If you are a homeowner who is trying to feel part of the 21^st Century, you’re going to need to make some changes around the house. Modernizing your home gives a more productive yet relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to be more efficient in your lifestyle and more satisfied with your home. So here are 5 tips that you can use to give your home the facelift it needs to feel on top of the modern lifestyle.

Use Wood or Stone in Your Flooring
Use natural stone flooring or wood flooring to add an amazing modern look. While you may find the materials themselves to be archaic, natural flooring is timeless, and now with finishes and cutting styles that make them more durable and versatile than ever. Today is all about convenience, and natural flooring, especially natural stone flooring, is easy to clean and will stand against the test of time and furniture. This is much more preferable to carpet, with styles that are outdated within five years and require intensive maintenance. If you prefer the soft feel underfoot, get an area rug, which is much easier to clean and replace than a permanent carpet.

Use Mirrors More 
Reflective surfaces open up the room in any age, and decorative mirrors are a major part of that. It has long been known that mirrors make a room look bigger, and their glossy surfaces make the room look cleaner, too. Mirrors come in geometric shapes of any size, allowing you to create eye-catching patterns on the walls, and the reflective properties of mirrors create a more ambient lighting source that is easier on the eyes. It doesn’t matter if you have a large house or a small apartment; adding mirrors will expand your visual space and give a sense of glamour to any room.

Minimalism 
Less is more, and over-cluttering your home with decorations will create the atmosphere of a pawn shop rather than a modern living space. Instead, be strategic in your decorative choices, opting for decorations that are functional and convenient. The more open space and simple, clean lines you use in your decorating, the more calm and balanced you will feel. This minimalistic approach is present in all modern designs, seeking to create a sense of order in a chaotic world.

Earth Tones and Accents
The 60’s-90’s were all about bright, garish colors that have long since been replaced by more neutral, subtle color schemes. Earth tones like gray, brown, silver, and orange are becoming very popular. Muted colors from the warmer half of the color wheel are easier on the eyes and the mind, and create a homey and relaxing atmosphere. While shiny chrome and polished silver are great for kitchens and the occasional decoration, they can be blinding and uncomfortable in large amounts.

Smart Tech
Homes are becoming smarter and more automated every day. You don’t need to be a tech geek to know how to get this rolling, however, as most gadgets are intuitive extensions of what you already do. Garage door openers can now be linked to your phone, as can your lights, locks, and audio system. Think you left the door open? Your phone can tell you. As previously said, our modern age is one of convenience, and homes can now be upgraded to make even minor routines, like turning the lights off at night, more convenient for you.

When it comes to your home, it should be a place that is relaxing and uplifting. However, that can be diminished with cluttered rooms and frequent maintenance routines. You should be able to come home and rest comfortably while still able to entertain guests unabashed. So don’t remain in an outdated living environment. Use the tips above and make sure your home is as modern as possible.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.