Sophisticated Modern in the Bedroom

The bed sets the tone of the room. It’s typically the first thing you see upon entering the bedroom. Since it is center stage, it’s important to choose one in a style that perfectly expresses your personality and lifestyle. Because the bedroom has evolved from just a place to sleep to a sanctuary that refreshes and renews, the bed, and the other bedroom furniture pieces you select, should reflect the other roles (hanging out with the kids Sunday morning; a quiet place to read; somewhere to stretch out propped up by comfy pillows when last-minute proofing a proposal) the room plays in your life.

The Lifestyle Solutions Knotch Modern Wood Cappuccino Platform Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set is definitely a fine example of sophisticated modern. The furniture pieces have a rich warm wood finish that can be adapted to both a neutral or bold color scheme when you’re dressing the bed and accessorizing. The headboard of the platform bed has the appearance of recessed panels, but is actually a set of built-in shelves. The open design of the nightstands and the absence of a footboard give the bedroom set a less solid appearance.

While there could be several convincing arguments that the Modus Leather Upholstered Rumba Low Profile Sleigh Bed is more transitional in style, it qualifies as sophisticated modern for several reasons. This platform bed has virtually no decorative detail; the lines are clean; and an old form (sleigh headboard) is adapted in a new and surprising way.

The Curt Christian by Martin Madison Wood Panel Bed 5 Piece Bedroom Set shouts sophistication. And what says “modern” more than a dresser or nightstand with brushed metal drawer fronts?

Sophisticated Modern in the Bathroom

A growing interior design trend is to transform the ordinary bathroom into one’s own personal spa or a bathroom one might find in a high-end or boutique hotel. A well-designed, well-organized space helps us to prepare ourselves, both mentally and physically, to face the day. Sophisticated modern for a bathroom décor makes perfect sense.

While borderline ultra-modern, the Nameek’s Concept One 27″ Single Bathroom Vanity Set shows a distinct sophisticated modern style. The subtly patterned doors make this vanity luscious to look at.

While displaying contemporary sensibilities, the Ultimate Accents Contemporary 3 Piece Double Bathroom Vanity has design acumen that can only stem from sophisticated modern. The crackle glass vessel sinks and the textured finish of the wood cabinets will certainly lend your bathroom a truly modern look with that special touch of spa.

Sophisticated Modern in the Dining Room

When a modern dining table with a unique design is perfectly matched with dining chairs crafted from space-age materials, the result is a dining set that is bold, cosmopolitan and edgy in a sophisticated way.

Definitely with a nod to Art Deco (another sub style of modern), the Somerton Manhattan Modern Art Round Pedestal Dining Table is sophisticated modern at its best. The interlocking circles that make up the table’s pedestal base is visually striking. While the button-tufted backrest of the dining chair is decorative, it is so much an integral part of the design that it contributes to this dining set’s classic modern flair.

Highly polished metal accents and a round glass tabletop make the Steve Silver Matinee 48 Inch Round Glass Dining Table thoroughly modern. While the wood legs in a dark cherry finish, a definite contemporary style trait, in this context, give this table an understated chic.

Sophisticated Modern in the Living room

Because modern design arose in the second half of the twentieth century in resounding protest to the traditions and social trends of the past, it reflected the new technologies, materials and philosophies of the Machine Age. Vinyl, microfiber and other space-age fabrics including plastics are popular upholstery materials for sophisticated modern living room furniture. Leather, of course, is also welcome.

The Global Furniture USA Alexander Tan Leather Sofa looks comfy and inviting, just as at home in a contemporary environment as a modern one. But it’s the arms that make you look again. The bold curves of the armrests are emphasized by the dark mahogany wood veneer inlays, giving it its sophisticated modern distinction.

Even though it is made of a dark stained wood, the tiered repetition of its elliptical shapes gives the Abbyson Morgan Ellipse End Table a trendy modern chic.

