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Simple Upgrades to Give Your UK Home a Modern Edge

Adding a modern touch to your home doesn’t have to involve a complete renovation. With a few carefully chosen upgrades, you can bring a fresh, contemporary feel to your space, making it both stylish and functional.

Here’s how to give your UK home a modern edge with simple updates that can make a big impact.

Use Modern, Open-Plan Layouts

Creating an open-plan layout is one of the most effective ways to modernise a home. Removing non-structural walls between the kitchen, dining and living areas can create a more spacious, connected environment, perfect for socialising or family gatherings.

This layout also enhances the natural light flow throughout the space, making it feel larger and more inviting.

If a full open-plan renovation isn’t possible, consider connecting indoor and outdoor spaces with NOW Aluminium doors.

These doors open up an entire wall, providing unobstructed views of your garden or patio and seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor relaxation.

Update to Sleek, Handleless Cabinetry

Handleless cabinetry is a popular choice in modern kitchens and bathrooms, creating a streamlined look that’s free of clutter. This style of cabinetry is minimalist and clean, aligning perfectly with modern design trends.

Opt for high-gloss finishes for a reflective, polished look or matte finishes for a more understated elegance.

For homeowners who want to try this trend without replacing all cabinetry, updating just the lower or upper cabinets to handleless styles can still make a noticeable difference.

Opt for Frameless, Glass Shower Enclosures

A sleek, frameless shower enclosure instantly modernises a bathroom, making it look larger and more open. Unlike traditional shower cubicles with metal frames, frameless designs are minimal and clean.

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They work especially well in small bathrooms, where a clear line of sight creates the illusion of space.

For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding a rainfall showerhead or a recessed shelf in the shower area. These additions enhance both functionality and style, giving your bathroom a spa-like feel.

Choose Minimalist Decor and Art

Modern design thrives on simplicity, so choose decor items that are minimal and impactful. Instead of cluttering your space with small trinkets, select a few statement pieces that complement the room’s style and colour scheme.

This approach also extends to wall art; large, abstract prints or black-and-white photography work beautifully in modern spaces.

When styling shelves or tables, use items in odd numbers, like three or five, for visual appeal. Combine materials like glass, metal and ceramics for a balanced look that adds texture without overwhelming the space.

Add Texture with Modern Materials

Adding different textures can elevate a room and make it feel contemporary without sacrificing warmth.

Incorporate materials like concrete, glass and metal for a modern touch. For example, a concrete coffee table or a glass console can bring a sleek, industrial vibe to your space.

To keep the look cosy, balance these elements with softer textures, such as wool or cotton rugs, cushions and throws. The contrast between hard and soft materials creates depth, giving your home a polished and comfortable feel.

Install Large Floor Tiles

Flooring has a huge impact on the overall look of a home. Installing large floor tiles in the kitchen, bathroom or entryway creates a clean, modern aesthetic that makes the room feel bigger.

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Choose tiles in neutral shades like grey, beige or stone to achieve a seamless look that complements any decor style.

Large tiles require fewer grout lines, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. They’re also a great way to add durability to high-traffic areas, ensuring a stylish look that lasts for years.

Conclusion

Giving your UK home a modern edge doesn’t require a complete overhaul. By making thoughtful choices, you can transform your space into a stylish and functional environment that feels both timeless and contemporary.

With these simple upgrades, your home can capture the clean lines and innovative spirit of modern design, creating a space you’ll love for years to come.

Brantley Jackson, dad and writer at 'Not in the Kitchen Anymore' is well-known in the parenting world. He writes about his experiences of raising children and provides advice to other fathers. His articles are widely praised for being real and relatable. As well as being an author, he is a full-time dad and loves spending time with his family. His devotion to his kids and love of writing drives him to motivate others.