Investing in your home is always a wise decision. Not only does it improve your home’s worth, but it also has been shown to improve mood and boost enjoyment for occupants and guests alike. Looking around your home, do you feel like your space may be a little dated?

Here are 5 modern additions you could add to your home today to improve your living spaces’ overall aesthetic.

#1 – Add Modern Lighting

Modern lighting solutions offer a variety of benefits to homeowners. By incorporating the latest advancements in LED technology, homeowners can achieve greater energy efficiency in their homes while enjoying ample and functional light illumination. Additionally, modern lighting provides more control over individual fixtures, allowing for adjustable intensity levels and customized color tones that can help create the desired ambiance within any given space.

On top of these traditional advantages associated with modern lighting, there is also an opportunity for homeowners to use different kinds of design styles throughout the home. Explore your options outside of the traditional table and floor lamps. Discover sconce, pendant lights, track lighting, and string lights as well. Getting creative with light is a great way to elevate your space.

#2 – Add Modern Wall Art

Wall art is a great way to bring life and personality into any home. Over the years, modern wall art has become increasingly popular for its ability to provide an instant visual upgrade to any room.

Modern wall art offers endless possibilities when it comes to expressing your personal style. From bold abstract prints and trendy digital images to classic oil paintings and vintage photographs, there are many options available that can fit in with almost any decorating theme or color palette. Whether you’re looking for something fun and whimsical or elegant yet subtle, modern wall art has something unique that can be the perfect addition to your home.

It also adds aesthetic and emotional value; artwork helps create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable in their homes—which is so important after long days! The artwork also serves as a conversation starter as guests enter your home or even amongst yourself if you have multiple pieces displayed on walls throughout the house!

#3 – Modern Floating Shelves

Modern floating shelves are a great choice for homeowners looking to add decorative and functional storage without taking up too much space. These sleek, streamlined pieces of furniture mount directly onto walls or other flat surfaces, creating an elegant aesthetic with minimal visual impact.

Floating shelves come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, so it’s easy to find the perfect piece for any room in your house. Whether you want a rustic wood shelf that adds warm tones or something more modern, like metal shelving that blends seamlessly into the contemporary decor – there is sure to be an option available to match your needs perfectly!

In addition to providing extra storage space as well as decorations such as photos, plants, and books – modern floating shelves can also act as functional workstations when placed near desks or window sills, where they provide ample workspace surface area while still leaving plenty of legroom underneath them.

Furthermore, these minimalist designs are incredibly sturdy; they usually have hidden mounts that ensure the frame won’t sag over time, even if loaded with heavy items such as books or dishes!

#4 – Modern Flooring

Modern flooring has come a long way from its traditional counterparts. Nowadays, homeowners have many options for durable and stylish flooring that can fit any budget. From wood-look laminate to luxury vinyl plank, there is an abundance of choices available in today’s market.

Wood-look laminate is one popular choice among homeowners looking for cost-effective alternatives to natural hardwood floors. It features realistic visuals with much less maintenance required than natural wood floors. Luxury vinyl planks are also gaining popularity due to their high durability and waterproof quality, which make them ideal for areas prone to moisture or spillage, such as the kitchen or bathroom area.

Ceramic tile is another modern option that combines style with function as it’s suitable even in wet areas thanks to its water resistance capability, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, including bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and more!

For added warmth underfoot without sacrificing aesthetics, consider a nice luxury carpet, especially in bedrooms and in spaces that need additional acoustic benefits. Lastly, consider cork flooring brings together beauty and comfort while being incredibly eco-friendly.

#5 – Modern Upgraded Windows

Upgrading windows is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. Modern, updated windows provide many benefits, including improved comfort in your home, increased energy efficiency, and additional security. And if that isn’t enough benefit, new windows really make a difference in elevating the overall appearance of the space.

Investing in upgraded windows may require an initial investment but comes with multiple long-term advantages that will save you money on utilities and property value over time. Furthermore, modernized window designs are attractive additions to any home’s exterior aesthetic while also providing natural light indoors for more enjoyable living spaces.

Upgraded windows also offer enhanced noise reduction capabilities which promote both privacy and peacefulness inside your home when needed as well as protection from outdoor air contaminants such as dust or pollen particles entering through the cracks around old window frames. The sealant around new frameless vinyl models provides a much tighter fit than aluminium frames used for older model installations too thus creating an even further secure shield from external sources outside of your house walls!

