Oftentimes, when people hear about a modern interior, they usually associate it with a sterile and bland environment, deprived of any personality or warmth. However, that is certainly not the case when talking about the contemporary style. What the majority of us need to realize is that a magazine picture of a certain room designed in a certain style is just that – a picture. And while some may see just a bland space with no personality or character, others see an opportunity to take the idea as their starting point and make the room feel truly personal and authentic.
Another thing that’s worth mentioning is that while the contemporary style of 2019 is certainly full of borrowed favorites from the previous years, it has definitely made its mark on them. So, if you’re looking to update the current style of your living space and make it feel more contemporary and modern, check some of these ideas out.
The basic colors
The color scheme plays a huge role in the contemporary interior design. While neutrals, black and white make for the base of this design, they are often amped up by the use of bold, saturated and vibrant hues. Different kinds of white are the most popular choice when it comes to wall colors, white black, charcoal grey and similar shades are usually used for the ground part. Neutrals are most often displayed on furniture pieces. While this may sound too bland and not particularly inspiring, the details are what makes all the difference. Bold vibrant throw pillows in velvet or plush, paired up with colorful throw blankets or covers are where the heart of the design is at.
The use of geometry
Geometrical shapes play a huge role in contemporary design. While it is often said that “the line” is the staple of a modern design, not many realize that that line doesn’t necessarily have to be a straight one. More prominent geometrical shapes, such as triangles and rectangles, are slowly being replaced with softer forms, such as a circle or a sphere. You can incorporate this aspect of a modern design through carefully chosen chandeliers, sconces and table lamps. Nowadays, you can also notice the increased use of metallic hues combined with neutrals in such features, which is a beautiful merge of these two modern style essentials.
Fitting furniture pieces
In a contemporary setting, furniture should make a bold statement but it should also be simple in design. Clean lines and edges, without any ornamentation or elaborate curves, is most commonly where the staples of this design lie. As mentioned, upholstered furniture usually comes in toned-down, neutral shades ranging anywhere from the lightest to the darkest hues. Wooden furniture pieces should also rock these clean lines and shades, but you can add a dose of personality to them with boutique door handles. These little features won’t disrupt the clear aesthetics of the space but they will certainly make it feel more personal and unique.
The right sort of base
Also as previously mentioned, the base of the room design is definitely the floors. Now while it is more common to use darker hues for this part – if for nothing else, that for the functionality’s sake – that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck with a dark room base. Instead, contrast the dark shades of your floors with different area rugs made of natural materials, such as jute, wool or even silk, to introduce that additional note of pizzazz in your indoors. Aside from the area rugs that should only be used for basing furniture arrangements – such as the seating arrangement – the rest of the floors should be bear and clean. For some extra oomph, you can even go for geometrically patterned area rugs to tie the in entirely with the rest of the design.
Other elements of contemporary design
Generous use of natural materials, as well as different metallic finishes and even glass, are all the things most commonly spotted in the contemporary design. A coffee table that has a metallic construction and a simple glass tabletop will instantly make your room look more stylish and modern. You can even take things a step further and add a mirror tabletop which will open the space up. An exposed brick wall, for instance, can serve as a great focal point and even a statement piece in a contemporary setting. Just make sure that the color of the brick matches the color scheme you already have going on. Finally, carefully chosen and well-placed greenery will make all the difference. When choosing, however, avoid going for anything that looks too lavish and overpowering. Instead, choose plants such as succulents, orchids and bamboo.
If you decide to introduce a contemporary design in your home, you don’t necessarily have to settle for a sterile-looking bland environment that will have no personality or charm. Instead, use this minimalist design to fully accentuate your own likes and preferences and give it that little twist that is unique for you.
