Furnishing a living room in modern style

Nordic + Industrial is the perfect byword for living areas with a strong contemporary feel.

Large, full-length windows and a spacious living area inside a 70s warehouse in Milan provide the setting for one of TaniniHome’s inspired proposals. A search for a balance between contemporary space and historical memory, which blends the minimalist style of Nordic architecture with the sophisticated solutions and allure of Italian tradition.

Floor tiles for a contemporary living room

The point of departure for this design of ours was to choose floors “like those of times gone-by”, selecting the Pinch Collection in porcelain stoneware by Marazzi used to reinterpret marble effect floors in contemporary style, such as the “terrazzo alla veneziana” or the “seminato veneziano”. Authentic in details and colours, the strengths of the Pinch collection are represented by the robustness of the material, no longer marble but stoneware, by the variety of shades and the lux and matt finishes; and above all by the large-sized tiles ranging from 60x60 to 120x120, providing the setting with that new, modern identity.

The perfect sofa is Scandinavian and modular

On the other hand, soft, sizeable organic forms that are modern and minimalist guided our choice of sofas. Scandinavian brands are ideal for their expertise in creating versatile, warm and welcoming models that can successfully furnish a living area and also be the leading feature. One of the most appreciated proposals is Connect by Muuto that prides itself on its ability to create a number of different compositions, while maintaining a pleasing harmony with a generous, well-padded shape.An alternative sofa, though similar in that it has a range of customised compositions is the Mags sofa by Hay that has a compact, geometric profile combined with deep seats. This sofa model is the one that, with its elegant style, has most effectively contributed towards the spread of Scandinavian style in homes throughout the world. Customisation is also a feature of Stacked, the innovative, modular shelving system by Muuto which allows you to devise the solution that suits your needs best. Just a little creative flair and that’s it!

Warmth and lightness, the elements that create atmosphere

Keeping the setting as simple as possible is the concept that guarantees success if you aim to furnish in a fresh and contemporary style; you can then use all your imagination in adding warm items and touches of colour here and there. That is how it is with Bernard by HAY, a beautiful and comfortable armchair designed by Shane Schneck for a modern appeal. The juxtaposition between a frame in natural oak and a raw canvas cover immediately captures your attention inside a room dominated by cold, neutral colours. Our choice of rug is along the same lines with WAY RUG by Ferm Living with its simple geometric motif, asymmetric edges and soft, elegant appearance. An additional special aspect of this rug is that it is made with recycled plastic bottles.

Ideas for adding colour to a neutral palette

With lighting and a few posters we have made some colour adjustments. In line with the minimalist concept, some E27 Lamps were installed; the E27 is a simple item yet it celebrates all the potential beauty of simplicity. An item that diffuses a warm, romantic light. The inclusion of some large plants is absolutely essential for adding colour and a sense of life, as a final touch to the layout. The marvellous, black Hourglass Pot vases by Ferm Living are made of metal with a matt finish and provide the perfect union between Scandinavian Nordic style and Italian industrial style.