'Soft Modern' Style Offers Best of Both Worlds

Mix in a few curves and soft colors but nix the clutter, and the happy result is a balanced new take on modern design

Charmean Neithart 1 May 2012

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Defined by straight lines, neutral colors and minimal ornamentation, modern style can split a crowd in two. Some embrace the style and can't imagine their environments without it. Others consider it cold and want nothing to do with it.

A modern aesthetic can even define a lifestyle, with its strict no-clutter policy. That's the tricky part for me: the no-clutter part. I love stuff and will always have special things in my home that remind me of good times. I consider minimalism to be somewhat of a bummer. However, one can definitely go overboard with stuff.

I've noticed some great spaces on Houzz that manage to strike a happy balance by warming up the cold and presenting a very thoughtful mix of well-curated details without clutter. I call this "soft modern," and it works with many different styles of architecture. See how Houzz designers are mixing curved edges with straight lines, pairing colorful pattern with neutrals and leading the charge of the no-clutter nation.

Midcentury Dining Room Midcentury Dining Room

I love this space. With mostly straight lines, all the pieces feel very clean and modern. The great contrast of the wood table and grass cloth against the stark white sideboard are very pleasing to the eye. To further soften this modern look, an organic wood lamp is paired with the sideboard. Notice how the elegant chandelier is a sharp contrast to the squared-off edges of the table.

User

The core pieces in this space feel modern, from the oak canopy bed to the iconic Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair. However, the blue color of the suede wallpaper and billowy curtains soften this dreamy modern bedroom.

Rachel Reider Interiors

The geometric profile of the occasional table paired with the overscale abstract art resonates modern. The colorful palette of the art and accessories creates a softer, more approachable overall style.

Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

The classic modern architecture of this space is punctuated by the colorful zigzag pattern of the rug. Jewel tones are pulled from the rug and repeated in the throw pillows. Although this space doesn't read as quiet, it still feels modern and sleek.

Get Floored By a Bold Area Rug

Transitional Living Room Transitional Living Room

Just the simple addition of the organic wood stool and the orange throw pillows makes this space feel soft and textured despite the otherwise modern, neutral palette.

In this great bedroom the classic, modern lines of the beds and nightstand are softened by the splash of citron everywhere. Without this powerful color or coordinating accessories, the space would feel more minimalist and not as interesting. Throwing in a punchy color is one easy way to soften modern details.

Venegas and Company

I love this sleek space. Again the modern lines and shapes in the cabinetry and tile are softened by the finish on the rift-cut oak cabinets. The soft, driftwood feel of the finish is a great contrast to all the squared-off angles.

Geometrics typically read as modern. But with the addition of sheer curtains and organic-shape furniture, and with minimal clutter, the overall effect here is soft modern.

Rachel Reider Interiors

The sitting area in this master bedroom is graced with the classic Arco Lamp from Design Within Reach. This typically modern light of metal and stone is softened with the curves of the chair and table. A soft palette of sky blue, chartreuse and plum further soften the dreamy mood.

Tell us: Would you consider a soft modern style for your home? Let me know your thoughts in the Comments section.

More:
So Your Style Is: Midcentury Modern
So Your Style Is: Transitional

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Charmean Neithart Interiors

Agree Erik ! Have fun with it. Charmean

Like 23 May 2013 at 10:51am

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Interior Nature

I love how each example softens those geometrics. I have had a hard time accepting "the era of the geometrics" and have caught myself fleeing to books like Handcrafted Modern that show how mid-century modern designers in their own homes were enjoying nature either through curvy objects, hand carved wood pieces, global ethnic fabrics, etc. I am so impressed with the photos you culled together. Soft modern is great term! Thank you so much for sharing, and I loved discovering your own designs on your page!

1 Like 12 June 2015 at 5:24am

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Charmean Neithart Interiors

Thank you Interior Nature!

Like 12 June 2015 at 9:27am