Contemporary Style
Contemporary Interior Decorating
By: Danielle McVicar
Contemporary style is characterized by the use of clean, sleek lines, simplicity and subtle colors. Because of the emphasis on lines and order, contemporary design is very similar to modernistic design; however it is much warmer and more inviting. Contemporary style provides a relaxing and quiet ambience for a room, making it a perfect choice for offices, bedrooms and sitting rooms. If you enjoy a minimalistic style that emphasizes space and unique, individual pieces, then contemporary decorating may be the perfect style for you.
The key elements of contemporary design include texture, color and space. By properly utilizing these elements you can style your home beautifully with a contemporary design.
Texture plays an extremely important role in contemporary decorating. Smooth, sleek surfaces are necessary to achieve a contemporary look. Floors should be plain and smooth with no decoration or intricate patterns. Hardwood, vinyl and polished stone work exceptionally well as flooring for a contemporary room, but a low Berber carpet can also achieve similar results. Fabric can add some texture to your room, but make sure to opt for solid colors and avoid elaborate patterns that may clash with the overall contemporary look.
Color is another significant factor in contemporary design. Blacks, whites and neutrals are predominately used throughout a room along with one or two uncharacteristically bold colors. Painting your walls a soft, neutral color provides an excellent background in which bright accessories can contrast. Don’t go too crazy with color, however, you only want a few key items in your room to stand out.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of contemporary design is its use of space and lines. Space is emphasized and is just as important and decorative as filled areas. Every piece and accessory in a contemporary room stands out on its own because it is surrounded by so much space. The use of sleek lines is also very important in a contemporary design. Choose furniture and other pieces that are geometric and can add gentle lines to your décor.
Contemporary design can be effectively summed up with the notion “less is more”. Keep in mind all of the elements of contemporary design and you will be rewarded with a décor that is simple yet sophisticated and very pleasing to the eye.
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Contemporary Living Room Furnishings
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
Contemporary design incorporates the sleek look of modern design with the welcoming comfort of a more traditional style. It avoids the sterile feeling that sometimes results from minimalism, while also staying away from the formal edge of classic décor. Contemporary decorating really takes the best from both worlds. When decorating your living room, contemporary living room furniture will help transform the room into one of relaxation, color, and nature.
Maximize the light by installing large windows with simple window treatments. Let as much natural sunlight in as possible to give the room a brilliant glow. Whether you choose fabric curtains or traditional blinds, keep your window treatments simple. This is a great opportunity to add a splash of color to the room. The window treatments should be inspired by the rest of the room to make sure they flow with the rest of the living room furnishings.
With the natural light you will want to have furniture that is fade-resistant. White and cream colors are very popular with contemporary living room furniture and would make a smart choice for sofa fabric. With a light couch, add colorful accent pieces with decorative pillows or an area rug. The natural light can help grow color, through house plants! Place a small plant or flower arrangement on your end tables to incorporate nature and color. This will really tie in your contemporary décor with your living room furnishings.
Your furniture doesn’t need to be boxy and square; instead, pick living room furniture that has curves and different geometric styles. The look isn’t as linear as many assume. It should be fluid and natural. Stick with a lighter palette for your color scheme. Harsh colors like blacks or dark stained wood does not fit with a contemporary design. Instead light wood choices, frosted glass, and other more neutral tones work best for this living room décor.
Keep in mind that this contemporary style is a mixture of comfort and design. It’s livable! You can easily create a contemporary home that looks beautiful but can be enjoyed by the entire family.
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Contemporary Design Mistakes
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
Integrating a contemporary style into your interior design can produce stunning, modern results. However, this cutting-edge design style can leave your home looking bare or drab if done incorrectly. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind when decorating your home.
Contemporary does not necessarily mean minimalism. You don’t have to toss out all your extra home furnishings just to create a modern feel. You want to incorporate them in a way that presents a fluid and natural design. This means no clutter or furniture clumping. Each piece should be displayed in a way that interacts with the other elements of a room, but does not get in the way or stand out. Think about the visuals when arranging a room; consider the size of objects, their colors, and their shapes, avoiding too much contrast. With contemporary design your home furnishings shouldn’t just sit against the wall, but instead come together to make a conversation area. This helps the flow of the room and allows people to easily navigate through the room.
Your tables don’t need to be empty and you don’t have to hang abstract modern art to obtain contemporary design in your home. If you have collections you can display your favorite pieces in appropriate areas. Display cases don’t fit with contemporary design with their cluttered style, but showing off the most impressive items on a mantle or end table will draw attention to those specifically, instead of getting lost in the crowd. Use wall art to pick pieces that are meaningful to you and your family. These don’t have to be famous reprints either; create your own or contract out a local artist for unique conversation pieces. Integrate nature into you interior décor with house plants or exotic flowers. A few well-placed natural beauties create a feeling of peace and calm, without becoming overwhelming.
Another common mistake with contemporary design is for homeowners to try to recreate magazine pages. Don’t try to model your home after a featured design. You can certainly pull your favorite aspects, but recreate them in a personal way. Feature your surroundings in your home, through cityscapes or other local artwork. Try to individualize your home so it speaks to and about you!
Contemporary design isn’t just about being sleek and modern. It is about incorporating your passions and personality into fashionable decorations.
