Modern design typically means clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered spaces, but it doesn’t necessarily mean coziness. A modern interior with an understated color palette and a minimalist design can feel a little cold and sterile. However, a contemporary aesthetic doesn’t have to conflict with warmth; you can make your modern home feel as good as it looks without a major overhaul. With the right furnishings, you can highlight your home’s best features and warm up the space, while maintaining a clean aesthetic, all without making any major changes.
Here are some must-have furnishings that’ll help you achieve that cozy and modern look.
Ceiling Fans

bedroom with modern furnisings
Ceiling fans can effectively add character and style to any modern home. Not only are they more environmentally-friendly than AC units, but they’re also quite efficient and they take up less space, which makes them ideal for small houses. Besides their high efficiency and great functionality, ceiling fans can be found in numerous designs that match every decorating trend out there. Whether you’re going for an industrial-chic, an ultra-contemporary, or a mid-century modern look, the right ceiling fan can add aesthetic appeal and warmth to your home.
For a minimalist and clean look, choose one with 2 or 3 blades, but if you want to make a statement, then look for a 5- or 6-blade fan. These can act as grand centerpieces that immediately draw the eye. If you’re going for an innovative and contemporary vibe, then check out the ones with smart thermostats. Many Modern Forms ceiling fans work with Ecobee thermostats, allowing you to control your fans remotely, increase your energy savings, and live more comfortably. You can also customize your ceiling fan by changing the finish or choosing a decorative blade.
Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. You cook in your kitchen, socialize, talk on the phone, and in general you likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Your kitchen cabinetry defines the look and feel of your kitchen. If you’re looking for an inviting, cozy, and modern feel to your kitchen, then you should consider updating your cabinetry.
Oversized Ottomans
An elegant, button-tufted ottoman can add more character and warmth to a modern living room than a wooden coffee table ever could. Ottoman chairs are amongst the most versatile pieces of furniture you can buy. You can use them as extra seats or side tables, and you can also use them to prop up your feet as you unwind with a glass of wine after a long day. Some even come with storage, adding both comfort and functionality to the space. Not only are they handy, but ottomans are also found in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs that will fit perfectly in any modern home.
Houseplants and Flower Arrangements

women watering plants in modern home furnishings
Greenery breathes life into indoor spaces, both literally and figuratively. They are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a house feel like a home. Houseplants and flower arrangements add texture, color, and warmth to cold and bland rooms, and the best part is, you don’t have to be a green thumb to care for them; all they need is plenty of sunlight and some love to survive.
The trick to using them to warm up a space is to choose plants and flowers with different sizes, heights, and color variations. For instance, you can place a tall fiddle-leaf fig or a squat peace lily in an empty corner to fill up vertical space. You can also decorate your walls with air plants, burro’s tails, or any other hanging plants. Whether you display them on minimalistic stands, place them in a corner, hang them on the wall, or just plop them on a side table, indoor plants are a great way to liven up a modern space.
Throw Pillows
Mixing fabrics is the easiest way to warm up a cold space and make it feel more inviting, which is why throw pillows are a must-have in any modern home. Fabrics with different textures create a layered effect that brings dynamic warmth to any room. Style your seats with throw pillows to create a more comfortable feel, but be sure to choose the right color palette for your plush pillows, one that matches the room’s color scheme. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures, patterns, and shapes, this can add even more depth and character to the space.
Bookshelves and Bookcases
There’s just something so comforting about books that instantly makes a space feel cozier. Bookshelves and bookcases are a great way to accentuate a room and fill the vertical space. You can arrange your prized book collection by color or stack them both horizontally and vertically to add visual appeal and break up the monotony of having rows upon rows of books.
The most important thing when attempting to create a cozy and modern look in your home is to approach each purchase or design decision with your comfort and personality in mind. This will help ensure that the living space you inhabit day in and day out is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. With the above furnishings, you can successfully design a modern interior that is both cozy and glamorous.
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