Contemporary style is open, light, uncluttered

Learn how to put together the uncluttered elegance of this style in your modern home

Contemporary style decorating is sleek and geometric. The surfaces are hard and utilitarian. No curves or bulky styles are in sight with modern style decorating.

Contemporary Style in Architecture

Contemporary style homes always seem large and spacious. This is not because the space is large. The main reason the effect is one of space is because modern style homes lack many of the characteristic features of more traditional spaces.

Cornice molding. baseboards, chair rails, and wainscoting are not seen in contemporary style homes. Walls separating rooms are few and open spaces are the norm. The traditional layout of living room, dining room and kitchen has been eliminated. In modern style homes, walls have been eliminated and an open-plan design is used. Because of this layout, there are no impediments to stop light flowing through the windows, so the impression received from viewing contemporary style homes is one of brightness, lightness, and spaciousness.

Furniture Used in Contemporary Style Decorating

Most contemporary style furniture is designed using natural materials. Light colored wood, glass, and chrome are the most used materials. Wrought iron, rattan, and plastic laminates are also in evidence in the modern style home.

In contemporary style furniture, the focus on unusual shapes is an important characteristic. Although most of the lines in a contemporary home are angular and geometric, there is almost always an interesting piece of curved furniture to catch your eye. The curves you chose for your home can be from the back of a sofa, an interestingly shaped coffee table, or an round dining room table. Whatever you choose, some curves are absolutely essential to keep the modern look from appearing stark and intimidating.

Colors Used in Contemporary Style Decorating

The simplest and most popular color for the contemporary style home is and always has been pure white. White is clean and bright and reflects light perfectly. With the use of white, rooms appear large, modern and efficient.

As desirable as these qualities are in a modern style home, on a practical level, keeping a home pristine is not always an option (I know it certainly isn't in my home!). Pure white is also overwhelming and overpowering, so often a neutral color scheme is employed. Various shades of white, such as Cream, Bone, and Winter White are other options you can choose. Beige color schemes are also used in contemporary style homes.

At the other end of the spectrum, bold exciting jewel colors are often used as accent pieces of furniture and accessories. Counter tops are often a bright bold color to add contrast to the stark white walls. Think what a statement a bright red couch makes in a black and white room.

Fabrics Used in Contemporary Style Decorating

At one time, leather and animal skins were the preferred fabrics in a modern home. Today, a wide array of fabrics and colors give almost unlimited choice to your decorating scheme.

There are two groups of fabrics that are widely used in contemporary style decorating: the most modern which covers plastic and all other synthetic fabrics, and natural, organics such as leather, animal skins, suede, cotton, linen, flax, and canvas. In place of animal skins used in years past, we are now more educated in environmental issues. Fake furs have come a long way, and it is often almost impossible to detect a copy from the real product. If you are concerned about the environment, it is still possible to use leopard skin if you love the look of fur in your decorating scheme.

One of the most noticeable features of modern style decorating is the absence of pattern. Other than the design of natural animal skins, no patterns are used in this style of decorating. Furniture, draperies, accessories, all are designed with plain fabric. No wallpaper, fancy drapes, tablecloths or other non-essential details are used in the contemporary style of decorating.

With so many hard surfaces used in this decorating style, it is important to balance it off with soft fabrics. Throw pillows in natural fabrics, a soft area rug on a large expanse of wood flooring and one or two upholstered pieces will help you obtain the look you desire.

Accessories and Artwork Used in Modern Style Decorating

Accessories are most often large and bold with clean simple lines. No clutter, mess or collections here. Each piece holds it's own and is carefully chosen for it's graphic shape and neat lines.

If you love floral arrangements, contemporary style requires huge bold arrangements with brilliant colors. No traditional style bouquets here. Large arrangements in beautifully glass containers are what you are aiming for in this style of decorating.

Lighting for Contemporary Style Decorating

Elegant, almost invisible lighting is the look you are aiming for here. No stained glass, fringed lamp shades, or ornate ceiling lamps are found here. Install recessed lights along with track lighting. For spot lighting use chrome or metal lamps with modern interesting shapes.

Large mirrored walls are often installed to reflect light and add to the feeling of openess and spaciousness.

Did You Find Your Decorating Love in this Style?

You don't have to live in a warehouse loft in New York City for use this style. Many smaller homes being built today can be adapted to this style. Take down walls to obtain an open floor plan if possoble, remove non-essential woodwork, paint everything in a white or neutral color scheme, and you are on your way to great Contemporary Style decorating.

Modern lines are clean, peaceful and contemplative. If this is the type of atmosphere you would like to create, you can't go wrong with this style of decorating.

If you would like to learn more about other decorating styles,visit: Home Decorating Styles for a listing of other home interior styles reviewed on this site


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