Get The Look: Modern Luxe

Clean lines, elegant finishes and bold contrasts are the cornerstones of this polished look.

Despite its name, “modern” ism is nothing new—the design movement towards simplicity and functionality, eschewing all things overly decorative, kicked off in the 1930s. However, the current wave of modernist-inspired looks are anything but bare-bones minimalism: these bright and airy open-concept spaces infuse simplicity with understated luxury.

The “modern luxe” look embraces modernism’s hallmark clean lines and crisp white walls, and still avoids clutter. The difference today is that upscale finishes—glossy cabinetry, polished concrete floors, sumptuous metals—give an otherwise stark space a feeling of warmth. Pops of color and geometric shapes make ideal accents here, adding a contemporary vibe that’s sophisticated-yet-welcoming, and organic elements like marble or rich woods—in moderation—can bring in some warmth. Ultimately, though, less is more in a modern-luxe home: high ceilings, streamlined railings with sleek geometric spindles, oversized windows and other architectural details do the heavy lifting.

The Palette

Crisp white walls provide a blank canvas for the modern luxe look—it’s a backdrop that allows high-contrast details like black staircase railings or window frames to pop and highlight or define the architectural elements of a space elegantly. Furniture veers neutral in modern-luxe spaces, in shades of grey, white or black.

Inspiring Spaces

White creates a blank canvas for dramatic modern details to pop against.

Graphic art works beautifully in a modernist space. (Photo by Breather.)

The furniture in a modern luxe space features clean lines and little ornamentation.  (Photo by Alberto Castillo Q.)

To keep things clean and streamlined, plentiful storage is key—and flat-panel cabinetry in a high-gloss or sophisticated wood finish makes that job a lot easier in the kitchen.

Key Pieces

With the emphasis on architectural detailing and clean lines, metal railings in a simple pattern are a natural fit for the modern luxe look.

A stainless steel spindle adds a subtle, luxurious sheen, but a black stainless finish offers endless versatility and would look great as the centerpiece in a white-on-white space.

Simple yet bold, modern luxe is all about contrast. A simple round spindle offers clean lines that achieve a contemporary look.

	No ruffles or skirts will be found on the furniture in a typical modern-luxe home—just sleek, exposed legs on lounge chairs and sofas alike. (Kimmel modern lounge chair)
	White marble (used for countertops, on the mantle or as a decor accent) adds a hit of subtle pattern and organic luxury. (Caesarstone)
	Unfussy artwork is the right fit for an unfussy space. Abstract paintings and geometric prints will pair well with modern lines and a gallery-like palette. (Print by Handz.)
	Look for lighting options that are sleek and sculptural to make a big impact that still keeps things simple. (Flos Arc lamp)

Is This The Look for You?

Modern luxe interior design is cool, contemporary and luxurious—and easy to achieve with the right pieces and palette. Of course, the key to it all is to embrace some architectural drama, so a sleek staircase with a modernist railing is the perfect starting point.