Interior Design Styles Modern Contemporary Style Hdb Homes Home

By Tania Melissa
last updated February 10, 2025
Contributions sourced from
26 Modern Living Rooms Ideas for a Sleek and Inviting Gathering Space
As major hosting zones, living rooms should be welcoming and cozybut that doesnt mean you need to sacrifice style. Here, over two dozen modern living room ideas prove you can have it all: one room that could be your easy-breezy reading nook, a cozy corner for family game night, and also a chic retreat for cocktails and conversation. Among them youll find spaces from the AD archivesincluding a So Paulo living room by the Campana Brothers that features a cloud-shaped, light-reflecting mirror; and an Aspen getaway by Atelier AM that showcases a custom-made sectional sofa covered in a brick-red cottonas well as fresh inspiration from design experts across the country. Its time to mix a martini, sit down, and stay awhile.
What is a modern living room design style?
You may catch on to a few similarities in the below living room ideas. Common denominators include clean lines and contemporary furnishings warmed up with ever-so-subtle touches like luxurious upholstery, colorful artwork, and fresh greenery. Or, as Joey Conicella of Soco Interiors in Winter Park and Naples, Florida, puts it, Achieving a modern aesthetic is about neutralizing the overall style of the room. Lean into simple and minimal details and functional furniture pieces. Play with natural light and shadows. Instead of adding furniture pieces and accessories, create more negative space by removing things from the room.
How do you accessorize a modern living room?
Accessorizing a modern living room can be a delicate balance between simplicity and impactful statement pieces, says Jamie Young of home decor brand Jamie Young Co. Choose sleek, modern lighting fixtures that can double as art. Pendants, floor lamps, and chandeliers can be both functional and decorative with a minimalist feel.
What is a timeless living room?
Withstanding the test of time usually involves a neutral color palette that provides a versatile backdrop for room decor and well-made furnishings that lastboth elements that can be incorporated into modern living room design. Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs in Los Angeles adds, A timeless living room is one that functions well and has a flow, but also has pieces that last for years in look and comfort. Nothing is too trendy, and lines in furniture and decor are more streamlined and clean.
Modern living room ideas
Ready to incorporate these designers expert advice into your own home? Consider the following 26 modern living room ideas.
Top 10 Modern-Styled Interior Design Ideas to Redefine your Home
Blk 315A Punggol Way 4 Room HDB BTO
Last but not least, one of the best ways to make your home stand out is by creating focal points or adding abstract elements. Incorporating unique art pieces is a great way to add some visual interest to your living space. From paintings to sculptures, art can help set the tone for your interior design and make your space look fuller. A large feature art piece or painting can make a bold statement and become the focal point of the room. Consider hanging it behind your sofa or in a prominent location in your living area. This will instantly elevate the room and create a stunning visual centrepiece.
Lighting is another key element that can be used to add some personality and uniqueness to your space. Incorporating unique light features can help create a sense of drama and bring your living space to life. Choose fixtures that reflect your personality and complement your interior style. To make sure these elements fit seamlessly within your home, be sure to choose pieces that pop out within your neutral palette. Select art pieces or lighting fixtures that complement your furniture and accentuate the unique features of your space.
Incorporating these focal points and abstract elements can help give your modern living space an instant elevation in terms of dimension and visual interest. However, it's important to strike a balance between adding too much and creating clutter. Be sure to choose your pieces carefully, and don't be afraid to get creative with your selections.
Inspirational Modern Interior Design Style Portfolio For Your HDB
Modern interior design is characterised by several features such as monochromatic colour palettes, clean lines, natural materials, minimalism, open floor plans, low and long furniture, and other unique characteristics. The following beautiful modern interior design portfolio of an HDB by Swiss Interior depicts all these characteristics and creates a strikingly beautiful and elegant modern interior. This award winning portfolio can be the perfect inspiration for your HDB renovation in 2024.