There is no mistaking the minimalist origins of the Adesso Regency Modern Black Coffee Table. But what makes this coffee table sophisticated modern is the rounded corners, which adds another dimension to its basic geometric shape.

        

Typical colors used in decorating a French country dining room have their roots in nature. Wall shades are sunflower yellows, soft autumn leaf golds, rust reds and oranges, forest greens and lighter shades of leaf and sky. In French country interior design, terra-cotta, marble, slate and ceramic tiles are popular materials for tabletops and decorative accents for case goods such as buffets and china cabinets so it makes perfect sense that the color scheme reflects these natural elements used in the making of dining room furniture.

To give the space an authentic French country look, use faux painting techniques or choose a textured paint product to make the walls look like stucco or weathered plaster.

Another way to create a casual, French country look for your dining room is to use half paint (top half) and half bead board (bottom half). If bead board doesn’t appeal to you, use wallpaper instead, separated from the painted section with a chair rail (a type of molding). You could also opt for painting three walls and using wallpaper on the fourth wall. Choose wallpaper with smaller patterns, especially floral ones.

Think curves; even straight lines have rounded corners or are softened in some way. Wood is a good place to start. However, as mentioned above, other materials like stone, wrought iron, ceramics and cane or wicker are integrated into the designs of furniture pieces, revealing their rustic nature while imbuing them with an inherent sophistication. The trick to creating a room that will have an ageless, old world charm and appeal is to mix oversized furnishings like an armoire or a china cabinet with a whimsical cast iron tea cart.

The Hillsdale Wilshire 5 Piece Dining Table Set in Rubbed Black displays classic woodworking elements like a pedestal table with scrolled feet and barley twist posts. The dining chairs have a wheat sheaf splat that gives the dining table set a studied elegance, but the motif is pure country living.

For something that is still essentially elegant, but with a carefree casualness and air of a French country antique, choose the Stanley Furniture Portofino Ivory 7 Piece Dining Table Set. The dining table is typical of this style, with its antiqued metal base, scrolled metalwork legs and wood tabletop with a distressed finish. Ladder-back chairs are a popular choice when decorating a French country dining area.

The Stanley Furniture Portofino Ivory Buffet paired with the Stanley Furniture Portofino Ivory Tasting Server perfectly qualifies as an oversized piece. The server has a bead board panel, fluted finials and metalwork accents.

While the Ultimate Accents Italian Wine Center doesn’t have curves it displays plenty of other French country attributes such hand painted decoration and harvest-related themes like grapes.

Because of its beautiful hand painted designs, antiqued metal door and drawer pulls, floral motif, fluid lines and framed door fronts, the Pulaski Accents Credenza in Sedona has the appearance of a much-prized heirloom.

Think that just because you live in an apartment or condominium that you can’t have a French country dining room? Try substituting a standard dining table for a gathering table (also known as a counter-height dining table. Because it stands approximately six inches higher than regular height dining tables, it allows you to utilize space vertically rather than horizontally. With its clotted cream color, lattice back chairs, and vine motif, the Standard Valencia Garden Counter Height Table Set has an enchanting French country flair.

When there is not enough room for an oversized buffet with hutch, choose a smaller furniture piece such as a sideboard or serving table. The Hillsdale Wilshire Sideboard Table has a paint washed appearance that is typical of French country dining room furniture.

A French country dining room is ideal for someone with more eclectic tastes. French country décor can be as laid-back, inviting and comfortable as you want. It’s also true for the flipside; French country can be beautifully formal when it needs to be. By following the three basic French country decorating principles – mix and match second-hand store finds with antiques (or reproductions for those of us on a budget); use colors taken from the French countryside; and include classic motifs like the rooster, orchard fruits, wildflowers, etc. – you’ll have dining room that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.

