Whether you have just moved into a new home that you believe needs a complete revamp, or perhaps you are considering updating your current property, knowing exactly how to give the space a functional yet modern feel isn’t always straightforward – especially if you have limited interior design experience. If one thing’s for sure, contemporary living is all about taking a minimalistic approach, so this should be top of the agenda for the design planning process.

If you require a little bit of inspiration on how to give your home a more modern aesthetic, the tips below should come in useful.

1. Declutter

As a starting point, it’s time to get decluttering. One of the key elements of a modern home is the lack of clutter; however, when you have so many belongings, it can be difficult to know where to stash everything. It would be a great idea to spend a weekend having a major clear out or think of clever storage solutions to hide your possessions from sight. It is usually the smaller items that can clog up space and make rooms appear smaller and chaotic. Don’t be afraid to just let go of belongings that you haven’t used for a while or no longer have a purpose in your life and create three piles – one for donating, one for selling and one for throwing away (broken or damaged goods).

2. Consider the structure

If your home no longer works for you structurally, there are various options to keep in mind to allow you to make the most of the available space. It is now common for modern homes to feature open-plan layouts which make for great communal living for family set-ups. If you have the space, consider getting Renewal by Andersen picture windows installed in the living room, kitchen, or anywhere you feel would be a good spot. Sliding windows and patio doors can bring in plenty of natural light into the home, creating a healthy environment and de-cluttered feel. It also creates a free-flowing ambience that gives the illusion of a larger area.

Ceilings are also important within modern structural design. Metal ceilings are now a popular feature for contemporary industrial home style which can be custom designed and are sure to make a key focal point of any room. Alongside this, raising the ceiling height can instantly open up rooms that are on the smaller side.

3. Replace carpets

While carpets are extremely comfortable underfoot, they can become worn and dirty over time which can immediately date the look of the home. As a result, modern homeowners are now swapping carpets for hard flooring, such as oblong wooden planks. Not only is this choice classic and versatile but will truly stand the test of time. Your living spaces will appear cleaner and more polished and muddy footprints and spillages can easily be wiped away.

4. Stick to a neutral colour scheme

Bright colours are great for adding a touch of personality to a home but bombarding your space with vivid hues can be overwhelming and date extremely quickly. Instead, opt for neutral tones on the walls as this will allow you to get more creative with your furniture choices. On the other hand, sticking with muted shades for your furniture items will also prevent you from having to replace them regularly as trends change.