Modern Design: Simple, Clean, and Surprisingly Strategic
Modern design is celebrated for its clarity, restraint, and quiet sophistication. It carries an air of effortlessness, as though each space naturally falls into place. In reality, this simplicity is carefully orchestrated. Modern interiors are shaped by deliberate decisions and a disciplined eye, where every element is chosen with intention and every detail contributes to a cohesive, considered whole.
What’s particularly compelling is the way modern and contemporary interiors possess an enduring sense of relevance. Unlike many design styles, they often transcend trends rather than follow them. These images, drawn from a project designed eight years ago by City Design owner and creative director Gladys Schanstra for Schanstra Design Group, remain remarkably current—refined, elegant, and seamlessly aligned with today’s aesthetic sensibilities. That is the true mark of timeless design.
This raises an interesting question: why is it that some design styles seem to hold their own over time while others may start to feel dated? Transitional design, for example, is deeply loved—and for good reason. It blends traditional and modern styles in a way that feels deeply personal. But modern design’s minimalism gives it an extra staying power, allowing it to feel relevant for years.
In this blog post, Gladys will take us through some of her favorite spaces from this project, highlighting the strategic choices that make modern design so captivating.
And while this project focuses on modern design, it’s worth mentioning the full-service interior design provided for all styles. Whether it’s designing a timeless modern kitchen or curating the perfect furniture and decor for a transitional living room, we love collaborating with clients to bring their vision to life.
Now, let’s dive into the spaces and uncover the secrets behind their enduring appeal.
A MODERN EXTERIOR THAT BALANCES CLEAN LINES AND NATURAL ELEMENT
When designing a modern home, there’s a delicate balance between contemporary aesthetics and incorporating natural elements that make the space feel grounded. This project exemplifies that harmony beautifully.
At first glance, the home’s exterior showcases a clean, linear design. The horizontal wood siding pairs seamlessly with the stone facade below, creating a layered effect that feels both modern and organic. Gladys explains, “The blend of stone and natural materials with the wood siding adds warmth to the design, while maintaining that crisp, contemporary feel.”
A SUNROOM THAT BRINGS THE OUTDOORS IN
This sunroom beautifully blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. One of its standout features is the wood siding, which flows seamlessly from the exterior into the room.
“The siding is fumed wood, which enhances the grain and brings out rich, saturated tones,” Gladys explains. “It even has a slight bluish hue, tying in beautifully with the decor.”
The room’s color palette was inspired by the wood tones—grays, browns, and subtle blues. The repurposed rug, originally from the old house, adds vibrant greens that complement the natural elements.
“We kept the design casual and layered in interesting textures,” Gladys says. “It’s not overly curated, which gives it a relaxed, welcoming feel.”
THE MONOCHROMATIC LAVENDER BATHROOM
This transformation shows how thoughtful design can refresh a space without a complete overhaul. The finished bar is bold yet refined – equally enjoyable for mixing drinks and simply taking in the design. Inspired by the homeowners’ art and evolving taste, the space feels personal, stylish, and built for lasting enjoyment.
The lavender tiles create a soft, serene atmosphere, while the grout lines were meticulously planned to align perfectly. “Every single detail was thought out,” explains Gladys. “There’s no room for error when you’re working with this level of precision.”
The monolithic sink feels sculptural, adding functional beauty to the space. Even the stool in the shower was carefully chosen to complement the design while providing practical seating.
“People either love or hate this bathroom,” Gladys says. “And that’s okay—it’s designed to evoke a reaction. That means it’s memorable, and that’s what great design should strive for.”
A POWDER ROOM FULL OF SUBTLE SURPRISES
This compact powder room near the front of the home proves that even the smallest spaces can make a big impact. With a floating vanity, sculptural sconces, and a stunning tile wall, it’s both functional and beautiful.
One of the most intriguing details is the window placement, which offers a unique view of the wood siding under the roof’s overhang. “At first glance, it creates an optical illusion,” Gladys notes. “It’s one of those subtle elements that makes the space more dynamic.”
Designed for two sisters, this Jack and Jill bathroom is all about combining practicality with thoughtful design.
The trough sink, complete with two faucets, solves the problem of limited counter space while adding a playful touch. A wooden divider provides just enough separation between the two sides.
The back wall features a handmade tile that the homeowners fell in love with. “It’s such a unique piece, and it adds just the right amount of visual interest,” Gladys says.
“It makes the space feel larger and cleaner.”
The shower’s herringbone tile accent adds a pop of color and texture, while the tile-in drain keeps the design sleek and unobtrusive.
A KITCHEN THAT’S ALL ABOUT SUBTLE GRANDEUR
This kitchen is a stunning example of how clean, modern design can incorporate warmth and texture.
The kitchen’s restrained palette of white, gold, and gray creates a timeless look. The brushed gold accents, seen in the barstools and Tom Dixon light fixtures, add warmth, while the painted terracotta backsplash provides texture and character.
The showstopper is the Bianca Lasa Oro marble countertop, complete with a book-matched seam. “At the time, people said you couldn’t put a seam in the middle of the sink,” Gladys recalls. “But we worked with the fabricator to make it a standout feature instead of something to hide
“Note that the backsplash tiles aren’t machine-perfect,” Gladys explains. “They’re hand-formed terracotta, which gives them subtle imperfections that balance the clean lines of the cabinetry.”
THE TAKEAWAY: THOUGHTFUL DESIGN IS TIMELESS
This project is a testament to the idea that modern design is far from simple. It requires careful planning, a keen eye for detail, and a willingness to let materials take center stage.
What remains most compelling is the enduring quality of these spaces, which feel just as relevant eight years later. Clean lines, restrained palettes, and the thoughtful use of natural materials enable modern interiors to age gracefully and maintain their relevance over time.
If you’re considering your next project, we’d be glad to collaborate on creating a space designed to stand the test of time.