        

The focus on French country interior design is on comfort, while still maintaining elements of casual elegance and relaxed sophistication. So naturally a common focal point of a French country living room is the stone fireplace. There are several great things about the Southern Enterprises Slate White Corner/Flat Fireplace: it can be placed flat against a wall or adapted for use in a corner of a living room; it is an electric fireplace; and it has dark slate accents that bring natural organic elements into a living space common to French country style such as stone, cane and wrought iron.

The way in which French country approaches the use and arrangement of individual furniture pieces also serves to make this style comfortable and inviting. While furnishings will complement each other, they don’t tend to match, as in the three-piece living room suite (sofa, loveseat, armchair) often found in North American homes. This gives a living room an overall relaxed look and feel. It also allows for a more flexible and conversational seating arrangement.

Start with an oversized sofa, preferably with rolled arms and a wide enough seating area to which you can add at least one or two layers of accent pillows and still be able to sit comfortably. The decorative pillows should be chosen with texture and shape in mind; cotton stripes with nubbed wool; solid colors with toile. The Simmons Upholstery Bixby Sofa in Peat has the obligatory rolled arms, a pillow back with accent cushions and wood bun feet. A couch with a skirt instead of legs would also be an alternative choice for a French country living room. Metal legs are good too, especially if they are antiqued or rustic-looking. But do avoid a sofa with more contemporary style legs of polished chrome, steel or nickel.

Coffee tables, end tables, side tables, console tables or any other kind of accent table or occasional table you select for your French country living room should be made of either wood with a distressed finish or of metal and glass or stone. If you choose the metal and glass option, again pick rustic as opposed to contemporary – anything with wrought iron, brass or copper legs, frames or decorative accents are perfectly acceptable construction materials for a French country interior design.

The Magnussen Aidan Round Wood Cocktail / Coffee Table has a richly layered finish with soft wood tones that enhances its round profile and uniquely shaped legs. It will definitely lend an old-world charm to your room.

Since elements like terra-cotta, marble, slate and even ceramic tile are popular materials for tabletops or decorative accents, the Steve Silver Valencia Cocktail Table is ideal for a French country living room. The metal base includes scrolled legs and has a distinctly rustic metal finish.

The Butler Specialty Artists’ Originals Round Wood End Table displays another distinguishing characteristic of French country furniture: wood is commonly hand-painted with a floral or fruit motif.

French country wall colors (shown here from Sherwin-Williams) reflect the brick of a wall in the old part of town or the crate of tomatoes sold in an open air market; the mustards and golds of autumn leaves; the brighter yellows of butter, lemons or the sun.

Accent chairs and armchairs play an important role in French country design. Placed singly or on either side of a bombe chest or wood console table, you create a comfortable place to sit and read or to chat with a friend while sipping a cup of tea or café au lait. You can even pair two totally different accent chairs together, like the Powell Furniture Belvedere Accent Chair and the Klaussner Furniture Bellavista High Leg Reclining Chair as long as they are comfy and a great place to relax for a fair period of time.

The Pulaski French Floral Bench is classic French country with its lovely hand-painted floral designs, sleigh-style rolled arms and oval decorative panels. It would be a wonderful piece to put in a hallway that opened into the living room, if not the living room itself.

Achieving a French country look for your living room is not difficult. With a few choice furniture pieces that look like they have withstood the test of time; a color palette captured from spending a sunny day in the orchard and a few pastoral prints on the wall in carved frames and accent pillows piled on the sofa, you will have an enchanting and inviting living space that possesses an old world charm you and your friends will appreciate for years to come.

        

Paint the walls French countryside colors (from Sherwin-Williams) like cream, antique white, soft yellow or pastel blue. Add a wallpaper border or stenciled border with a French country motif like birds, orchard fruits grape vines or flowers. You can also choose to paper one or two walls with toile-like patterned wallpaper for a more formal French country look.

Another popular construction material incorporated into French Country style is wrought iron. Metal paired with wood gives the Fashion Bed Group Monaco Metal Poster Bed a rustic charm that is warm and relaxing.

