Mid-Century Modern

The 50's and 60's introduced us to one of today's most sought after interior design styles. Mid-Century Modern homes are popping up shop and being featured in top interior design magazines around the world. Why is this style so popular nearly 70 years later? It is nostalgic; synonymous with "retro" and "vintage" feels. It is reminiscent of a time when soldiers came home from war and babies and the economy were both booming. New homes were being built left and right.

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To keep up with the high demand for housing, interiors became more about form and function than excessive decadence. A more streamed-lined design allowed for speedier building times and a new mode of thought to emerge. The idea behind the open-concept floor plan began to explode. Furniture followed suit in its "form follows function" approach where designs were created with their overall purpose in mind.

GET THE LOOK: In order to master the Mid-Century Modern look in your own home, make ample use of brick, steel, glass and concrete. Neutral wall colours such as white and grey are a staple. Add pops of colour through decorative pillows, accent walls, and even art work. Patterns can definitely be used, but sparingly and on a much more muted scale.

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While Mid-Century Modern designs are simplified, don't mistake them for being boring. There is something so alluring about the gentle curves on light fixtures, the subtle slants on desk legs, the use of geometrics, and the intentionality of colour. These features give the eye somewhere to focus and travel without being overly complex and obtrusive.

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Modern Design

Modern designs follow the same clean-line aesthetic as their Art Deco and Mid-Century counterparts, however, they feel more current. Instead of all the glitz, glamour and flower-power, Modern designs lean more towards Scandinavian influences. While they still occasionally feature patterns, shapes and decor reminiscent of the era, they do so on a much smaller scale.

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Check out the design above. It has all you would expect from a modern home, with small nods to the past. The muted colour pallet, the geometric accents on the table and bookshelf, the sleek design of the coffee table; they all play together well. The shape of the day bed draws your gaze, and makes you appreciate its simple form. There is something so timeless about a modern design, and that perhaps, is why it's so popular today.

Whether you love the Art Deco style, the Mid-Century Modern style, the Modern style or prefer a different style altogether, our passion for interior design puts your home in the right hands. White Dahlia Design believes in simplifying your design process while pulling off your favourite style so that you can enjoy your home with very little effort. Weekends are precious —enjoy them! Leave the rest to us.

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