What’s your style? Contemporary?

DISCOVER YOUR STYLE

Hello.  I hope that you are doing well.  If you have been following this series of blog posts on the various styles of interior design; this is the last of the series.  We have covered so many dynamic styles that I hope have offered you great education and inspiration.  

The last style we will discuss is Contemporary.  I have to say, I love it.  Everything about this style is often misunderstood by most homeowners.  Many people believe that it is very expensive to design your home in this style.  Some people say that it only works if you live in large metropolitan areas with ultra expensive real estate.  Concerned moms will say that this style could never work for a family with kids.  Dad’s will say this is only for bachelors that are in the prime of their life.  These are all misconceptions that I want to put to rest today.

In essence, contemporary interior design is all about the space and less about the things that you may want to fill your home with.  It’s simple, clean, sophisticated, and subtle.  If you love the idea of having room to stretch out in your home while maximizing the space and minimizing the clutter, this could be for you.  Finally, I want to make it perfectly clear that contemporary design isn’t dark.  It is open, clean and refreshing.  

In this post, I am going to discuss what makes a space contemporary and how you can pull it all together should you decide to make your home the latest contemporary marvel in your city.

Color.  When selecting colors for this style of interior design remember less is more.  Your goal should be to keep things as simple as possible.  Limit your color palette to neutral colors like black white and shades of tan or cream.  It is safe to introduce maybe one bold color like red, navy blue, or green.  I would encourage my client to think about creating a calm serene environment.  Too many colors competing will keep your eyes moving and you will defeat the purpose.  Texture is your friend.  You can easily richness with a variety of textures of fabrics.  For example, just because you opt to have all white furniture in your living room does not mean it has to be bland.  You can  use leather, shearling, wool, mohair, and cotton.  Just imagine, every time a holiday guest sits in a new chair at your party, they get to touch and feel a touch fabric.  These fabric differences will create a new experience each time they take a seat.

Lines and shapes.  One of the most important characteristics of contemporary interior design is the use of shapes and lines.  In most of the furniture that you will see used there will be crisp lines, sharp rectangles, and bold arches.  Nothing is ornate or elaborate.  Oddly, the sophistication comes from the simplicity and scale of each piece and how well they work together.  In space planning try to keep things as balanced and symmetrical as possible.  Clean lines in your furniture and art placement will go a long way.  Finally, don't forget to emphasize any structural elements that may already be a part of the existing space.  Gridlines in exposed brick, the subtle curling of exposed ductwork, and metal support beams and trusses should not be overlooked.

Flooring.  In a contemporary home, flooring should be as simple and cohesive as possible.  I have designed many contemporary townhomes that have the same large format porcelain tile throughout the home.  We would layer these tiles with large simple rugs that both define the space and help with acoustics.  Smooth porcelain, polished concrete, and some species of hardwoods will work perfectly.  Remember, keep it simple and as clean as possible.   

Furniture.  You have to make the right selections from the beginning.  There should not be random pieces of furniture that people say, now where did that come from.  In fact, a consistent repetition is what you want.  In that I mean, a repeat of the lines, colors, patterns, and shapes.  (2) matching sofas, (2) large swivel chairs, (1) large section made of (2) side that match.  This is how you begin to build a home that is contemporary.  This is the time to be basic, bold, simple and sophisticated.  This means, no trim, skirts, fringe, or tassels.  Finally, if I were working on your design project I would suggest keep all the upholstery pieces limited to one maybe (2) solid colors and all your casegoods in (1) stain.  

Lighting as art.  Many interior designers say that light is life.  I would have to agree.  In a contemporary home natural light is very important. Your lighting should be highly functional and architectural.   Large sculptural statement pieces should be used as often as possible.  The living room, dining, kitchen island, foyer, and staircase are great places to make a huge statement.  If you have done a great job in designing your home you should have large open walls that need to be filled with modern, abstract, and impressionistic art.  Less is more!  Finally, to wash the walls with light to compliment your art selections consider track lighting and recessed lighting that tilt to flood your wall with a steady stream of light on the darkest day of the year.

So how can I pull it all together?  When selecting furniture think low profile.  Your seating should be low and minimalist.  The sectionals and sofa should be deep and super comfortable.  This does not mean overstuffed.  If you are a media buff, consider simple consoles and media cabinets.  When the budget allows, consider exotic woods as your dining table, desk, and cabinetry.  This is the perfect to add a whole new level of sophistication to what could potentially be boring and bland if not properly handled.  Finally, style your space with one of a kind pottery, art, sculptures and plaster pieces.  Even if you don’t have a multi million dollar art collection there are several vendors that make unique pieces that you will not see on the shelves of every furniture store in your city. Reclaimed wood and natural fibers are your friend.

We made it everyone.  So?  Are you ready to create the home of your dreams that your family deserves?  Have you committed to a design style?  It’s time to get to work! 

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Goodbye for now!