Of course a wood bed made of pine, cherry or some other type of regional wood would be a perfectly acceptable choice when decorating a bedroom in a French country style.

When dressing the windows and the bed, think of fabrics like toile, gingham, striped cottons and even denim. Make sure that you include plenty of pillows and accent cushions.

And don’t forget floral prints: a duvet cover like the Daniadown Flora Sand Duvet Cover combined with matching colored sheets and accent pillows would be ideal for a more elegant French country look.

Side tables, bedside tables and lingerie chests typically might be set on a wrought iron frame with metalwork scrolled legs or heavy, oversized drawer handles or door pulls. Wood tabletops, dressers and chests of drawers will often have distressed finishes.

A side table like the Magnussen Accent Express Collection White Provence Round Accent Table could be placed by the Natart Verona Chair in French White and Silver to create a comfortable place to sit and read or even put on shoes.

The Greenbriar Master 15 Drawer Tripple Dresser in Brown Cherry lends an old world charm to your bedroom. It has classic brass finish bail drawer handles and drawer pulls, bracket feet and reeded pilasters.

The classic bun feet, framed drawer fronts and decorative molding of the Wynwood Hampton Cove Bedside Commode are given a delightfully casual appearance by the addition of bead board side panels.

When furnishing a French country bedroom two absolute must-include furniture pieces are an armoire and a hand-carved mirror, whether cheval or wall mounted.

The Homelegance Madaleine Solid Hardwood Flat Panel/Plasma/LCD TV Armoire will not only provide you with much-needed additional storage, it will also help you maintain the timeless feel of your French country bedroom by hiding the television from view when it’s not in use.

The Avanity Provence Mirror has a leaf motif that fits in perfectly with a French country styled bedroom. Because of its round pilasters and a rich, dark finish that emphasizes the mirrors stylized lines, it is more suited to a formal French country interior design.

If you prefer a full length mirror, the Powell Furniture Heirloom Cherry Cheval Floor Mirror is ideal for a French Country master bedroom. Beautifully designed, this floor length cheval mirror has a brass plated metal accent that gives it that special rustic chic.

A common decorative element of French country case goods like lingerie chests, armoires and jewelry armoires is hand-painted detailing. The enchanting floral pattern and the antique white finish of the Coaster Regal Floral Jewelry Armoire have the look of a well-loved heirloom.

        

I have been building a new house, classic design and don’t know what kind of stairs to put in. Everybody does oak, but I’m not sure. I would love to put in something more traditional, perhaps with mahogany and painted wood. But scared it will not to be to everyone’s taste. Thanks for this useful posting (Designer Bathroom).

Design Answer

You don’t specify whether you are building the house for yourself or for the purpose of selling it. If you will be living in the house, my initial response is to go with what you prefer. However, if you are building the house to sell rather than to live in it, then it makes sense to make style choices that will have a broad appeal, particularly regarding the stairs, since they tend to be the focal point of the entryway or hallway and are the first thing people notice when entering a home.

Common construction materials for wood staircases are red oak, white oak, beech, poplar, cherry, hickory, walnut and mahogany. There are other things to consider as well. The components of a staircase and how they all work together will either enhance your home’s interior or make the stairwell stick out rather than stand out. If you do prefer mahogany with painted wood accents, choose a balustrade (the row of balusters or vertical posts that form the more decorate part of the staircase) that is simple in design rather than something like turned spindles, which might make the staircase appear “heavier” or darker.

But keep in mind that you can’t please everyone. For example, I personally don’t like oak and would not purchase a home that had oak cabinets in the kitchen or a lighter wood staircase. That’s because I prefer darker woods like mahogany and walnut. Traditional style or design is typically associated with darker woods and finishes such as mahogany, while contemporary and modern styles are more often linked to light to medium light to medium colored woods. Because it does essentially come down to personal taste, the way to decide what kind of wood to choose for your staircase is to determine what is ultimately in the best interest of the house – its overall style and design or the look you want to achieve.