Ready to Add Some Modern Touches to your Home?

Adding modern upgrades to your home can help you increase its value, as well as make it a more enjoyable space. From light fixtures, wall art, and shelves to flooring and windows – the possibilities are virtually endless! Not only will these additions add style but they’ll also bring energy savings in some cases.

If you’re inspired by this article, be sure to check out my project portfolio for more ideas on how you can improve your home’s aesthetic. 

Want some design help for your home? You can also send in a project inquiry form to get the process started.

Whether you are looking for a quote or have questions about what its like to work with an interior design team, I am happy to help!

Interior design and decoration have evolved over the last decade. With breakthrough studies showing how our mental and physical health is heavily influenced by our surroundings, it is no surprise that Instagram and Pinterest are overwhelmed with interior design aesthetic boards to browse for days. But when this industry really started thriving for the everyday homeowner was around the 2020 pandemic, when everyone became hyper-aware of their health as we were all shuttered indoors. People from all over the world leaned into the trend of transforming their houses into a home, adding elements that were both expressive and comfortable. 

Our homes are our refuge and so it is only necessary that we transform them into a space that not only appeals to us visually but also connects us emotionally and physically. 

Interior design styles like Cottagecore and Modern are styles located at the opposite ends of the spectrum. The former is characterized by the homeliness and charm of the countryside while the latter is defined by streamlined geometric features, neutral or monochromatic color schemes, and a rigid atmosphere. So, we often get asked, “how can we make our modern house appeal homely?”

It’s not entirely impossible as most people think. In this short blog, we’re going to introduce 8 clever ways how we do that in the modern homes we design. 

#1 Add splashes of color

Introduce color to a modern interior in creative and unique ways. One way to do this is by color-blocking the wall, an interesting technique for using paint to create depth, and intrigue. Color blocking, as opposed to wallpaper, provides you the freedom to decorate your room in any way you desire. You get to pick every element of the appearance, including color, shape, and angle. 

But paint is not the only way to add color. In our Downtown Manhattan project, we combined the stunning views with warm, inviting accents. We introduced colors in a variety of unique ways such as in the choice of rugs, artworks, furniture, and soft furnishings. 

#2 Spruce it up with soft furnishings

Soft furnishings are a must-have regardless of what interior design style you are trying to achieve. Soft furnishings like fluffy and stylish throw pillows, throw blankets, poufs, floor pillows, and others can instantly bring warmth and comfort to a space. It is remarkable how well materials work to create a sense of coziness, opulence, and warmth. This kind of soft furniture is essential to interior design projects in making them feel homier and designed with human emotion in mind. One of our favorite projects which incorporates subtly soft furnishings is Grand Street. 

#3 Opt for comfy furniture pieces

Modern furniture pieces are typically made of lighter wood, metal, and leather. It is contemporary in appearance with a very rigid and structured design. It is streamlined, unadorned, and uncomplicated. While these are the primary characteristics of modern interior space, they can make a room look boring and sterile. Avoid this from happening by choosing modern-styled furniture with comfortable upholstery. Cloud sofas, sectional sofas, and mid-century iconic furniture pieces, like the ones used in our Madison Square interior design project, are a few examples of how to achieve this. 

#4 Mind the Lighting

Lighting is a key factor in determining the kind of ambiance you want and how you like your room to be perceived. A stylish, flashing chandelier, for instance, may exude elegance in a hotel foyer. In a workplace, using linear hanging luminaires rather than troffers gives off a sleek, high-tech vibe. Similarly, the proper integration of general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting can make any space feel comfortable to be in. Take a look at this NoMad Manhattan Apartment we designed. Every piece from furniture to lighting fixtures is carefully hand-picked to create the perfect interior ambiance that the client desires. 

#5 Mix Modern and Traditional

It could seem difficult to achieve the ideal balance when blending old and modern furniture but when combined properly, the result is a singular, multi-layered place. One clever way to do this is to use contemporary sofas and mid-century modern accent chairs. You can add a traditional flair by complementing it with soft-textured furnishings like sheepskin and patterned throw pillows. Another way is to use sentimental furnishings and incorporate rustic elements against a rather neutral or contemporary backdrop. We were able to pull off the same concept in this kitchen remodel we did in West Village.

