Contemporary Decorating
Creating Modern Looks You Can Live With
Confused by contemporary? Often compared to modern, contemporary shares similarities yet offers its differences. Developed in the latter half of the 20th century, contemporary features consist of softer lines and comfortable textures. The colors used are warm and rich, not as stark as seen in modern décor, a bit more inviting however still very clean. If you love sleek lines and hate clutter, are trendier, modern in your approach to art, like simple with a touch of flair…your decorating personality most likely leans toward that of contemporary style.
Today’s contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that work together to create a sophisticated, fresh feel. With this style of decorating comes an emphasis on “clutter-free”. That’s not always easy in our busy households. To achieve this look it’s important to stick to a few basic rules. And for those wanting to create a contemporary feel but have been living in another style, there needs to be an infusion, an introduction of your new look. Keep simplicity as your driving force when working with your new plan. Nothing should be overpowering or try to make a statement on its own. Here are a few guidelines to follow when creating a contemporary flair:
FURNITURE: Keep your lines clean, however gentle curves are ok. Exposed wood and metal as well as blended mediums are the norm. Upholstery should be smooth.
FABRICS: Plain with little or no pattern. Think solid and chic. Avoid trims and tassels. Although you should avoid prints, 2-tones work great. An example is a bold zebra print or stripe pattern.
COLOR: Infusion of vibrant color can come from accent walls, accessories, pillows. A tone on tone color palette is perfect. Rely heavily on browns, taupes, creams and pure whites with shots of color. Soft and warm but vibrant accent colors are the real key.
ACCESSORIES: In contemporary decorating there’s not a lot of room for extras…streamline! Bright metals are an important element. Frames should be high gloss or black matte, natural, wood or metal.
LIGHTING: This takes center stage in the world of contemporary decorating. Fixtures are extremely important and should make their own artistic statement. The right illumination will draw attention to key features. Look for well designed track lighting and choose floor lamps over table.
WINDOWS: Simple, straight lines, little fuss. That’s it!
FLOORING: Sleek and sexy. Polished concrete, wood, low pile carpets and stone.
LINE AND SPACE: High ceilings, bare windows, architectural details, use of bold colors are all important in your contemporary spacial planning. Bare wall spaces between furniture become equally important when accessorizing. Remember…less is more!
CONTEMPORARY TEXTURES: Avoid intricate detail on all surfaces. Wood tone can be dark or light but should remain consistent. Avoid patterns on your walls.
Contemporary decorating is not for everyone. It may be that you just want one room in your home to have that modern edge. Or, perhaps you’re an eclectic personality, you like a variety of periods and styles in your home. You might already be infusing your home into another style but aren’t quite sure what that actually is by term or definition. What exactly does a designer mean when she says Tuscan style, or Traditional or Transitional? I have outlined a few popular styles of decorating and brief descriptions to help you decipher between their uses. This may help you determine which décor personality you already are, or what look you want to achieve.
Cottage Style: Colorful comfortable look. Textural elements like baskets and natural fiber rugs. Colors taken from a lush flower garden.
Country: Wide ranging style depending on locations. Primitive furniture, muted colors, milky paint colors, vintage fabrics.
Mediterranean: Today known as Spanish Modern. Pieces range from simple to formal and are short and ornate. Hardware is heavy. Textured walls are prevalent.
Modern: Clean, streamlined, strong geometric shapes. Expansive, unadorned.
Old World: Comfortable, broken in, worn. Textured walls and stones. Distressed, matte and honed finishes used over high polished ones.
Southwestern: Earthtone colors, rough textures, brightly woven fabrics, terra cotta and clay.
Traditional: Comforting, warm wood tones, tailored windows, trims and fringe, oil paintings.
Transitional: Marriage of traditional and contemporary. Classic, timeless designs. Simple yet sophisticated. Straight lines or rounded profiles.
Tuscan: Rustic, sun-baked look. Simple and sturdy furnishings, iron accents, textured walls and detailed murals, trompe l‘oeils.
Tropical: Island motifs, exotic woods, tropical palettes, plants and fabrics. Look to beach for inspiration, shells, rattan, sea grass.
My hopes are after reading this article you are no longer confused by contemporary and have somewhat of an understanding as to what your style is or what you’d like it to be. Please remember, your home is YOUR sanctuary. There is no right or wrong when choosing your style but knowing your style and how to present it will give you confidence in your décor selections.
Copyright 2009-2010 Denise Teichert
