Life, Styled
The modern look is trending in homes today, characterized by its minimalism, natural materials, and chic style. Interior designers are using it as inspiration as they attempt to build a place that satisfies their client’s demand for a look that emphasizes functionality, stark, clean forms, and abstract thinking. Layout with a basic and practical design. Modern design style has its roots in both German and Scandinavian design, which sought to pair art with functionality. This was a welcome change from the maximalist look that was prevalent in the Victorian era. In this blog, we will discuss some of the emerging trends within the modern design look that interior designers are using to tell their clients’ story.
Metallic looks
Gold, silver, copper, bronze, and brass are among the top metallic finishes selected by homeowners and interior designers to blend sophisticated style with functionality. Metal components may add a sophisticated contrast or lavish layering to any room of the house, from coffee tables to decorative hardware. It is also the ideal complement to a modern design style. A sofa with metal legs, a table lamp in a gold finish, or a metal-framed bookcase are all dazzling ways to enjoy the timeless look found in the metallic world. Due to its versatility, metal is the perfect material to mix and match with other elements in the home, such as the hood in your kitchen. Speak to your designer about how to best bring a touch of metal into your space or gather some helpful tips in this blog by Better Homes and Gardens.
Modern charm
Selecting modern design for your interior style is a great choice. It is a style that possesses an elegant charm that unites the best of the Mid-century look with sleek modern design. The results are clean lines and clutter-free spaces. The typical color choice in a modern interior design is monochromatic which is using variations of just one color to create the perfect space. A modern look relies on simplicity to achieve the desired look but also isn’t afraid to blend a hint of the past with the present. Another aspect of the attractiveness of modern interior design is the decision to opt for fewer furniture pieces and accent items, as it prioritizes utility over fashion, placing it in the more minimalist category.
Darker side of nature
Nature is a leading influencer in shaping interior design choices. The softer colors of blue and green gently weave together to form an environment that is welcoming for all. There is a trend, however, of richer shades of nature, such as navy blue and emerald green, springing up in designs now and creating beautiful contrast against colors like browns and creams. These color schemes, found abundantly in nature, offer their own sense of allurement and measure of calm. Utilizing these darker colors can also make a room feel more intimate and give off a sense of luxury too. Pairing it with antique metal finishes, such as copper and oil-rubbed bronze, in accent pieces like table legs or frames, operates perfectly within the style guides for modern design as well.
Wood tones in modern design
Wood is an essential element to practically every area in the home and any design style. There are various ways to incorporate the aesthetic qualities of wood in design, including the modern style, from cabinets to countertops. Oak, cherry, and walnut are a few of the species that reflect the characteristics of a more modern interior design look. Their features can feel luxurious and add depth to any space. Another benefit is the range of appearances these wood species can offer, such as the classy cerused oak or the textured, rich quarter-sawn white oak. Both cherry and walnut look good in a simple, natural stain, but a little use of stain can transform them into something unique and magnificent. Be sure to discuss with your designer the best wood tones for your space and how they should be incorporated for the most favorable results.
Outdoors in
Wellness remains a key priority for interior designers as they begin to chart a plan for refreshing their clients’ homes. Bringing parts of the outdoors indoors is one way to successfully achieve this goal, and there are several methods to do so.
- Plants not only come dressed in nature’s own beautiful color palette, but they also help clean the air and gently weave themselves into the design landscape.
- Utilizing natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass in your design, either through countertops, flooring, lighting, or furniture, forms an organic contrast against the other modern pieces.
- Whenever possible, try to maximize any source of natural light, as it produces vitamin D, can help lessen seasonal depression, and gives a more welcoming appearance to any space.
Talk to your designer about how you may bring a little of the outside in as taking some design cues from nature will remain a mainstay in the design field.
Glass
Modern interior design emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and natural light, making glass an ideal candidate for all three categories. Glass is also an adaptable material, as it comes in not just clear but also textured, antique, and colored versions. It can be used in kitchen cabinet design by replacing some of the traditional doors and giving a brighter, more open feel to the space. Textured or antique glass adds another layer of depth to any furniture piece it is paired with, not to mention some visual interest as well. Some designers are taking glass to another level in the home by using it to partition off a specific area, such as a home office, or making it the focal point in a wine cellar design.
Coastal vibes
A modern coastal design has made its way into numerous homes, with its beachy vibes reaching far beyond the ocean shore. Homeowners are enjoying the relaxed feel this lovely style choice brings with its soft color palette and washed wood tones. When incorporating coastal design into any space in the home, opt for a simple color palette, but that doesn’t mean it all has to be neutral. Pops of turquoise and even subtle oranges can really add a lot to the space. Texture plays a key role in this design style, so be sure to incorporate elements like driftwood and faux plants that evoke the shoreline or bring a touch of the ocean indoors, such as a glass bowl filled with seashells serving as a centerpiece for the coffee table. A coastal design style also presents a great opportunity to incorporate eco-conscious materials, such as bamboo and natural stone countertops.
The kitchen has always been considered the heart of the home, but in 2026, it’s evolving even further, becoming a space that blends style, comfort, technology, and connection. Today’s homeowners want kitchens that feel warm, personalized, and highly functional for everyday life.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we’re seeing several exciting kitchen design trends shaping new builds and remodeling projects. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, these design ideas are defining the year ahead.
We are honored to share that Greenbrook Design has been featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, appearing on page 66. Being recognized in one of the industry’s most respected national publications is an incredible milestone for our team and a testament to the craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration behind every project we design and build.
Greenbrook DesignWhen it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the choices can feel overwhelming. Big-box stores, online retailers, and out-of-town contractors all promise convenience, but there’s something truly special about working with a local design center
If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show or scrolled Pinterest for inspiration, you’ve probably thought, “I could do that myself.” DIY kitchen and bathroom remodels can seem appealing, especially when you’re trying to save money.
If you’re craving a home that feels fresh, calm, and elevated, without looking stark or trendy, warm neutrals are having a major moment. One shade we’re loving for kitchens, baths, and whole-home design is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Universal Khaki, a grounded neutral that brings soft warmth, subtle depth, and timeless character to cabinetry and interiors.
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