In this series, you will learn about the different styles of decor. There are many types of designs and styles that are out there, each with their own unique look and feel. When it comes to decorating a room, it can be hard to decide which design style you like best or what will look best in your space. However, when it comes to contemporary design, you are sure to love it! Let’s take a closer look at this popular type of design.
One of the most defining features of contemporary design is that it is very “showroom” in its presentation. It presents a room in its entirety – from ceiling to floor, from furniture to accessories to wall coverings. As such, it is very important that a room is not visually empty; it should actually convey a strong sense of presence so that the occupants are inspired to spend time in that room.
In terms of furniture, contemporary home style focuses on lightness. There are very few pieces that are large and heavy. As a result, the rooms can appear roomier and lighter. For this reason, contemporary home style rooms tend to be smaller than other styles.
Another big feature of contemporary decor is simplicity. You’ll often find pieces that have clean lines and minimalist detailing. You may also find elements like geometric shapes and straight lines. This contemporary design can be very soothing, especially for a homeowner with contemporary decor standards. This look can also make an area look bigger than it is.
In terms of accessories, contemporary home style can seem impersonal. However, there are still a number of accessories that can help you achieve this look. For instance, the artwork is one of the most popular accents used in contemporary decor. You might consider hanging framed artwork in a room for a look that is streamlined and sophisticated. As with other elements of contemporary decor, you’ll usually find that contemporary home style mirrors are small and unobtrusive.
With regard to colors, contemporary home style tends to be cool and bright. Many homeowners opt for shades of white or off-white. Colors that are bold and bright are not very common, although you can certainly find them. Instead, you may see shades of red, blue, green, orange, yellow, and purple. While contemporary home style does not include too many brightly-colored items, you can still add some color with paintings and other accent pieces.
If you’re looking to create a small, intimate space, you will likely want to use bright colors, such as red and turquoise. The walls in a bedroom may be painted a dark shade of blue. You can accomplish the effect of a cozy nook by painting one wall in a bright color and placing accent furniture against the wall. You may choose a large couch and a few accent chairs to frame the view. In contemporary home decor, this is often referred to as a reading corner.
A living room is an area where you will likely spend a good portion of your day. As such, it should be decorated in a style that reflects your personality. Consider a cozy corner of your house for this purpose. One option for decorating this space is to purchase wall art that features scalloped edges. Scalloped art will be great because it will frame your sofa, your walls, and the drapes in your window. The Defining a Style Series: What is Contemporary Design? series provides several other suggestions for decorating your home with contemporary home decor.
Paint the walls in a color that coordinates with furniture pieces. If you have solid wood furniture, consider painting one wall in a warm color, such as brown, to coordinate with your color choices for the rest of the room. If you have metal furniture pieces, consider painting your metal walls a bold color, like red or black. Consider adding artwork that features clean lines, like a modern abstract canvas. Art is a powerful way to express yourself because it allows you to put your thoughts into a piece of art.
A bedroom is a private retreat, and you want it to be relaxing and comfortable. In this section of your home, you want to create a space that will help you get these feelings. Consider putting up a bed of dark colored pillows or a collection of pictures with dark frames. In the Defining a Style Series: What is Contemporary Design? series, paint one wall in a neutral color, such as brown, and use it as a frame on a window. You can then add framed art prints or photos to make the room more inviting.
The living room is where you entertain guests and entertain yourself. In this section of your home, you should have a contemporary look with clean lines, minimal furnishings, and a contemporary style. When you use this room to host parties or just to spend time with friends and family, you want to invite them to come and feel welcome. Consider putting up contemporary design wallpaper borders, place mats for a floor that looks welcoming, and accent pillows on your furniture with a contemporary design theme. This will not only make your guests feel welcome, but it will also help you feel comfortable in this area of your home.