Modern Utilitarian
If you're on the hunt for a simple, clean, and functional look for your home, our take on "Modern Utilitarian" style might be the perfect fit for you. Drawing inspiration from the International Bauhaus design tradition, this style embraces the less is more” attitude, while keeping an emphasis on unadorned, straightforward design. Below, we share our favorite tips to help you embrace a modern utilitarian style in your home.
Modern utilitarianism is all about function over form, so make sure your furniture and decor serve a purpose. Choose pieces that have a specific function, such as a coffee table with storage or a lamp with an adjustable arm. A few of our favorites are the Joe Task Lamp, which is ideal when you need something to easily adapt to the task at hand, or our Rogers Ottoman, which works well both as a table when topped with a tray, or clustered together to create practical group seating arrangements.
Opting for designs that prioritize function will not only add to the practicality of your space, but also help reduce clutter. When attempting to adopt this style into your home it's important that you everything in your space serves a specific purpose, whether it's providing seating, storage, or illumination, so be sure to keep that in mind.
The industrial look is a hallmark of modern utilitarian style. By incorporating raw materials such as concrete, metal, and wood into your decor you can easily create an edgy and functional look.
An easy way to add more industrial materials to your space is by engaging in simple swaps, such as replacing one of your lamps for the Matter Lamp, which radiates a certain 1960s-era cool through its confident proportions and modern-industrial material juxtaposition.
While modern utilitarian style typically features a neutral color palette, you can add pops of color to create interest and personality. Choose one or two bold colors to accent your space, such as a bright yellow chair or a red throw pillow. This will add a touch of personality to your space while still maintaining the overall utilitarian look.
Another easy way to add a pop of color to your home is in the form of throw pillows or brightly colored textiles. Whether you opt for something more modern, like our Grid Stitch Pillow, or more understated, like our Eleanor Pritchard Dovetail Throw, there's really no wrong way to introduce color into to your space.
