Members' favourites: Modern interiors by members of The List
Modern interior design is probably best characterised by its emphasis on simplicity, function and clean lines, all of which harks back to its origins in the mid-20th century. Although our idea of what a modern interior looks like has changed, the idea of minimalism is probably the characteristic that continues to be prevalent in ‘modern’ designs. Whether you live in a city apartment, a large house in the country or something in between, you can achieve the ‘modern’ look by focusing on the few key principles.
A good place to start is the colour scheme. Though you can of course create a contemporary interior using plenty of colour, you will find the running thread in the projects below is that they centre around neutral colours, like white, grey and soft browns. This blank canvas allows the clean lines of furniture and art to sing, while keeping the space visually uncluttered. Like any colour, white comes in a variety of shades, so be sure to try a few out to find one that works with your room. Edward Bulmer's The Northern Light Palette collection features some great options for counterbalancing rooms that are plagued by cool blue-grey daylight, while Farrow & Ball's Dead Flat range is perfect for colour drenching. Using white on the walls doesn't mean that your scheme can't be colourful: introduce colour through soft furnishings and accessories. Furniture with streamlined silhouettes is also typical of this aesthetic. Look for pieces that are made of wood, glass, metal and leather to really lean into the mid-century aesthetic.
Love modern interior design schemes? Look no further, we've pulled together a selection of our favourite modern interiors by members of The List into one easy-to-view gallery.
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James McDonald1/18Nicola Mardas
Having lived in this converted warehouse in south London for many years, the owners called upon 23 Architecture and interior designer Nicola Mardas to capitalise on its expansive interiors without losing all sense of its history. In the kitchen, one of the three arched internal windows has been retained, and it now forms the backdrop for Bulthaup units with worktops in marble and stainless steel.
Sergey Krasyuk2/18AIYA Bureau
The living room of this house by AIYA bureau is calm and elegant, perfectly suited for both quiet family time and entertaining guests. Inspired by the house's natural surroundings, the earthy colour palette is enhanced by rich textures and natural materials. A standout feature of this space is the fireplace, with a Christophe Gagnon mirror placed above it.
Michael Sinclair3/18Pinch
Not consciously in the market for a new project, the furniture designers Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon nevertheless fell for the possibilities offered by a former ice-cream factory in Devon. In the bedroom, Pinch’s ‘Christo’ four-poster bed and ‘Yves’ desk – both in walnut – and ‘Avery’ oak and leather chair establish a classic contemporary feel.
4/18Todhunter Earle
Surrey meets Scandinavia in a Norwegian family’s light-filled Arts and Crafts villa, rejuvenated by Todhunter Earle Interiors. A bespoke sofa covered in Pierre Frey’s ‘Basile’ in crème has been paired with a marble-topped ‘Hole Coffee Table’ by Gabriel Tan in this contemporary-feeling sitting area.
5/18Inglis Hall
A contemporary open-plan kitchen and living space has been added to a historic village tea house in West Sussex by Inglis Hall. A warming palette of golden and earthy hues, abundant textures and a blend of traditional and contemporary finishes make for a cohesive scheme.
Paul Massey6/18Henry Prideaux Interior Design
Faced with a roofless shell, interior designer Henry Prideaux gave this Georgian house in Bermondsey back its identity and added contemporary pieces to reflect the owners’ interests. On the top floor, an open office space was created by knocking through two bedrooms, and features a Sixties rosewood ‘Model 20’ desk by Svend Aage Madsen for HP Hansen.
7/18Assure Interiors
Assure Interiors used a silk blend wallcovering to make this bedroom from their project in Florida feel cosy and relaxing. The dramatic Fendi mirrored screen creates privacy and functions as a dressing area.
8/18Simone de Gale
Modern architecture sings in this lateral space created by Simone de Gale for the client's house in London. White walls are accentuated with colourful tiling, and internal grass brings an element of the outside in.
9/18Sims Hilditch
Working in a different aesthetic to their usual serene country house interiors, Sims-Hilditch have created a comfortable living space in a smart city loft. The colour of the parquet floor warms up the space against the steel kitchen and exposed brick walls.
Guifre de Peray10/18Zulufish
Zulufish added internal Crittall doors in this project, creating separate spaces while not obstructing the view of the enfilade of rooms. Parquet flooring throughout adds to the sense of flow between the two rooms.
Michael Sinclair11/18Schumacher
A Victorian flat in London has been transformed by Schumacher's chameleon European CEO, Benni Frowein, through a clever layout rejig and lashings of lovely fabrics. His bedroom features curtains in Schumacher's Lisboa Velvet, which complements the yellow 1958 Ring chair by Nanna and Jorgen Ditzel.
Astrid Templier12/18Emmanuelle Sivren
Instead of closing up the staircase in this project, Emmanulle Sivren decided to open it up to the kitchen, making the space feel larger while also providing an element of sculptural interest to the room.
13/18De Rosee Sa
A Victorian villa was given a mindful redesign by architectural design studio De Rosee Sa, resulting in the exciting reinvention of a south London family home. In the kitchen, a Scandi-meets-Californian vibe sees wide larch floorboards complement the long horizontal lines of the kitchen shelving and island.
Joakim Borén / Joakim Boren14/18Pringle & Pringle Interiors
Pringle & Pringle are firm believers in the power of good design to enhance wellness within a home. In this very contemporary home, an open-plan floor plan is paired with wraparound windows to allow as much light and nature to enter the space as possible. Natural materials on the floor, ceiling and furniture work in harmony with the room's atmosphere.
Sarah Hogan15/18Violet & George
West London-based interior design studio Violet & George mastered a fusion of vintage and modern interior touches to give this property a sense of innovation and eclectic indulgence.
GG ARCHARD16/18Catto & Co.
Catto & Co. were tasked by their client to modernise the house's existing kitchen. The team were in charge of planning, designing and building the space, including applying for all the necessary planning permissions.
17/18Stelly Selway
This primary bathroom, designed by London-based interior design studio Stelly Selway, has been completely wrapped in cool stone and speckled terrazzo. A veined marble-tiled vanity unit completes the serene and contemporary scheme.
Patrick Williamson18/18An Artful Life
An Artful Life's client wanted to turn their recently purchased, dark, and cluttered property into a bright, serene, and harmonious home. The result is a thoughtfully designed space that is luminous and tranquil.
