Dreaming of modern design

When you think of modern design and architecture, perhaps you start picturing Frank Lloyd Wright’s handiwork. Wright’s innovative design, seen in his more than 1,000 architectural works, is often heralded as the golden standard for modern and contemporary design.

However, you don’t have to live in a Wright original to integrate modern design touches in your home. In fact, many folks in Atlanta have done so already, which is why we dug through the Private Quarters archives to bring you some of the best in modern design we have featured throughout the years.

If you’re new to the “modern” world, let’s start with the basics: “Today’s modern style is based on a design movement that was birthed around the turn of the 20th century,” according to design website the Spruce.

“Modern style furnishings and decor celebrate natural materials, neutral or earthy colors, and the elimination of unnecessary detailing. While you may see a range of colors in contemporary styling, modern styles would have monochromatic colors,” according to the Spruce.

The design style traces its roots to Scandinavian architecture. With its prevalence taking hold throughout the early 20th century, modern design is often closely associated with mid-century modern design, the Spruce notes.

A main idea in modern design is eliminating excess clutter or extra items. And with more folks spending time at home amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, you may find yourself sorting and purging some unneeded items from your space.

“One of the key beliefs behind the modern design movement is the idea that ‘form follows function,’” according to the Spruce. “In other words, the design of all furnishings and decorative objects should reflect its intended purpose, and if a furnishing, decor or decorating detail does not have a practical purpose, then it can be eliminated.”

When adding modern design touches to your space, there are some pillars of the style to consider. First and foremost, it’s all about the neutral colors and natural materials. Modern design also tends to favor open-concept floor plans, the website House Beautiful notes.

“Basically, you want as few walls as possible. Furniture, instead, should differentiate spaces, like a kitchen counter providing a visual distinction from a living or dining room. Abundant natural light is also necessary to help a space feel more airy and open, so windows are kept unadorned,” according to House Beautiful.

However, you can also make your modern design dreams come true without taking down walls. Integrating functional materials and eliminating excess is a good place to start.

“Clean lines over curves. Neutral colors and natural materials over bold hues and synthetic materials and patterns,” interior designer, Natalie Myers, told House Beautiful.

PHOTO BY REANN HUBER. TEXT BY LORI JOHNSTON/FAST COPY NEWS SERVICE. The Poliform kitchen from Switch Modern is minimal and clean, with sleek and slim Miele appliances, said homeowner Gillian Harper. The straight lines of the white cabinets don’t distract from the windows and views, opposite a black wall.

TEXT BY LORI JOHNSTON/FAST COPY NEWS SERVICE. PHOTO BY REANN HUBER. Pink pops outside and inside a Sandy Springs mid-century modern home, which was built in 1965. Renovations were completed in 2018 to the home, which has 4,200 square feet, four bedrooms and fourand-a-half baths. The homeowners worked with Bizot Architects, LK Renovation and Linda Dove with LDK For Home + Garden.

TEXT BY SHANNON DOMINY. PICTURE BY REYNOLDS ROGERS. A concrete coffee table from CB2 sits at the center of Poul Olson’s living room, tying into the space’s grayscale color palette and adding an industrial touch.