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Modern

Modern

Modernism, modern style

Function first: straight lines, clean planes and honestly used materials.

Off-whiteLight greigeStone greyCharcoalWarm oak

Origin: Early 20th-century Europe, rooted in the Bauhaus and Functionalism

Born in early 20th-century Europe with the Bauhaus, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, Modernism follows the rule that form follows function: no superfluous ornament, open plans and an honest use of steel, glass and concrete. In Vietnam it is the most common choice for apartments and townhouses: neutral backgrounds, flush full-height cabinetry, one or two accents, and durable, easy-to-source materials that cope well with the humid northern climate.

Illustration drawn by HICONIQUE from the style’s palette and signature details.

Materials

  • Moisture-resistant MDF with melamine or laminate
  • Engineered wood flooring or large-format porcelain tiles
  • Granite or sintered stone worktops
  • Tempered glass and system aluminium windows
  • Neutral paint with a timber accent wall
  • Powder-coated steel and aluminium façade louvres

Furniture & forms

  • Boxy sofa with straight arms on low metal or hidden legs
  • Full-height kitchen and wardrobe units with flat doors and recessed handles
  • Stone or timber dining table on slender metal legs
  • Wall-hung TV unit against a slatted timber backdrop
  • Plain fabric or leather chairs with minimal detailing

Lighting

  • Recessed downlights and cove lighting in plasterboard ceilings
  • LED strips under kitchen cabinets and behind shelving
  • Simple geometric pendants over the dining table

How it differs from similar styles

Modern vs Minimalism

Modern still allows accent walls, colour and decor; minimalism strips away almost everything but the essentials.
Modern vs Contemporary

Modernism is a historic movement loyal to straight lines; contemporary is the style of now, softer, with curves and new materials.
Modern vs Modern luxury

Modern prioritises function and sensible cost; modern luxury keeps the clean layout but upgrades to natural stone, plated metal, leather and elaborate lighting.

Best for

  • Young families who want an easy-to-use, easy-to-clean home
  • Apartments and narrow-fronted townhouses
  • Owners who want tight control of cost and schedule
  • Rental homes or homes that need to adapt later

Home types

ApartmentTownhouseVilla

Typical finishing level

Standard

Estimate building cost at this level

Common mistakes

  • Too many accent colours, which breaks the sense of order
  • Standard-core boards in kitchens and bathrooms, which swell in humid weather
  • Timber slats on every wall, turning an accent into monotony
  • A single layer of downlights that leaves the room flat and cold

Care & northern Vietnam climate

Use moisture-resistant cores with sealed edges against the humid "nồm" season; west-facing glass needs insulated units or solar film plus louvres. Near the coast, choose 304 stainless fittings and powder-coated aluminium.

Styles in the same family

Modern

Minimalism

Less is more: keep only the essential and let light and space do the decorating.
Modern

Contemporary

The style of now: soft, flexible, mixing curves, new materials and technology.
Modern

Modern luxury

Modern lines made luxurious by materials: natural stone, fine wood, leather, plated metal and subtle light.

Want a home in the Modern style?

HICONIQUE balances style with function, orientation, climate and your real budget.

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