Living Room
The living room of this Singapore modern interior design HDB showcases the unique taste and expertise of the designers. Embracing a monochromatic colour theme of black and grey with a natural contrast with brown colour, the space exudes elegance and class. The dark grey walls create a balanced transition to the black marble media wall. These elements then create the beautiful contrast with the hardwood floors and the leather sofa of the same shade as the floor. The sofa is long and low lying just like one would expect in a modern interior. Lots of natural light brightens up the space through the large windows draped with sheer curtains. The living room is minimalistically furnished and decorated that allows the room to appear spacious yet functional.
HDB Interior Design
The first step is to meet your interior designer. During this first meeting, let your interior designer know about the space that he will be working with. It is best that you bring your floor plan along. Share your preferences and needs with your interior designer. If you have any ideas for the design of your house, feel free to bring it up for discussion. Your interior designer will also share with you more about the possible designs and materials you can opt for. It is also important to let your interior designer know about your budget for the work. In this way, your interior designer can come up with something for you that meets both your aesthetic and financial needs.
The second step is probably your second meeting with your interior designer. During this meeting, your interior designer will have a proposed layout for you, along with the proposed quotations for each item. Your task is to look into each detail to make sure that nothing is missed. During this meeting, you can choose to remove any items that you think are unnecessary for your project. If all goes well, the ideal outcome for this meeting would be the confirmation of a design and the signing of the renovation contract.
The third step is the selection of materials. Your interior designer will share with you more in-depth on the different materials available for selection such as the different tiling options. Do remember to share your budget with your interior designers. There are always cheaper alternatives available that can produce similar results. At this point in time, you will also prepare for the application of permits for renovation works. Renovation work is no easy feat; there are many guidelines to adhere to and approval has to be obtained before any work can take place. But, fret not! We are here to help you.
Lastly, it is all about tying up loose ends. Finalize the 3D rendering of the finished apartment and decide on the renovation dates. For new BTO homeowners, you will have to do a site inspection when you get your keys to your new flat. This is to check for any defects as HDB will not compensate if you were to find any issues during or after your personal renovation. After all of these, it is time to sit back and relax. Watch your dream house come to life!
HDB GUIDELINES
The Housing Development Board of Singapore (HDB) has a stringent process in place to ensure the renovation works proceed smoothly. This includes applying for a permit and getting approval from HDB before you can start on some of the renovation processes. You can read more about the guidelines here.
Interior Design STYLE PREFERENCE
Before you embark on your HDB renovation, be sure to know what kind of style suits you. It can be helpful to look at galleries from QanvastorHouzz, and read up on the different types of stylebefore sharing it with your interior designers.
Talk to us about your HDB interior design project today.
Contemporary Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know About This Minimal and Current Style
When it comes to interior design styles, contemporary interior design may be the most future-thinking. What distinguishes it so much is that it is an ever-evolving design style, versus some of the ones in history where they have a very set time period and a very specific set of rules that theyre referring back to, says Erin Sander, an interior designer based in Dallas, Texas, and founder ofErin Sander Design. Defined by clean lines, decorated minimalism, and current trends, contemporary interiors are distinctly of-the-momenteven when the moment changes. Found throughout homes, offices, and retail settings, belowAD dives into just what makes this versatile style and how you can bring it into your space.
History of contemporary interior design
Contemporary design came out after the midcentury-modern movement, Sander says. Starting in the 1970s, the style was first seen as more of an amalgamation of various popular aesthetics of the time, like modernism, postmodernism, and Art Deco. Slowly the term contemporary started to take on a meaning of its own.
This contemporary home designed by Erin Sander features a concrete console paired against natural elements like wood and greenery.
Photo: James Nathan SchroderWhat is contemporary in interior design?
From the 1970s forward, it has continued to grow just as a very current, very on-trend way to define a style that is moving forward, Sander says. It could be understood as a design style that pulls from many popular styles of a given moment, creating a unique look that is undeniably in. This also means, however, that a contemporary home may look different at different times. Other styles that frequently recirculate have many distinct correlations, Sander says. A midcentury-modern aesthetic will almost always make use of walnut-toned wood, for example, in the same way a farmhouse aesthetic will frequently include rustic decor. With contemporary, there arent as many reference points, she continues, and I think what youll see is contemporary borrows from so many different styles and combines them all together.
