How To Decorate A Modern House, Ranch Or Split Level.

If you read some of my earlier posts (e.g. this one about Amy Butler's home) you know that I grew up in a modern ranch home built in the sixties.  Once I struck out on my own, however, my taste manifested itself in colonial design.  I wanted all of those Palliadian references - symmetry; decorative molding; high ceilings; and tall, arched windows.  Nevertheless, I recently arrived at a new appreciation for modern design in residential dwellings and have a burgeoning respect for my parents design choices back when I was a child. My new appreciation has been fueled in the last year by my visit to New Canaan, Connecticut to participate in the 2009 Modern House Tour where I met Toshiko Mori who spoke about modern design.

With my new near obsession with 1960s residential design, I often find myself thinking about how I would decorate a modern home or even my parents' 1960s ranch if I had the opportunity.  I peruse new modern design magazines and blogs that showcase modern interior design.  I see many homes faithfully following the 60s design ethic and owners even purchasing accouturements from the 60s on E-bay or Craigslist. 

Yet, I find something wanting in those interiors.  I find that I am missing a lightness, modern color schemes, and a reference to the past.  I crave white interiors to maintain a bright, clean ambience.  I find the color schemes of brown, orange, and mustard brought forward from the 60s to todays interiors to be saddening.  Rather, I love pops of modern, bright colors against a neutral background.  And I continue to have a passion for eclecticism - perhaps a modern interior with an antique or two to mix it up and make it real. 

In any event, if you have a modern residence and are presently updating and sprucing it up, my recommendation would be to start with white walls, paper a wall or two with an interesting design, and use bright color in strategic places.  Fill your home with modern furniture and light fixtures but mix it  up with tasteful antiques.  The classic lines of the antiques will provide a savvy guest with contrast that will emphasize your fine modern lines.  So, try not to copy the 60s design aesthetic; strike out and create something unique, something of today, something clean and fresh.  The results will make you happy!

Images via Sixx Design (1,2,7,8); Brocade Home (3,4); Chic Sensibility (5)  Serena & Lily (6); Christina Lundsteen (9); Decorology  (10, 12, 13); Anthropologie  (11).

Comments

[lynn]

love your new picture!!! looks great

[annkent]

Hey, thanks!