Modern Interior Design: Everything You Need To Know

Fratantoni Interior Designers • June 21, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, two styles stand out for their sleekness, functionality, and timeless appeal: contemporary and modern. While often used interchangeably, each has its distinct characteristics that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here is your ultimate modern interior design guide!

Modern Interior Design Guide

MODERN VS. CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR DESIGN

Modern design refers to a specific period in history, roughly from the early to mid-20th century. This style emphasizes clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. In contrast, contemporary design is constantly evolving and reflects the current trends and styles of the present moment.

Key Features of Contemporary Interior Design

Contemporary interior design embodies what is current and of the moment. It draws inspiration from a wide range of styles and eras, blending them into a cohesive yet dynamic whole.

  1. Clean Lines and Minimalism: Furniture and decor are often characterized by clean lines and a minimalist approach, creating a sense of openness and simplicity.
  1. Neutral Color Palettes: Contemporary spaces typically favor neutral color schemes with pops of bold color or texture to add interest without overwhelming the senses.
  1. Integration of Technology: From smart home features to innovative materials, contemporary design seamlessly incorporates the latest technological advancements.
  1. Focus on Functionality: Spaces are designed with usability in mind, prioritizing comfort and practicality without sacrificing style.

Key Features of Modern Interior Design

Modern interior design, on the other hand, refers specifically to a style that emerged in the early to mid-20th century and remains influential today. It is characterized by:

  1. Clean, Angular Lines: Like contemporary design, modern interiors feature clean, straight lines and geometric shapes.
  1. Natural Materials: Wood, leather, and metals such as chrome or stainless steel are common in modern design, emphasizing simplicity and natural beauty.
  1. Open Floor Plans: Spaces are often open and uncluttered, promoting a sense of airiness and flow throughout the home.
  1. Emphasis on Form and Function: Like contemporary design, modern interiors prioritize functionality, but with a focus on the form following the function.

Why Our Luxury Interior Designers Love Contemporary and Modern Interior Design

Timeless Appeal:

What makes both contemporary and modern design styles so enduring is their ability to adapt to changing preferences while maintaining their core principles. Whether you prefer the understated elegance of contemporary design or the iconic simplicity of modern interiors, both styles offer a canvas for personal expression and creativity.

Elevated Living Experience:

In today’s world, where our homes serve as sanctuaries and reflections of our lifestyles, choosing between contemporary and modern interior design allows for a blend of innovation and tradition. By embracing clean lines, thoughtful simplicity, and functional beauty, homeowners can create spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance daily living experiences.

Contemporary modern interior design

Fratantoni Interior Designers — The Top Luxury Interior Design Firm in Arizona

As trends come and go, the allure of contemporary and modern interior design remains unwavering. It’s about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that resonate with our personalities and support our modern lifestyles. Whether you’re renovating a single room or designing an entire home, these styles offer a timeless elegance that promises to endure for years to come.

Are you seeking a luxury interior designer who excels in modern and contemporary aesthetics? Look no further. Our team blends timeless sophistication with cutting-edge innovation to create spaces that redefine luxury living. Contact our luxury interior designers today to transform your vision into a masterpiece of modern elegance. Let’s elevate your space together!

The Psychology of Color in Luxury Interior Design

By Jessica Fratantoni • September 8, 2025
When designing a luxury home, every choice contributes to the overall atmosphere, from the scale of architectural details to the textures of fine fabrics. Yet, one of the most powerful tools in interior design is often the most subtl e: color. Colors don’t just decorate a room, they set the tone, influence emotions, and even shape the way people interact with a space. At Fratantoni Interior Designers, our team h as spent over three decades crafting luxury interiors that speak to the individuality and lifestyle of our clients. With projects spanning from Scottsdale, Arizona to New York, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii, we’ve seen firsthand how the thoughtful use of color can transform a residence into a personal sanctuary or a statement of grandeur. In this blog, we’ll explore how color psychology plays a role in creating timeless, high end interiors and how affluent homeowners can use it to elevate their living spaces.

Designing Luxury Home Bars & Wine Rooms: Entertaining with Style

By Josie Fratantoni • September 3, 2025
The Allure of a Luxury Home Bar A luxury home bar is not just a place to mix cocktails; it’s an experience. It symbolizes hospitality, comfort, and elegance while making a powerful design statement. Unlike store bought bar carts or prefabricated cabinets, a custom-designed bar blend s seamlessly into the home’s architecture.  Why Home Bars are on the Rise Convenience & Privacy: Hosting guests at home eliminates the need to go out while maintaining an upscale atmosphere. Lifestyle Enhancement: A home bar elevates the everyday, turning a simple glass of wine into a curated ritual. Resale Value: Custom bars increase the appeal of a property, making it more desirable to luxury buyers. Design Impact: Beyond function, a well-designed bar can rival the kitchen as a focal point.

