Urban modern is one of the most versatile styles you can bring into your home — and you don’t need a designer fit-out to make it work.
With some well-chosen cushions, you can add the clean lines, bold contrasts and layered textures that define the look.
This guide shows you how to get the urban modern style using nothing more than colour, texture and thoughtful placement.
What is urban modern style?
Urban modern style blends sleek minimalism with a hint of industrial edge. It’s polished and pared-back, but never cold — think clean lines, thoughtful details, and a focus on form and texture.
It’s a look that suits modern apartments, contemporary homes, and open-plan spaces. Cushions in this style are all about balance — softening the space while keeping things structured and intentional.
Cushions are your shortcut to the look
You don’t need to redesign your entire space to get the urban modern feel — some simple throw cushions can do the work for you.
A few carefully chosen designs can bring structure, contrast and tone to your room instantly. Use them to sharpen up a neutral palette, add a bold focal point, or create texture against clean lines.
Colours that define the look
Urban modern interiors rely on strong, understated colours. Start with a base of rich matte black, charcoal, white or grey — these tones bring structure and calm.
Then, layer in muted accent colours like deep muted burgundy, rust or olive to add personality without disrupting the aesthetic.
Textures that add depth and interest
Urban modern spaces don’t rely on heavy patterns — they let texture do the talking.
Rich materials like soft-touch velvet, hand attracting boucle, and refined woven linen add a sense of quiet luxury without shouting for attention.
These tactile fabrics add dimension to even the most minimal palette — and they’re key to making your space feel styled, not stark.
Use shape to keep it structured
Urban modern styling is all about deliberate choices — and cushion shapes are no exception. Elegant rectangle cushions create strong horizontal lines, while regular square cushions add symmetry and contrast when layered.
Use an odd number of cushions to keep things visually balanced, and avoid overfilling. A mix of sizes in a tight palette feels thoughtful, not cluttered — and helps keep the look structured, sleek and cohesive.
Final thoughts
Urban modern style is refined but approachable — a balance of clean lines, strong colour choices and textured finishes. It doesn’t take much to get the look right — just a few well-chosen cushions that feel intentional.
Start with a neutral base, layer in rich textures and considered shapes, and keep the palette tight. Explore our modern decorative styles now for ideas, or read our guide to the boho chic style for a much more relaxed and eclectic look.
