A Designer's Guide to Decorating Modern Interiors That Don't Feel Cold

"Open floor plans can be just as challenging as small rooms," Paquette reminds his readers. To make it more approachable, break your large space into zones. A console table behind a sofa or different area rugs can "softly delineate itself from the dining room in a similar color palette," he elaborates. But then choose a few pieces that can help the various sections speak together. Here, "the window sheers and materials tie the two spaces together and the custom dining table helps break down the apartment’s hard-line."

The "architects on this project added interior windows (termed “re-lights”) throughout this project allowing separation but also extending the light quality," from the kitchen to the living room beyond, Paquette says. Interior windows and glass doors are another way to get more use cases and cozy spaces out of a large open floor plan. Bonus tips: "I firmly believe that counter seating should be as comfortable as the sofa in your living room. These leather stools are not only functional for working in the kitchen but are also easy to clear," he says.

There's no better way to warm up a space than by piling in soft materials. And we're not just talking about bedding and carpet flooring. Paquet reminds us of the importance of your walls, too. "We upholstered the walls in this TV room with a pale green grasscloth and made the seating extra deep and comfortable for rainy days spent inside," he writes. Upholstered walls also help with sound absorption, making it extra fitting for a media room.

Before being converted into a residence, this apartment was actually a firehouse, which explains the gorgeous exposed brick walls and large windows. "I couldn't do much wrong with these architectural bones." he explains. To let the preexisting features speak for themselves, he chose a neutral palette. "We carpeted the whole floor in a gray wool and matched the walls, trim, and ceiling in a complementary gray paint to minimize the small footprint and eaves in the space," Paquette continues.

"Add an outdoor rug and generous seating along with good heating elements to ensure you can use an outdoor space all year long," Paquette recommends. Though a rug may not seem like the most obvious of choices for your patio, it's usually the finishing touch.

In a busy household, comfort and function are the primary goals. But you can still make even the most utilitarian of spaces feel modern and chic. This den, which serves multiple purposes, is a good case study. "We outfitted [it] with a custom desk, bookshelf, and daybed in a matching black-and-cream cerused finish for drama. We took our cues from cruise ship interiors to make the most of a small but mighty space. The glow of brass in the hardware and lighting balance the otherwise dark palette," Paquette explains.

Focus on finishes—they're just as important as the color scheme. In fact, in many cases, especially in modern spaces, they actually define the color scheme. take this bedroom, for example. "A four-poster bed in two wood finishes, patterned grasscloth, and a textural palette make this primary bedroom warm and inviting," he says.

Contemporary decorating is best when contrasted with traditional elements (even better if they're family heirlooms with sentimental value). "The soft green paint was pulled from the vines in the print and is balanced by the ikat print in the bedroll and the large stripe of the dhurrie rug," to create a balanced color palette that's both energizing and simple.

A glass enclosure separates the bathing area with a central drain from the rest of the bathroom to create a room-within-a-room effect and prioritize function without compromising on form. This way, anything precious or decorative is safe and out of splashing range. "The primary bathroom is covered in travertine and features a simplified version of a midcentury floating vanity," Paquette writes.