The term can be fluid and differ in meaning; for some it’s a man with a fine suit and a neatly cropped beard, or the act of sipping champagne while listening to a vinyl on your stereo, or perhaps reading classic literature while sitting in the airport business class lounge. Modern sophisticated design does not have to be complex or complicated, it can be simple, sleek and just elegantly executed. Whatever your definition, today we have blog contributor Patrick sharing some clever ways to introduce modern sophistication into your home.
Invest in Yourself
The first tip is to invest in yourself and thereby in your home. Find pieces that are as unique as you are, because firstly, it is your home and you have to live in it and secondly because unique pieces tend to stand out more than the standard cookie cutter, run-of-the-mill décor accents and furniture. Also what you put in your home has to suit you, your personality and your lifestyle, just like finding the right clothes or shoes. Just because something is fashionable doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. That being said, in this case unique does not mean eccentric, odd, bizarre or 'junk-like'. Remember we are talking about modern sophisticated design and style - things that look and feel high-end, luxe and stylish!
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Flooring
Starting from the bottom up, choosing flooring that is consistent with your overall design is the foundation of your re-design. Wooden flooring and tiled floors add sophistication to the overall appearance of your place, and are easy to keep clean. Wooden parquetry flooring adds to the feeling of luxe and floor tiles laid in a herringbone design creates a sophisticated modern look. For further advice on tiling, try the best tile shop in Melbourne.
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Seating
Couches, chairs, stools, benches, armchairs, it’s important to go for comfort and ergonomic support when selecting pieces that you will be using quite often. Making sure you choose pieces that are both comfortable, stylish and in line with the theme of your design is important. Having an array of mismatched chairs can look untidy and unsightly when trying to create a modern sophisticated and cohesive look so choose seating that compliments each other and the other furniture in your home.
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Rugs
If you opt for wooden or tiled floors, a rug can help fill the strange void that a bare tiled or wooden floor usually has. The right rug can lift an entire room, adding a sense of colour, comfort and style. If you have tiled floors, a plush rug like a beni ourain feels luxe, while for wooden floors, a natural jute or textured rug looks sophisticated and adds to the lived-in modern vibe.
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Tables
Coffee, side and occasional tables have become a lot more fun and experimental these days and can be made from a range of source materials such as suitcases, chests, and books. Take your time to find something that you love, however remember to choose one that is different or rustic yet adds a sense of style.
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Colour Palette
Wallpaper is making its own small comeback, but it's success relies heavily on the print chosen. It can lend a beautiful and sophisticated feeling to the bathroom, bedroom or study, though I would not recommend using it throughout the entire house. In choosing a colour pallette, softer colours such as greys, creams and a variety of whites always look elegant and tend to stand the trends of style.
Lighting
Light fittings of various styles, shapes and sizes are now widely available and make a big difference to the overall feel and look of a room. The use of strategically placed lamps, wall mounted sconces, lanterns and hanging light pendants do well to enhance the overall style of a space. Choose pendants that reinforce the sophisticated look and add to the modern ambience. Scandinavian style light fixtures usually lend a luxe and modern look and feel to any room.
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When designing an interior that is modern and sophisticated in style, it is important to find a good balance in the colour and design of the space, harmony in the placement of furnishings and décor accents and symmetry to create a warm, inviting and stylish ambience. Keep the overall look light, relaxed and elegant.
Use classic neutrals and a fresh yet simple colour palette with cohesive furniture and soft furnishings to create a sense of effortless sophistication. You can inject colour through the use of bold accent pieces and create visual interest by layering various plush and coarse textures. However, remember to minimise clutter to achieve the modern look and limit the amount of decorative pieces you add to the space.
If you have any questions regarding a particular design style, please let us know in the comments below.
Till next time... use our tips to inject a modern sophisticated vibe into your home!
Patrick is currently studying a Master of English Studies at the University of Sydney. He has a long-held love of literature, incited by reading Tolkien's Lord of the Rings when he was in primary school. Patrick is also a fiction writer, looking to build a career as a novelist and screenwriter.