#6 Introduce elements of wood

The versatility of wood is one of the reasons why it is the most utilized décor and interior design feature in almost any space. Whether you are creating a minimalist, traditional, or modern interior design, wood will always have its place somewhere. It can be added as your flooring material, ceiling, or furniture piece. 

Wood is one of the only materials that can be polished in virtually any way you can think of, and it also has a calming impact on the senses. Wood can be painted, stained, smoothed, and texturized in a variety of ways to get the desired appearance. Wood may be carved into incredibly beautiful, unique designs that highlight its distinctive flaws, knots, and grains, or it can be left in its original condition. We used this technique on an apartment in Cooper Square, owned by a young couple with an interest in iconic designs.

#7 Place artworks and add interesting patterns

The absence of art may make a room feel chilly and uninviting. Artwork, whether it is big or tiny, gives space depth and personality. To make a modern space feel more homely, choose art pieces that have sentimental value to you or something that embodies an artistic concept that you find compelling. Art also adds color which can make a room seem less boring and more fun and playful to look at. Ahmad, our lead interior designer, is an art collector in his free time, just see how creative he likes to be with his favorite modern art finds from around the world. 

#8 Don’t forget greeneries and Florals

Adding plants brings life to a space. Incorporating natural elements into the design is one of our favorite strategies for making a house or apartment seem more like a home. No matter the style of the room, flowers, and greenery have a natural elegance that enhances any setting. Not all plants can look good in a space. It’s a matter of arranging and selecting a particular plant species that will complement the interior space concept. 

When it comes to choosing a plant for a modern home, go for something simple yet significant. One example is this One-bedroom Bachelor’s Pad located in Tribeca, New York. We transformed this modern space into a home in the middle of the NYC metropolis by incorporating nature in a subtle, yet noteworthy fashion. 

PROJECTAZ’s design principles are rooted in making a house more than just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and delightful in terms of emotional and mental aspects. No matter what interior design style you want, we at PROJECTAZ, can translate and express it into visual and physical forms through design. PROJECTAZ keeps developing fresh concepts for contemporary environments to meet the expectations of various clients. Ready to transform your apartment into a modern yet homely haven? Connect with us now and get this amazing project started. 

Having a well-designed space is one thing, but making it feel like a cozy one is another concept. By introducing personal touches, textures, and ambiance, you can create a space that will allow you to relax and connect with yourself and your guests easier.

A modern contemporary space is characterized by elements of sleek and minimalistic design. Clean geometric lines, neutral color schemes, and little to no ornamentation are all attributes of this design style. The main challenge with minimalist spaces is making them look warm, comfortable, and inviting while keeping the decors and accessories to a bare minimum. Here are 7 items you can add to your modern contemporary home to make the space more comfortable.

#1 Rugs

A quality-made rug has the power to transform bland and dull spaces into an avant-garde stylish setting. Adding area rugs is an excellent way to add a pop of color for visual interest. Rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and materials. The choices seem endless, so it is encouraged to find rugs that speak to you. 

Depending on your visual scheme, contemporary rugs can be made of natural fibers such as jute, sisal, and wicker if you’re aiming for a modern rustic appeal. A textured soft rug made of natural wool and silk with bold prints and patterns is a great statement piece to have. 

#2 Lighting

Lighting is what defines the ambiance and mood of a room. Lighting that is strategically placed adds depth and height and highlights the room’s most outstanding features. 

Lighting design is divided into categories namely: ambient, task, decorative, and accent. Ambient and task lighting are considered necessary while decorative and accent are the lighting elements that are added to bring warmth and luxury to the space. 

Aside from lighting being an important design element, it also aids in the stabilization of your circadian cycle, improving your general mood and aiding in a good night’s rest. In terms of psychology, bright light can aid in the reduction of depression and even improve cognition, such as response time.

#3 Pillows and Throws

Pillows and throws in the living room sofa can transform a space from feeling cold and stale to inviting and cozy. They create texture that draws in not just the eyes but the sense of touch as well. Comfortable sofas are typically the centerpiece of a well-designed living room, but the accessories thrown on the seating area really tie the look together. 

#4 Plants and Florals

A room seems incomplete without the presence of florals or a little bit of greenery. Plants are perhaps the most cost-effective way of making an interior space come to life. Aside from the fact that they have psychological and health benefits to the well-being of a person, plants also make the space look and feel pleasant. There are many ways to put plants indoors. You can either go with a small potted succulent, a vase of tulips on the console table, or place a potted Monstera in the corner. 