What does contemporary design style mean?
Typically I would define contemporary more as a blending of styles, saysBrad Ramsey, an interior designer based in Nashville. Its a little more eclectic, but its trend-forward, so contemporary is usually whats on trend right now. Ramsey grew up in a contemporary house outside of Atlanta that was often well-liked by visitors for its uniqueness. It had tall pitched ceilings that are all cedar slats inside with skylights at the top, he says. And when I was growing up, everybody always loved coming over to my house. Even though his parents purchased the home in the 80s, its kept its contemporary status through thoughtful upgrades and changes throughout the years. If it stays in the trends of when they bought it, then it no longer really stays in that contemporary feel; you have to keep updating it, he says.
Modern Contemporary Interior Design [Create Timeless Singapore Homes in 2024]
With the increasing awareness of sustainability, modern contemporary HDB homes may include eco-friendly elements. Energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and the use of recycled materials are examples of sustainable design practices that are favored in this style.
Another key feature is that modern contemporary interior design uniquely adapts to the tropical climate in Singapore by incorporating natural ventilation, indoor-outdoor connections, and abundant greenery. This sustainable approach creates lovely spaces while promoting a comfortable and eco-friendly living environment, aligning with the countrys vision of sustainability.
Lush indoor gardens, vertical green walls, and potted plants bring nature to the interior, exuding a calm and relaxing ambiance. Not only is this soothing to the eye but also helps improve the air quality to promote healthier living.
From energy-saving LED lighting to recycled and locally sourced materials, the emphasis on sustainability continues to support the countrys vision of creating a greener and more sustainable urban landscape.
Modern Interior Design Experts Explain 9 Decorating Styles
What is modern interior design? For the uninitiated, it's a multitude of styles that give life to different looks and moods in interiors. While some have roots in simplistic, grounded aesthetics, others herald the use of grand and opulent elements.
'Largely, when it comes to decorating styles, that feeling of wanting luxury remains very important along with the feeling of it being approachable,' says interior designer Tara Bernerd. 'That you can walk around barefoot and not feel worried. I find that people still want their spaces to feel grand, but while we might turn the volume up with some elements, we'll add materials and textures that are less formal, more edgy, more comfortable.'
From the bare, fuss-free minimalism, industrialism, and Scandinavian interiors to the richer, modern, maximalist, and mid-century designs, we've asked experts to explain some of the most commonly used and understood styles. Take a look and learn.
1. Scandinavian
(Image credit: Norm Architects)
Alongside other modern design schools of thought, Scandinavian design ensures functionality and simplicity are at its core. Traditionally hailing from the countries of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, Scandi design was in part a rejection of the old world, as colonialism and aristocratic power began to wane following the first and second world wars.
Democracy, wealth, and the attainment of beautiful things were no longer just the preserve of the elite but becoming available to all. Thanks to designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobson and the founder of Ikea, Ingvar Kamprad, Scandi design is now well recognized and enjoyed by millions.
'Scandinavian design originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland,' says Prashant Chauhan, founder of Zero9. 'Its a subset of minimalism with an influence of Nordic heritage. Scandinavian designs usually include more warmer and cozier elements with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. The design staples are natural materials; mostly wood, leather, wool, and stone incorporating clean lines and uncluttered forms. Light colors, functional furniture, minimalistic decor, and most importantly Hygge - a Danish term that translates to coziness and a feeling of contentment.'
Scandi design reflects its Northern European heritage, exploiting the cold, sunlit, forestry regions by drawing in as much light as possible and reflecting it inside. This is created using white flooring, walls, and neutral palettes. Emphasis is placed firmly on light and comfort, specifically, hygge, which essentially means coziness and is a core component of Scandi design. Warmth is brought into the space using natural materials; wood, stone, wool, and linens and spaces are uncluttered and simple. Furniture is sleek, often made from wood and leather, and modern. Excessive decoration and ornaments are not encouraged, simplicity, practicality, and comfort are key to honing hygge at home.
