A contemporary home style is defined by simplicity, clean lines, elusive sophistication, purposeful texture, and a sleek and fresh look. Interiors that use a contemporary style primarily showcase the space more than ‘stuff.’
A contemporary style may be used interchangeably with a modern style. The style merges two worlds – the late 1900s and post-modernism. Nevertheless, the meaning translates to a significant break from traditional styling norms and incorporating newer and rich designs.
Here are brilliant ways homeowners can add a contemporary flair to their spaces.
Colour
The prominent colours used in contemporary spaces are neutrals. Such spaces emphasize black, white, beige, cream, grey, and black. To punch up the space, contrasting bold and bright colours are usually added to play well against the neutrals. For example, a neutral wall can be enhanced with bold accessories. Conversely, neutral accessories can be used on a wall with a bold colour.
The subtle colours used in contemporary styling allow other details to shine and leave a space for homeowners to get creative with textures and patterns.
The Space and Floor Plan
The idea behind contemporary home styles is a sense of unison of the spaces. Therefore, an open floor plan is an ideal option for homeowners, for example, for the living area, kitchen, and dining areas.
An open plan gives a unified design aesthetic as opposed to a design with boundaries and distinct walls.
Materials and Texture
In a contemporary setting, organic and natural materials are a must. Generally, a homeowner should purpose to use materials like glass, metal, stone, leather, and wood.
Wood can be used on floors and contemporary doors. Metal can be used on hardware like faucets, drawer pulls, curtain rods, or doorknobs. Glass can also be used on doors to give maximum natural light. Stones like marble and travertine work well with kitchen or bathroom countertops. Leather furniture like ottomans and lounge chairs can make the space feel organic and natural.
The texture is an essential element in a contemporary-style home. Typically, plain fabrics with heavy textures should be used for pillows and window treatments. The flooring should be smooth and bare, but homeowners can add a rug or carpet with a plain or geometric pattern to add texture to it. For a neutral couch, throw pillows with varied but clean geometric shapes can be used to add texture and colour.
Other organic materials that can be used to add texture include wool, jute, sheepskin, and cotton.
Lighting
A contemporary home requires adequate natural lighting, which glass doors and windows, solar tubes, or skylights can allow in. However, homeowners must not ignore artificial lighting, and it should not be intrusive.
Lighting fixtures should be high-end, distinct, and simple. For example, someone can install pendant lighting in an enclosed room and opt for a stylized chandelier for open space. Additionally, artistic and high-hanging sconces can be used to reintroduce the contemporary style’s origin.
Artwork
Homeowners can have their framed arts of contemporary style or sculptures at eye level, which can be achieved by placing them on pedestals or structural columns. Excellent frame choices are those finished in natural wood, matte black, high gloss, or metal.
In cases where several pieces have to be put together, a homeowner should have them close to one another such that they feel like a single large piece.
Nonetheless, contemporary-style rooms should not be cluttered with very many pieces. The space is of more significance.
Greenery
Contemporary home styles look better with large and dramatic plants or flowers in simple but elegant planters or vases. Big blooms that have interesting foliage work better than tiny arrangements. To keep the soil in the planters neat, homeowners can add bark chippings or rocks.
- Hidden Technology and Multifunctional Ideas
Contemporary homes are loved for their ‘hidden details.’ One of the hidden and luxurious details in a contemporary home is technology. The spaces have smart and innovative technology. They usually have remote access and wireless systems to control lighting, heating and cooling systems, electronics, and security. In addition, these will usually be hidden behind the interiors, and cables are typically not evident all over the place.
In a contemporary home style, rooms can be multifunctional. For example, a kitchen can be used as a dining room. With multifunction and versatility in mind, homeowners can have furniture that can complement different functionalities.
For example, they should consider multi-faceted furniture, collapsible chairs, tables, futons, or modern separation apparatus to convert a single space into two when needed.
Minimalism
A contemporary style is usually more about taking a minimalistic approach and at the same time letting go of strict design rules. Clutter must be avoided at all costs such that everything appears well-balanced and purposeful. Storage spaces like cabinets with modern craftsmanship and clear finishes can be used for storage, or someone can store extra things in cubbies under their furniture.
A homeowner decorating a contemporary space should avoid dramatic patterns, florals, fussy prints, and excessively carved details. Some other things to be omitted are tassels, fringes, and skirts on the chairs and beds. Contemporary styling also entails abolishing tiny and cute items for bare, basic, and structural looks.
Filling Spaces
Contemporary designs have distinctive and apparent elements of ‘lines.’ They can take horizontal, vertical, or curved forms. Furthermore, straight and curved lines can be alternated for the home to feel more functional.
Typically, a homeowner can show the lines using geometric shapes, architectural details, or bold colour blocks. Nevertheless, every piece should stand out uniquely and individually.
Exterior details are as important as interior details. Exteriors should not feature heavy ornamentation. Instead, the details should have curvilinear or rectilinear forms. Rooflines should be distinct and seemingly appear flat.
Final Thoughts
These are excellent ideas for homeowners to give their homes a contemporary feel, whether they are starting fresh or renovating. Evidently, less is more in a contemporary style. Nevertheless, the craftsmanship and creativity employed should be to add functionality and, at the same time, add aesthetic value.
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