Contemporary Style Interior Decorating & Design

From the special online feature Design Styles          

Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines, as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color and focus on the basics of line, shape and form.    

Colors - Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes relying heavily on brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Shots of color are sometimes found on one wall, in a striking floor rug or a special piece of art.    

Furniture - Pieces feature clean lines and smooth surfaces without any carving or adornment. Silhouettes are slim without being dainty. Furniture is made of light-colored woods like maple and birch (which also have minimal graining), frosted or clear glass, stainless steel, nickel and chrome.

Fabrics - Natural fabrics like silk, wool, linen and cotton are used for their textural aspect and inherent neutral hues. However, bold color or geometric pattern may be brought into the design with pillows, a rug or throw.    

Lighting - The lighting design is used as an artistic statement in a contemporary interior. Floor and table lamps will have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes; color might be introduced with a special shade. Recessed or track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories.

Demystify the challenge of correctly identifying the differences between contemporary and modern design and learn how to personalize these similar yet dramatically different styles:

•           Contemporary design incorporates lots of color and texture. Artwork is comfortable and colorful (figure A).

•           Modern design uses less texture and is more about form/artistic impression rather than function. Add touches of color through artwork that makes you think and accessories .

•           For a modern look be sure to include basic geometric shapes in decorative accents such as oversized round chrome accessories,square-edged furnishings and rectangular -patterned rugs and artwork (figure B).Wall colors are in the light and highly reflective color range--white-based greens, teals and blues as well as stark white . Paint the ceiling a crisp bright white to further emphasize dramatic architectural features.

•           Contemporary designs call for softer lines and an emphasis on comfortable texture --everything from pitted floor tiles to soft sofa fabrics. Wall colors are warm and rich in the medium intensity range (don't use off whites or pale pastels to create a truly relaxing space).

•           To customize the correct contemporary ceiling color, totally immerse a gloved index finger into a gallon of the chosen wall color. Quickly transfer it into a gallon of white latex flat paint, and then mix it thoroughly.Use one finger full of paint per gallon for eight-foot ceilings and two fingers per gallon for 12-foot ones.