I’ve always adored contemporary interiors that just look effortlessly elegant. Add in a spot of luxury, and I’m going starry-eyed for the sumptuous vibes. That’s why I’m obsessing over the modern luxury trend that’s all over my feed right now.
Modern luxury is all about sleekness and chicness. I’m talking clean edges, smooth surfaces, and smart details. The best part? You don’t need to spend a lot or change anything major — hello fellow renters — to get your home oozing opulence.
By being clever about what items you place and change in your home, you can transform an apartment on a budget and create a seriously sophisticated space. If you want to make your interior look fresh and fashionable, I’ve got you. Here’s how to get the modern luxury look without the hefty price tag.
Tips for creating a modern luxury home
Decor is a big part of achieving a modern luxury interior, but before you purchase any new picks, there are a few pointers worth thinking about. Keep the following four tips in mind while you work on completely elevating your pad.
1. Don't clutter the space
The modern luxury style thrives on keeping things minimal and letting the refined colors and shapes do the talking. If you have miscellaneous items that need to remain in the room, go for a storage unit that blends in with the color scheme or that can be neatly tucked away.
2. Keep in line
Overcomplicated patterns and silhouettes are a big no-no for this theme. Instead, go for no-fuss straight edges and lined patterns. By keeping everything neat and uniform, you’ll end up with a satisfying, sophisticated look that has a wow factor.
3. Go for chic colors
Monochrome is the way to go for modern luxury. Deep brown, navy blue, cream, and beige also complement this color scheme beautifully. Blend these with metallic silver and gold touches like handles and hooks (if allowed in your rental!) for a polished finish.
4. Use what you have
Assess what you already own, and see if you can update it with a modern touch. That old TV unit can be given a coat of black paint to make a stylish statement. Instead of buying a new sofa, flip the cushions and refresh your throw pillow covers. Innovation is creation.
Modern luxury shopping edit
$39.99
I love the sharp contrast of black and cream with the different shapes on this cover. It makes it look super unique and much more interesting than a standard check or stripe. The wool makes it so cozy too — I want to snuggle up to it ASAP.
$35.99
Made of super absorbent cotton, this mat will keep your bathroom floor dry while adding subtle style. Its thinner rectangle shape is narrower than a lot of bath mats, making it look that much smarter and easier to fit in smaller spaces.
$28.80
The satisfying shape and deep color of this candle are just absolutely divine, TBH. The scent itself is also totally gorgeous, with tropical notes that will give your home a holiday, hotel-like scent, for luxury that hits all your senses.
$7.99
Geometric shapes are seriously modern, and the accents of gold on this piece give it a luxurious edge. Put your jewelry or keys in this, or even get a few dishes to create a set of contemporary coasters.
$12
Lines? Check. Comes in monochrome colors? Check. Adding this to your tabletops will elevate them into elegance. The lamp can be styled anywhere in the house and can be moved around easily if you change your mind.
$51.57
These sculptures are so luxurious and elegant, I kind of wish I could be them. But hey, I’ll have to settle for putting them in my home instead. So artsy and contemporary, place these anywhere to add drama, darling.
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Hi there! I’m the former content editor at Real Homes and I'm now a freelance journalist.. I've been a lifestyle journalist for over five years, previously working as an editor across regional magazines. Before this, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University a degree in journalism, along with an NCTJ gold diploma. For Real Homes, I specialized in interior design, trends and finding the best viral buys.