Layering Textures for Luxury: How to Create Depth & Warmth in High-End Interiors

By Jessica Fratantoni • August 28, 2025
 When it comes to luxury interior design, the difference between a beautiful space and an unforgettable one often lies in the details. While scale, layout, and lighting set the stage, texture is what gives a room soul. The art of layering textures transforms interiors into warm, inviting sanctuaries that are as refined as they are livable. At Fratantoni Interior Designers, we believe that texture is the bridge between elegance and comfort, making your home both visually striking and deeply personal.

How Millwork Transforms a Room: Walls, Ceilings, and Built-Ins

By Josie Fratantoni • August 20, 2025
 Luxury interior design is not just about selecting the right furnishings, fabrics, or artwork, it’s about creating a sense of permanence, refinement, and craftsmanship that elevates a home from ordinary to extraordinary. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this transformation is through custom millwork. Whether it’s striking wall paneling, coffered ceilings, or bespoke built-in cabinetry, millwork design defines a space, enhances architecture, and brings unparalleled depth to luxury homes. In this blog, we’ll explore how millwork walls, ceilings, and built ins can reshape your interiors, offering both aesthetic beauty and functional value. If you’ve ever wondered why high end homes feel so distinct and timeless, the answer often lies in the details of architectural millwork.

Slabs vs. Tile: The Design Debate in Luxury Homes

By Jessica Fratantoni • August 13, 2025
Every luxury home tells a story - and often, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest impact. Among the many decisions you’ll face when designing your dream home, few are as visually defining as whether to use slabs or tiles for your surfaces. Both offer timeless beauty, durability, and sophistication, yet they speak different design languages. So, how do you decide which is right for you? The truth is, neither option is “better” - it all depends on your home’s architecture, your lifestyle, and your personal vision. At Fratantoni Interior Designers, we help clients navigate this choice with confidence, ensuring every finish reflects the personality of their home. 

The Best of Both Worlds: Mastering Transitional Interior Design

By Josie Fratantoni • August 6, 2025
At Fratantoni Interior Designers, we’ve built our reputation on the art of balance, merging timeless elegance with contemporary sensibilities to create interiors that feel both fresh and enduring. With over three decades of experience designing luxury homes across Scottsdale, New York, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and beyond, we’ve mastered the ability to bridge styles seamlessly. Our approach to transitional interior design reflects this expertise. It’s about combining the warmth and detail of traditional interiors with the clean lines and open feel of modern design. The result is a space that feels inviting yet refined, timeless yet current, perfect for homeowners who love the sophistication of classic design but crave the simplicity and functionality of contemporary living.

From Fabric to Finish: How to Choose the Perfect Drapery for Your Home

By Josie Fratantoni • July 29, 2025
 At Fratantoni Interior Designers, we believe the true magic of a home lies in its details, and few details make as immediate an impact as beautifully designed drapery. For over 40 years, our firm has been trusted by discerning homeowners across the country to craft interiors that are as functional as they are breathtaking. From the penthouses of New York to oceanfront retreats in Hawaii, our in-house team brings unmatched expertise to every aspect of design, including custom window treatments. We know that the right drapery does more than frame a view, it sets the tone for the entire room, influencing light, mood, and style. Every project we take on reflects our commitment to delivering spaces tailored to our clients’ lifestyles, right down to the last fold of fabric

From Spare Room to Statement Room: Transforming Your Guest Space

By Josie Fratantoni • July 22, 2025
 Fratantoni Interior Designers is among the most respected and sought-after luxury interior design firms in Scottsdale, Arizona, and across the nation. Known for creating high-end, one-of-a-kind designs, we bring your vision to life with a style that’s distinctly yours—from understated elegance to richly detailed interiors. Our team’s expertise and white-glove process enable us to take on exclusive projects throughout Arizona, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, New York, Hawaii, and beyond. With an in-house team of highly skilled designers, we transform homes into breathtaking spaces that not only meet but exceed expectations. One of the most overlooked opportunities for luxury transformation lies in a space many homeowners see as “extra” or “secondary”—the guest room. In the right hands, this space can evolve from a simple sleeping area into an unforgettable statement room that embodies comfort, sophistication, and style.

Luxury Kitchen Design Trends: What's Hot Right Now

By Josie Fratantoni • July 15, 2025
At Fratantoni Interior Designers, we understand that the kitchen is the soul of your home, a space that nourishes, entertains, and connects. In today’s luxury residences, kitchens are no longer just for cooking. They serve as gathering spots, design focal points, and showcases of craftsmanship. With 40+ years of experience in luxury interior design, our team is proud to offer timeless and trendsetting kitchen designs across the United States, from Scottsdale to Miami, New York to Los Angeles. In this guide, we explore the top luxury kitchen design trends of the year, rooted in functionality, craftsmanship, and sophisticated style. Whether you're building a new custom home or remodeling your existing space, these ideas will inspire a kitchen transformation that blends elegance with everyday practicality.
Showstopping Living Room

Curated Comfort: How to Create a Showstopping Living Room

By Jessica Fratantoni • July 9, 2025
Find out how to create a luxurious yet welcoming living room with expert tips from Fratantoni Interior Designers. Discover the art of curated comfort today.