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2. Minimalism
(Image credit: Norm Architects)
Minimalism provides a clear lifestyle for the homeowner to enjoy by creating a room in which every piece of furniture, shelf, cupboard, or work of art has a distinct and necessary function within the space. With its roots in modern interior design, form is also an essential element at play in minimalist interiors. Pieces are chosen because they connect the space they are in, and the exterior they look out and onto, altogether they provide the perfect edit of a calming aesthetic. This concept has been so popular lately, Livingetc has found a brand new emerging trend of minimaluxe, that wonderfully blends minimalism with quiet luxury.
'Minimalism was born in the 1960s in reaction to consumer society,' says Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA. 'It advocates a return to basics, purity, and functionality. Today, minimalism is more popular and relevant than ever. Today, peoples' homes function as their offices, entertainment space, and more, and a minimalist design helps to organize these spaces in intuitive, yet aesthetically pleasing ways. Minimalism also allows people to embed technology into their spaces in more subtle ways.'
'I think there are three main reasons why minimalism is so in right now,' says Candace Shure, founder of Shure Design Studio. 'First, theres a heavy influence on social media and from celebrities who saturate our feeds with neutral, monochromatic, and pared-down aesthetics that people try to emulate. Second, were all collectively a little overwhelmed with work and the general state of the world right now so it makes sense wed want our homes to be void of more disorder and chaos. And third, generally speaking, I think people believe its easier to pull off a minimalist interior. I love a good minimalism-moment, but I try to warn people to be careful not to remove all character or soul from their spaces in their quest to achieve that picture-perfect interior.'
'To incorporate this look in your home, go for 'an open plan layout, ample light, and simple, well-constructed, and comfortable furniture,' says Guillaume. 'While the minimalist design may seem simple, achieving this type of simplicity can be complex. The color scheme should be typically monochromatic, with color used as an accent. Minimalism and functionality often go hand in hand.'
3. Industrial
(Image credit: MEMOLA ESTUDIO)
Industrial interior design takes its cue from the distinct look and feel of factories, warehouses, and manufacturing structures. As globalization changed the way we lived and worked, materials and objects were produced elsewhere in the world, and major cities such as New York, London, and Berlin were left with vast abandoned warehouses and factories these old technical buildings informed the foundation of this particular school of design.
'This style has been popular over the last few years as it reaches to the very core of what a building looks or feels like in its raw state,' says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design. 'The flavor of this style has morphed beyond downtown lofts in old urban manufacturing brick buildings with vintage elements. Nowadays, the industrial style celebrates key building pieces that have a heritage and long-lasting quality to them like metal doors, trim work, wood beams etc. Furniture in this style includes weathered wood tops or even natural edge wood tabletops. Fabrics are natural, charcoal, or black to provide stability to spaces. And, the Edison light bulb with the exposed filament is a key piece to these spaces that should be visible in at least several key decorative lights. '
'Wide plank rough wood flooring in a weathered, natural tone, iron detailing such as metal brackets around beams, iron rivets, iron hardware or sliding doors, and open or dark ceilings with exposed piping and heritage brick define this style,' says Jane. 'Large baseboards, skylights, or warehouse-style paned windows with black frames too are a part of the look.'
To recreate this in your home consider an open plan living, which is almost de rigueur to this look. Use exposed stone or brick walls, concrete floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. Having a large space to work with allows you to display generously-sized and striking pieces of furniture, rugs, and artwork. Warmth is vital in these big spaces, so choose a natural palette and organic textures like wood and leather. Include soft furnishings, plenty of light fittings from large chandeliers and freestanding lamp stands to create comfort.
