Born out of the innovative shift in art and design trends that swept the world in the post-World War II era, the modern decor aesthetic defined many homes in the 1950s with sleek, streamlined silhouettes, striking organic shapes, and an emphasis on geometric angles.

Although the apex of modern decor is regarded as the mid-twentieth century when pioneers such as Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi were in their heyday, this highly influential style has played a major role in shaping twenty-first century design trends. Its most obvious successor is contemporary decor, with which modern decor shares many important features.

Modern decor is sleek, sophisticated, and angular, with an emphasis on low-laying furnishings and the subtle understatement of a neutral or monochromatic palette. However, whereas contemporary decor has become more adapted to the needs of everyday life, modern decor typically offers a less compromising aesthetic vision, in which artistic concerns of the visual impact of a room are generally regarded as more important than their convenience as living spaces.

For this reason, modern decor is often associated with people whose lifestyles do not require a great deal of adaptability of their home environments.

The last several years have seen a major resurgence of modernist prints, fabrics, and furniture designs, making this style more accessible than at any time in recent memory, modern fabrics, rugs, and upholstery typically offer less variation in color and texture than their contemporary counterparts.

Art and accessories in the modern style often involve the repetition of bold, simple geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, or the boomerang shape that was characteristic of the era. Polished, reflective surfaces and metallic accents are common, as are boldly contrasting black or white pieces. Window treatments are typically very minimalistic, and it is not unusual to see windows left entirely bare in many modern rooms.

While this dramatic look can please the most discriminating, sophisticated consumer, some compromises and adaptations may be necessary to make a modernist space more suitable for active family living. Perhaps dedicating a room that isn't used very often, to the modern style. Then you won't have to burden yourself with the upkeep.