Thanks for writing in. Keep sending me your design questions, and especially if you’re asking for advice regarding wall color, tips on rearranging a specific room etc., remember to include pictures if you can.

        

Modern dining room furniture has lines that are clean, rectilinear or angular. Furniture pieces, like the Global Furniture USA Rebecca Arm Chair, typically possess exuberant shapes that could even be considered sculpture-like in appearance. The veneer-like pattern of this dining chair creates a visually stunning focal point.

It should be minimalist in design while providing the maximum amount of light.

Asymmetrical shapes can seem “warmer” or at least not as minimalist as straight or angular lines. Both the ItalModern Lotta Indoor or Outdoor Black Plastic Dining Side Chair and the ItalModern Beatrix Modern Green Dining Chair with Chrome Legs definitely have the appearance of a sculpted work of art. They also use asymmetrical shape in astonishing and exciting ways that will bring an energizing feel to your dining area. Popular construction materials for modern style furniture are glass, plastic and metal. The Lotta dining chair is made of plastic while the Beatrix dining chair is fashioned from a combination of plastic and fiberglass and includes metal legs.

Modern style is well-known for its crisp lines, straight edges and no decorative detail. Does this mean you only buy plain or “boring looking” furniture? Don’t you need decorative detail to make furniture interesting? The modernists didn’t think so. The Modloft Howard Modern Upholstered Dining Chair is a great example of how visual interest is created by the raised square design of its side panel. While the profile of the chair is strictly geometric, the tapered legs combined with the textured side give it a softer appearance.

The underlying simplicity of modern line, shape and form is ideally suited to the dining room. Modern style dining table designs are cool and sleek. They are often characterized by polished surfaces and geometric profiles. The focus of the modern style is on form and function. While metal and glass are popular dining table construction materials for modern style dining furniture, for a less minimalist look, select one made of wood, with or without a glass tabletop. Especially for a dining room that is used often or regularly to entertain guests, you will want to select a dining set that includes chairs with comfortable seating.

The Modloft Cliff Extendable Wood Dining Table has a truly modern design. The tabletop and the legs of the dining table are defined by clean, smooth expanses of wood. The floating effect of the tabletop is created by the metal accents that lift it up and away from the legs. No added decorative detail is needed: the eye is instantly drawn into the room by the table’s striking design and form.

The modern style of the Global Furniture USA Gabriella 5 Piece Dining Set is evident in its use of uncomplicated geometric shapes. The two-tone finish combined with the paper veneer accents will add layers of texture to the dining room’s interior design.

Here the use of curves and color give the Global Furniture USA Neville Dining Set a distinctly modern look without the minimalist vibe.

In keeping with the dictates of modern design, the Global Furniture USA Gabriella Buffet displays highly polished surfaces. The lines, with a touch of curvature, are sleek and beautiful, ideal for a less minimalist dining room.

While the Modloft Elizabeth Modern Buffet Table possesses some of the main elements of minimalism – sleek, metal legs and hardware; straight lines; composed of wood, metal and glass – the warm walnut finish diminishes the starkness of its profile.

        

Today, many homes either have a mudroom, a mudroom that is part of another room like the laundry room or an entryway designed as a place to easily take off outer clothing and store them conveniently away. It acts essentially as a buffer from the dirt that can be tracked from the out-of-doors into our living spaces. And especially now that we’re heading into spring and spring-cleaning mode, a mudroom or a mudroom type entryway can come in handy.

Decide where your mudroom will be. If it is in its own room or by the back door, you can go more casual than if you are designing a mudroom that will be part of your front foyer.

Opt for easy-to-clean, waterproof flooring such as tile, vinyl, laminate or stone. If your mudroom is a part of another room that is carpeted, add a mat or mats made of seagrass, bamboo or material that can be easily machine-washed. This will protect your wall-to-wall carpeting and save you from having to spot clean the area all the time.