4. Modern rustic
(Image credit: Cesar Bejar. Studio credit Jaque Studio)
This genre works on the principles of modern interior design; incorporating clean lines with practical living in terms of function and storage, the addition of natural textures, and antique details is fundamental. Old buildings can work beautifully with this design as ancient structures provide a beautiful backdrop, but modern buildings are also able to lend themselves to the modern rustic decor look by fusing antique and vintage furniture and furnishings. Wood is an important material here for its beautiful organic nature and raw allure; stripped back floorboards either reclaimed or original, exposed beams, paneled walls, and raw untreated woodwork handsomely.
Antiques are another important element in a rustic environment, adding depth, story, and character to a space.
'Theres no question that vintage buildings lend themselves to modern interior design,' says interior designer Patrick Williams of Berdoulat. 'With their well-proportioned elegance and clean lines, they provide the perfect backdrop for simple, sparse interiors, but at the same time can take a bolder approach, with dramatic color and pattern.'
5. Maximalism
(Image credit: Studio Utkan Gunerkan)
Maximalism in interior design takes time to create; it is a curation of layers and this organization is critical to the overall effect, producing colorful comfort and curiosity. By slowly building up collections, be it houseplants, antique books, or ceramic sculptures, you will eventually create an organically layered effect. Maximalist queen and founder of Shoreditch interiors store WA Green, Zoe Anderson advises:
'Being a maximalist is all about going with your gut, not being afraid of making mistakes but taking your time,' says Zoe. 'Remember color loves color so layer up and go for it. To avoid things looking too contrived, allow things to happen naturally. We maximalists are like magpies, were collectors, and we cant stop ourselves when we see something that screams: you need me. Most recently I fell in love with some plates but the only wall space was above a door frame. They look ace there which just shows where theres a will theres always a way.'
Using multiple colors and patterns is key, but consider using one color or tone as a connecting theme throughout, as it will provide a sense of balance in the room. Scale and type of furniture are fluid in a maximalist space. Mixing modern with mid-century or antique is fine, and, encouraged, as each piece adds to the bold richness of a maximalist home.
6. Mid-century
(Image credit: Folio Studio)
Mid-century modern look gathered pace in the last few decades, not least because the furniture of this period can still be picked up at an affordable price, and this, essentially is what mid-century furniture design was created for the masses.
Following two world wars the proliferation of urbanization and home ownership, amid suburbanization began, and the demand for modern furnishings grew with it. Iconic names such as Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Ercol, Florence Knoll, and Hans Wegner flourished on the scene. The typical design of the era, which spans approximately the 1920s to the 60s and 70s, was to embrace the modern technologies of the day. The look was unembellished but sleek and clean; think fine legs on a piece of wooden furniture.
'Mid-century style is a furniture and design style that developed in Northern Europe in the late 1950s/1960s; essentially the middle part of the last century,' says Jane. 'It embodies the soft curves and hard-crafted nature of wood. Wood often used was teak, given its warmth and tight grain. Mid-century furniture styles often lean towards shapes popularized by space travel such as ovals, disks, or rounded edges. Space travel was a goal during this time and the potential of it influenced multiple facets of home life. It also leans towards the residential architecture of the newly formed and expanding American suburbs of this time that showcased bungalows and ranch style homes with long, low roofs and natural materials such as orange brick and large fireplace columns.'
Want to create this look in your home? 'Without a doubt, teal or a warm walnut are the key wood color to use for this style,' says Jane. 'Shapes such as long linear cabinets or pencil legs are essential on furniture such as dining chairs or cabinets. Interior spaces are not over-scaled in mid-century design and reflect the more cozy nature of homes with 8' ceilings. Sloped roofs, wide rectangular fireplaces, and metal details as space dividers all contribute to a mid-century space, but furniture is the defining element of this era and easily recognizable.'
7. Modern glamour
(Image credit: Pierrick Verny. Studio credit Magic Circus Editions)
Modern glamour is an expressive interior style with roots in Art Deco and the old-world allure of Hollywood. The decadent styles of the 20s, and 30s, with rich golds and colorful infusions, sumptuous soft materials, and fluid lines. Interior designers, including Jonathan Adler and Maddux Creative, imbue ideas from this era combined with modernism influences and architecture to create visionary spaces with a narrative steeped in color, artistry, comfort, and luxury.
