“ Less is more to create modern design lines”

Modern style is a clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style from the 1930s with roots in the German Bauhaus School of Design and Scandinavian modern design. It's characterized by polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry. Expansive, unadorned windows marry the interior with the exterior landscape.

Colors - The neutral palette allows the objects in the design to take center stage. White walls are predominant in a modern home with furnishings, accessories and fabrics sporting neutral tone-on-tone color schemes.

Finishes - Sleek, smooth and polished are words to describe surfaces in a modern interior. Concrete, granite and linoleum are used for flooring; chrome and stainless steel are common accents on furniture and in the kitchen. A lacquered finish on kitchen cabinetry is common.

Architecture - A focus on geometry and angular shapes is a hallmark of modern design. Above, light streaming through a soaring window creates an artistic statement and calls attention to the interior architecture.

Artwork - The art and accessories in a modern interior are extremely important and must exhibit striking shapes or forms to make a statement. Special pieces should be called out with spotlights for visual impact.

Modern Style Tips:

- Modern design uses less texture than any other design style and is more about form/artistic impression rather than function. Add touches of color through artwork and accessories that becomes conversation pieces.

- For a modern look be sure to include basic geometric shapes in decorative accents such as oversized round chrome accessories,square-edged furnishings and rectangular -patterned rugs and artwork.

For more information about Interior Design and Feng Shui email Marie Burgos at marie@manobluedesign.com and visit our site on www.manobluedesign.com