Because this will be a high-traffic area, choose paint or wallpaper that is low-maintenance. Many types of paint and wallpaper can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Particularly if your mudroom is by the front door, consider adding an accent chest or console table with concealed storage. It will also be a handy place to leave keys or messages.

A coat rack paired with a bench like the Linon Storage Bench Short Split Seat Storage creates the ideal place for family and guest alike to sit and take of shoes or boots and then hang up their coats.

If you have a closet in the room or in the entryway, make it part of your mudroom design by adding a shoe rack to one end. Plan on hanging just jackets directly above the shoe rack to maintain the functionality of your closet,

Increase the storage capacity of your mudroom by placing a row of hooks above the storage bench or on the opposite wall. The Prepac Sonoma Black Cubbie Shelf Wall Coat Rack for Entryway includes hooks and cubby storage, which is ideal for a mudroom.

        

There is something about a club chair and its distinctive shape that adds instant panache to any room’s décor. No matter the style of the club chair – modern, contemporary and even traditional – profiles and lines are clean, whether gently curved or more angular. You can punch up a room’s interior design with the careful and well-thought out placement of one, two or more club chairs to create a focal point that will also serve to boost the seating capacity of your home.

Even though club chairs emerged in the second half of the nineteenth century, their low-back and overall roomy design still has a timeless appeal. No matter what style you have chosen for your home, you will be able to find a club chair that will perfectly suit your personal tastes.

There’s no mistaking the distinctive modern style of the Eurostyle Leonardo 1 Armchair in Black Leather and Chrome, with its starkly straight lines and the use of materials like metal and leather.

Still modern style, the Global Furniture USA 757 Series Sofa Chair in White Leather pairs leather with wood rather than with metal.

At the opposite end of the style spectrum is traditional. The Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Lancaster Leather Chair possesses a relaxed traditional style that could also work well with a transitional or even country décor.

If you prefer a more formal, traditional style, choose a club chair like the Distinction Leather Stratford Chair in multiple finishes, complete with bun feet and a tufted, wingback.

Contemporary style offers you a wide range of options, from simple to sophisticated. The Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Furniture Leather Chelsea Deco Leather Club Chair (multiple finishes) has a casual chic that would fit in well with a contemporary designed den, family room or living room.

Incorporating a club chair into your décor is simple and easy.

• Decide where you would like to put a club chair. Then determine how many you will need for each room: you might want to put one in a corner of the den but two would look better by the fireplace in the family room.
• Because you will most likely be adding them to a room that has already been decorated, make sure that the club chairs you are purchasing for a particular space will match the existing style.
• Take measurements: keep in mind that club chairs tend to be roomier than a standard armchair or accent chair.

Because they are built for both comfort and style, club chairs can be a viable alternative when decorating a room that is too small or is awkwardly shaped. Where a sofa or even a loveseat just might not fit, a pair of comfy and inviting club chairs like the Klaussner Furniture Jeeves Chair could provide the ideal solution.

Create the ideal reading corner, a cozy place to curl up with your favorite book or the current bestseller. Start with the Distinction Leather Brooke Chair and the matching Distinction Leather Brooke Ottoman.

Add a floor lamp to increase the functionality of your club chair. The Quoizel Floor Lamp has a comfortable traditional style that would be perfect for a more classically styled décor, while the Fangio Lighting Floor Lamp with Table is definitely more formal.

Get closer to a fireplace with a relaxing club chair. Fireplaces and club chairs are just made for each other.

        

What is the rate one should expect to pay an interior design specialist?  What is the best way to negotiate that rate?  Should references be made available or how else can one determine if she is dealing with a reputable firm? Thank you.

Design Answer

This is a good question – if you don’t want to tackle a decorating project for whatever reason (lack of time, experience or product knowledge) hiring an interior designer is a great alternative.