Scott Maddux of Maddux Creative explains the origins of his design process. 'Many of the key principles of Bauhaus philosophy influence our design work: form follows function; material integrity; streamlined aesthetics; a preference for balanced composition over symmetry,' says Scott. 'However, the fundamental principle of designing buildings harmoniously in their entirety, from structure to finishes to ornamentation and furnishings is surely the most influential.'
To create a space to reflect a modern glamour aesthetic, choose curvy contemporary pieces of furniture, and bold colors, alongside pastel or soft tones. Make grand gestures with your choices of furniture, lighting, or art, and consider adding an alchemy of metallic in the form of bronze or gold.
8. Transitional
(Image credit: Nate Berkus Associates. Photo credit Christopher Dibble)
With changing times, where the old is still loved and the new is embraced, a fresh design style has come up, known as transitional interior design. This is a mixture of traditional and modern styles, and it brings together pieces from various eras and creates a singular theme that refreshes the classics with a cohesive, modern feel.
'Transitional style combines elements of both classic and contemporary design,' says Reena Sotropa, founder of Reena Sotropa In House Design. 'This style can be used to great advantage in the design of a modern home where style and utility are at constant odds.'
'Although transitional design style seems like the perfect style for the non-committal, it is much more than a random combination of classic and contemporary elements,' says Reena. 'This style comprises a well-curated space that requires as much if not more careful consideration to achieve the balance between the old and the new.
Some of the elements that define a transitional bathroom, living room, kitchen or bedroom are muted tones, the use of natural materials, shaker style storage, shiplap, sleek fixtures, large format tiles, and patina.
9. Modern farmhouse
(Image credit: Amy Neunsinger)
Modern farmhouse may sound like an oxymoron but this has been a trending look in interiors for a while. The interiors are bright, light, and airy, and feature earthy, nature-inspired tones and textures. In terms of color palette, the modern farmhouse style comprises whites, natural browns, and muted greys, with the occasional pops of bold hues like blues and greens.
'I do think farmhouses are a major part of the American vernacular, and that history makes them immediately familiar and relatable to a lot of homeowners,' says New York designer Robert Stilin, who modeled his own home after a barn about two decades ago. This style has a lot of humbleness and simplicity attached to it. 'The farmhouses lend themselves to comfortable, easy living. I imagine a lot of homeowners find themselves especially attracted to that as well.'
The style is inspired by barns, with the use of linen, Venetian plaster, untreated wood, salvaged materials, and a simple palette, with the inclusion of touches of luxury like gold-leaf ceilings, copper taps, and large vintage lights.
What is modern interior design?
Modern interior design is based on the principles of the modernism movement of the 19th and 20th centuries, Bauhaus philosophy and architecture, and the development of affordable and practical design. Furniture, art, and decoration moved away from ornate styles only available to the wealthy elite, to more practical, minimal styles for the masses.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary interior design?
Contemporary design is a reflection of arts, interiors, and design that is happening currently, literally right now. Modern design is from the previous century.
Interior design styles are fluid and constantly evolving but include, minimalist, maximalist, industrial, Scandinavian, mid-century, modern glamour, and rustic modern.
What are the big interior design trends for 2024?
'I think the emergence of the Grand Millennial aesthetic will be important when we look back at this period of time in design,' says Candace. 'Its both a reaction to stark minimalism and very much shaped a lot by celebrity designers like Joanna Gaines and Amber Lewis who have popularized their own interpretations of this style. Its a more eclectic and sentimental contemporary design style that I think can be accomplished in many renditions and on a broad spectrum, which is why its so endearing to so many.'
Im also noticing that the Gen-Z influence is beginning to slowly dominate the design world in the reimagining of these post-modern styles that feature lots of bold, irreverent colors and heavy use of squiggles and organic shapes,' says Candace. 'I believe this will only become stronger and more relevant as they continue to shape the trends we see in fashion and home design and people eventually move away from the Grand Millennial style.'
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