Hi everyone! I have been having some fun researching design styles, their origins and how they differentiate from eachother. The term Contemporary is a common buzz word among designers. In this entry I will give you some helpful information about what it actually means and how to achieve the look in your home.
Contemporary style includes a combination of modern and traditional styles. This includes design motifs developed in the latter half of the 20th century. Contemporary is known as “of-the-times” design. Furnishings feature soft and rounded lines as opposed to the austere lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and “pops” of color. The focus is on the basics of line, shape and form.
Here are some design specifics:
Colors: Contemporary interiors use tone-on-tone color palettes with brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Pops of color are incorporated on a single wall, in a floor rug or in a special piece of art.
Furniture: Pieces are slim and simple without being dainty. They feature clean lines and smooth surfaces without any carving or adornment. Furniture is upholstered with solid color fabrics, or made of light woods such as maple and birch. Clear glass, stainless steel, and chrome are also popular choices.
Fabrics: Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, linen and wool are used. These fabrics have nice textures and neutral hues. Bold colors and geometric patterns may be incorporated with pillows, rugs or a throw to bring more interest into the design.
Flooring: Use any solid wood flooring with a white baseboard. An accent rug is a great addition and makes the space comfortable.
Lighting: Lighting is used as an artistic statement in a contemporary design. Floor and table lamps have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes. A colorful lamp shade may be used as an accent. Recessed or track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories.
When I think of contemporary I think of classic and modern. As you can see in these photos there are a mixture of elements used but there is a common scheme. It is relaxed and fun yet also classy and clean. For the next few weeks I will be highlighting different design styles in this blog and showing you how to achieve the look in your home. I hope you enjoy learning about Interior Design as much as I do!
Happy decorating everyone!