A contemporary style doesn't refer to a specific time period; it's constantly changing to reflect popular styles of today's design and trends, and that is why many love this style. It gives you more freedom to combine and define your space and you can easily evolve as the trends go. But, what is in style now? Well, simplicity, sophistication, textures, solid colours, clean lines, high contrast and a clean appearance are the words to define contemporary style decorating. To get the look of a contemporary home, it's important to follow some basic rules.
Rule #1 - Colour
When it comes to a colour palette in a contemporary space, whites, neutrals and dark colours like black or dark grey are a perfect pick. Black is a common option for grounding and defining a contemporary style. It is often accented with bright and bold colours that play against neutrals. Neutral walls are a wonderful backdrop for bold coloured accessories. One of the trends that are really coming back is beige. It's a great neutral that adds warmth to any space.
Rule # 2 - Furniture
In contemporary decor, furniture pieces should make a bold statement but at the same time be simple and clean, without curves or decoration. Uncluttered, smooth, geometric shapes are essential. Contemporary wood furniture uses various types of wood - from exotic teak and mahogany to hard oak, luxurious cherry and soft pine. And when it comes to design, contemporary wood furniture celebrates the distinctive characteristics of wood (warm and easy to be crafted) to achieve creative shapes and attractive decoration patterns. Give preference to light and natural wood finishes over dark and choose woods with less graining such as maple and birch.
Upholstered furniture often wears white, black, or other neutral tones and use natural fibres found in cotton, wool, linen, jute and silk to add textural appeal. Stick to bare, basic, bold and structural. Don't use ruffles, floral prints or elaborate details that can ruin the simplicity of the furniture.
Rule #3 - Line and Space
The most unique element of a contemporary style interior design is the line. Whether straight vertical or horizontal lines or curved shapes, strong visible lines are noticeable in any modern-style space. The line can be seen in architectural details, high ceilings, bold colour blocks, bare windows and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture. The empty space on walls, between pieces of furniture and above upper areas should be filled with objects. Pieces should stand out as individual and unique. Take advantage of structural elements. Consider air ducts hanging from the ceiling, broken bricks to provide texture and stability, and exposed plumbing pipes to complement your modern-style interior. To create a focal point, paint structural details in bold contrasting colours, or to minimize their importance, combine them with the walls.
Rule #4 - Flooring
In a contemporary style home, the floor should be bare and smooth, using wood, tile or vinyl. You can make use of carpet for warmth or sound control but choose commercial grades. Consider plain or geometric-patterned area rugs to add colour and texture to the area.
Rule #5 - Light and Art
Recessed light and track lighting help to wash a wall in light. Whether you are renovating your home or building a new one, consider installing cover lighting or indirect light. Add colour and metallic elements on the light fixtures. To help draw the attention to pieces you want to focus on, use spotlights or can lighting directed at a painting, poster, or print. For your artwork, consider frames in high-gloss or matte black, metal, or natural wood finishes.
Rule #6 - Other Design Elements
Is contemporary style right for you? Well, if you are a minimalist person looking to stay clear of fussy prints and looking to create a simple yet thoroughly realized harmony between different elements while focusing on the architectural elements of a room, them the contemporary style is right for you. Plus, it's a design movement that's well worth the effort and investment as it will never go out of style and is easy to update.