#5 Art Pieces

Placing artworks and paintings on the wall is an excellent way of adding a statement piece and drawing attention to a blank wall. It’s amazing how a single painting can transform the vibe of the room. You can use it to create a focal point or to simply furnish an empty wall. Art can also be used to tell the concept behind your interests and passions. The color of the artwork displayed on the wall can also tie the overall interior color scheme of the home creating a more unified and coherent appeal. 

#6 Wooden Elements

Not only just a common material used in contemporary design, but wood can also elevate moods within the space similarly to greenery. The natural grain of solid wood is perfect for both traditional and modern spaces. Its natural color adds warmth to the space and is considered a great way to induce a bit of nature indoors. Wooden elements can be in different forms. It can be a piece of furniture such as a coffee table, side table, and chair. It can also be added as wall paneling, ceiling, a piece of décor, an accessory, and even lighting. 

#7 Knick Knacks

Adding small, meaningful decor items around your modern space is a great way to introduce unique and fun items that can also inspire conversation among guests. 

When it comes to introducing decor items, however, it is important to remember that less is more. Modern, contemporary spaces are focused on minimalism and cleanliness, so be careful not to make your favorite little items look clustered and cluttered. 

Looking for professional help to make your home feel cozy?

These are just seven among the many interior design items that can truly make an interior space look and feel at its finest. Think about hiring an interior designer if you find it a little bit challenging to spruce up or decorate a minimalist interior.  Asking the insight of a professional will give you clarity in the vision that you want your home to look like. Choose the best service for your project needs and let the designer know more about your concerns. 

PROJECT AZ offers a variety of services to clients based on their residence and needs. We work directly with clients to bring their ideas to reality, from remodels and renovations to furnishing and consultation. If you’re wanting to redecorate your house and want to find out more about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

The holiday season is right around the corner! The holidays are a great time to celebrate past traditions and create new ones. Beyond gatherings, meals, and celebrations, decorating your home for the holidays is an important part of welcoming the season and setting the mood. Start by decluttering and reorganizing your space, and incorporate these simple holiday interior design tips to create a warm, inviting space for the changing seasons.

Engage all your senses

Aesthetics go beyond visual elements- they also involve smells, lighting, touch, and taste. Holiday aesthetics resonate with us on many levels and work to create an experience that evokes emotions in us- from the food we eat, to aromas and the feeling of warmth from a fireplace. The ultimate goal of creating a holiday interior design is to engage the senses. That can be achieved through incorporating elements like scented candles, utilizing soft and warm lighting, and incorporating inviting textures, like cozy throws, throughout your space.

Embrace Traditions & Accessories 

Along with the holidays comes traditions, and holiday decor is often something that is passed through generations. Imagine your space as a combination of textures and small items that hold value. These can be ornaments, table runners, etc. That have either family or holiday connections. Utilize these elements in careful, curated ways that consider scale so as to not overwhelm a space.

Set a Holiday Color Palette

Part of creating harmony in a space is using a cohesive color palette. Holidays are normally associated with a range of colors, and these can be utilized in your interior design to mark how you celebrate. Fall may typically involve reds and oranges, while Winter could incorporate snowy whites and blues for a calmer mood. Incorporate your seasonal palette by matching blankets and throws with decor, changing furniture covers, or thinking about new artwork you can switch out.

Lighting & Nature

One key way to dramatically shape the interior is when you consider lighting and natural elements. Consider incorporating natural elements of the season- colorful leaves, dried pinecones, or wreaths made with twigs. Hang lanterns, strings of lights, and light candles to create interesting variations in light. These kinds of elements draw attention to new areas, emphasize the seasons, and can highlight interior design elements that you love.

Making Space

Holidays also usually mean that you’re taking time to introduce new elements to your space. This could be a tree, candles, and other pieces that you may not typically have room for. To avoid creating a cluttered space, consider where these elements will go, how they work with what’s existing, and what will need to be stored or moved to accommodate them.

Holidays are such a special time, and marking the changing of the seasons should resonate throughout your home as well. Need help sprucing up your home for the holidays? PROJECT AZ is a New York based top interior design firm headed by Ahmad AbouZanat. Get your project started for the holidays and book a consultation today.