How much an interior designer will cost you can vary depending on a combination of factors including the designer’s experience, your location (what someone will be charged in Seattle will be different what a client in Miami will have to pay) and what you are having done and the size and complexity of the project. If you live outside of the city limits, some interior designers and the contractors they hire might charge you for traveling expenses. Interior design firms typically offer a range of services, from consultancy to full service packages from the planning stage to the final placement of candlesticks on the mantel and the cushions on the sofa. Also keep in mind that some designers bill by the hour; others charge a fixed fee based on a specific room (a different fee for a bedroom than for having the kitchen redone); and some designers who charge a fixed fee will also bill you a percentage of the cost of the products that were purchased for your interior design project.

The best way to negotiate a rate that is acceptable to you is to shop around and compare the designers’ credentials, the prices they’re charging and what services and goods they will be billing you for. Many interior designers offer a free estimate, giving you an outline of what you want done, the estimated number of hours the project will take and the proposed cost. Be clear about what you what you’re hiring the designer for and what you are expecting that person to do. Set a budget for your decorating project and let the designer know. Once you have decided on an interior designer, you will be asked to sign a contract, typically based on any estimate that was previously discussed. Before signing, make sure that you understand the firm’s fee structure and how and what you will be charged for.

When looking for a reputable firm, the best place to start is with recommendations from friends, family or even a co-worker whose opinion you trust. To ensure that the company you are interested in hiring is a good one, check with non-profit agencies in your area like the Better Business Bureau. People hiring someone, especially if that someone is to come into their home, should ask for references. Ask to see the interior designer’s portfolio and then contact the clients to get references from the company or individual who hired the designer. Do your homework. Do lots of research. Ask questions and ask for confirmation about any claims the interior designer makes such as how long they’ve been in business, their credentials, etc. Nowadays, many interior designers have websites. This can be a great resource for you: not only will you be able to see pictures of completed projects, but you will be able to get a sense of what this particular interior designer can offer and if this company would be the right one for you.

Thanks for writing in. And keep sending me your design questions.

        

When decorating a living room in modern style, furniture defines interior space by using geometric form and neutral palettes. A sofa like the Wholesale Interiors Baxton Studio White Convertible Sofa is very minimalist, every line is straight and the profile is simple and spare.

If you prefer something less leather-look, go for sofa upholstered in neutral fabric, like the Innovation USA ILS04 Sofa with Arms.

Metal, glass and plastics are common construction materials. The Innovation USA 7″ Combination Coffee Table with Chrome Legs is definitely modern, with its metal tabletop, high gloss finish and polished chrome legs.

Wood in lighter finishes or that has been bleached or molded, is another popular construction material for modern living room furniture. The OFFI Scando Coffee Table in Walnut perfectly demonstrates form is function; it’s asymmetrical profile serves as a make magazine holder.

No modern living room can be without a television. The crisp, angled lines  Furnitech Classic Modern 75 Inch Wood Plasma/LCD TV Stand possesses crisp lines

Minimalist Dining Room

With modern minimalist dining furniture, there is absolutely no decoration such as molding, inlays or other decorative accents. Form speaks for itself. There should be no piece of living room furniture that does not fill a specific function.

Because there are no decorative accents, the eye is drawn to the furniture piece itself, rather than just certain aspects of it. In the Modloft Spring Dining Table, visual interest is created by the tabletop made of a combination of frosted and plain glass.

Wood cabinets are made of mahogany or other types of grained woods. Finishes can be matte, highly lacquered or anything in between, but never distressed. Doors, as in the Armen Living Travertine Buffet Cabinet are not framed and contrasting materials, such as the wood and stone, are often used to create texture or focal points.

The use of pure geometric shape makes the Global Furniture USA Triangular 5 Piece Dining Set in Dark Brown unique; classically clean lines make it minimalist.