There are many traditional home design styles that have stood the test of time and continue to grace our homes today. Think Hamptons, French Provincial, Farmhouse and the like. Whilst there may be some modern or personal variations, the core attributes that define each style remain constant. One design style choice that doesn’t necessarily come with a pre-defined rule book, is Contemporary.
Choosing to create a contemporary design style in your home means that you are referencing interior design and product trends that are current and happening right now. As a result, contemporary style can comprise a wide and varied range of ideas, depending on the point in time.
Today’s contemporary style is simple and subtly sophisticated. It uses shape and clean lines to emphasise the space. Objects are used to enhance the overall feelings of comfort and warmth, as opposed to being overwhelming focal points.
Here are some tips to help you create a contemporary style in your home.
Colour
The basis of a contemporary colour palette comprises neutrals, black and white. A simple and relatively neutral base palette allows for the easy addition of accent colours, which can help to soften the space and avoid it becoming too clinical or sparse.
Even with the addition of some colour to your contemporary style, it is important to keep them minimal. The accent colours should be strong and stand out, but not overpowering.
Visual Lines and De-cluttering the Space
Strong and clean vertical, horizontal or curved visual lines are a characteristic element of contemporary style design. The less is more approach definitely reigns true in today’s style. Don’t over clutter the space with too many things, or too much ornate decoration and detail. Leave some bare spaces on the walls and around furniture and other items. This allows the individual pieces that you do have to stand out and be appreciated and helps to maintain a relaxed, warm and welcoming feel.
Furniture
Clean lines and space are also important considerations when choosing furniture for a contemporary style space. Choose pieces with geometric outlines or square-edges. Larger pieces should be in neutral tones and then add some colour and texture with cushions and throws in natural fibres such as wool, cotton, linen and silk. As mentioned above, be sure to leave space around these key pieces to allow the lines to be accentuated, not interrupted.
Flooring
A neutral, bare theme should continue to the flooring in a contemporary space. Think wood and tiles. Use rugs with plain colours or geometric patterns to add some texture.
Greenery
In contemporary style, any plants and flowers should also be kept clean and simple. Avoid small and delicate displays, and instead opt for larger, simpler choices that compliment the relaxed, spacious feel that you have created with the other elements of the space.
Dinnerware
Be sure to carry the same inspiration through to the dining table. Again, choose strong clean shapes for your crockery and use the other items on the table such as cutlery, napkins, placements and centrepieces to add texture.
Choosing to create a contemporary style in your home can bring a welcome sense of sophistication that you will be proud to show off, but the added touch of softening and warmth that is typical of this style means that you can truly feel relaxed and comfortable at the same time.
The professional team at Highlands Hand Painting can help you towards your renovation or restoration goals with our range of custom hand painting services. Speak to our team today by calling 1300 622 112 or submit an online enquiry.