Renters Guide to Style: Modern

Modern design is back in style. Homeowners and renters alike are clamoring for tips on how to bring this iconic style into the current age. Here are some renter-specific tips for incorporating the main elements of mid-century modern style without razing walls or your security deposit.

Mix materials 

The combination of wood, wool, leather and metal is a classic modern style element. The lines are generally very clean edges or rounded. Many chairs at the time were based on egg, cone or bubble shapes. Luckily, modern furniture is also contemporary and easy to find for renters who may want to change things up. Also fortunate for renters: futons are modern, so you can still have a sofa that converts into a guest bed.

Add round-shaped lighting

Lamps and lighting are an easy way to instantly update a rental to look modern. Go with globes, tall oval shades and simple bases. Table lamps with rounded, smooth bases in chrome or any shiny material are ideal. For floor lamps, look for basic wood stands. As for overhead lighting, this can be a bit more exciting in modern style. If you’re able to replace fixed lighting, go for something bold or unique, like copper shades or bubble-glass pendants.

Layer neutral colors and textures

This neutral bedroom is easy to replicate in a rental since everything is removable. Layers of texture in different fabrics make neutral tones come alive. Different shades of wood also play nicely together in modern interiors, so don’t worry if your entire bedroom suite doesn’t match.

Remember a pop of bright

Kelly green modern chairs and colorful accessories accentuate this neutral living room. Mid-century modern design from the ‘50s and ‘60s embraced bright colors, so be sure to bring a few vibrant pieces into the room. Lively colored rugs, throw pillows, planters and even books on coffee tables or bookshelves are all great ways to add pops of color.

Incorporate geometric shapes

Modern style has many futuristic elements like simple lines and geometric patterns. Funky chairs and unique decorative accents give a nod to this look. Furniture and art with lines and patterns add more eye-catching shapes.

Bring back the shag rug

Believe it or not, this mid-century staple is back in style — embrace the throw-back! Today's shag rugs are softer and fluffier than their predecessors and sometimes have patterns in them, which work well with the straight lines of modern furniture.

Source modern art

One piece of art is all it takes to make a statement in a modern room, making it easy for renters to get a focal point without putting more than a hole in the wall. Modern art can vary from colorful abstract pieces to loose charcoal drawings in chrome frames. Find something you enjoy and that stands out or slips into the room quietly. Both are perfectly acceptable in modern interiors.

 Give it a bit of funk

The ‘50s and ‘60s were full of colorful experimentation on the interior design front, so bring a bit of mid-century modern funk to your rental. Here, a geometric wallpaper brings a simple bathroom straight back to the swinging ‘60s. Make sure to get an adhesive, removable wallpaper designed specifically for rentals.

Top image from Zillow listing.