FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARCH 14, 2019 • AT HOME • THE QUEENS COURIER 53
Give Your Home a Modern Makeover
Even if your home has seen a generation
or two of living, creating a contemporary
new look may not require a fullscale
renovation. Th e key to creating a
more modern feel is all in the details.
Many of these elements can be tackled
one by one so you can transform your
home into the modern marvel you desire
on a timeframe and budget that fi ts your
lifestyle. If a contemporary home is your
ultimate goal, start with these key features
to create a more modern look.
Lighting
Dingy lighting and dim rooms are the
antithesis of modern design. A contemporary
space is airy and bright, and the
lighting fi xtures oft en help set that tone.
Replace outdated fi xtures with modern
alternatives that boast sleek lines and
fi nishes. Add more fi xtures, including
table-side task lighting and fl oor lamps,
to brighten a room with limited natural
light. Have some fun with the lighting
by incorporating colored or textured
globes that allow the fi xtures to become
focal points of contemporary design rather
than functional aft erthoughts.
Windows
When it comes to curb appeal, windows
play an essential role in the overall
aesthetic. Old, outdated windows are
a tell-tale sign of an aging home, so when
you’re planning for a modern exterior
upgrade, be sure to include the windows
as part of your plan. An option
like Milgard Trinsic Series vinyl windows
off ers an expansive viewable glass area
and a narrow frame to help you embrace
modern home design. Not only do they
provide even sightlines for clean, unobstructed
views, they’re manufactured for
maximum durability and energy effi ciency
and require little to no maintenance.
Walls
No matter the color, a freshly painted
space simply feels new. For a true
contemporary style, honor simplicity in
design and keep colors on the lighter side.
However, don’t be afraid to introduce a
pop of color in the form of a bold accent
wall or even wallpaper that makes a statement.
A good rule of thumb: maintain
a simple palette of no more than three
shades to incorporate a truly minimalist,
modern atmosphere.
Doors
Th e entry and exit points to your home
are more than functional features; think
of them as a canvas for making a bold
design statement. For the patio, consider
a sleek and contemporary door with
a frame profi le so narrow you’ll hardly
know it’s there. For example, Milgard
off ers a contemporary Trinsic Series sliding
patio door with the maximum available
viewable glass area and an optional
narrow handle that blends seamlessly
into the frame to lend a modern fl air. Th e
doors are also ideal for low-maintenance
living; the durable vinyl frames don’t
absorb moisture or require painting.
Hardware
Even the smallest details matter when it
comes to contemporary design. You may
not need to replace or update your cabinetry,
but you’ll most likely want to select
hardware that fi ts a more modern motif.
Avoid weathered and overly polished fi nishes
in brass or nickel, and opt instead
for selections like matte black, gold and
copper, which are all well-suited for contemporary
kitchens. Don’t be afraid to
mix and match for a bit of an eclectic
look, such as diff erent pulls for the upper
and lower cabinets or a unique style for
drawers.
Explore more contemporary design
ideas for your home at Milgard.com.
Courtesy Family Features
at home
/WWW.QNS.COM
/Milgard.com
