Hello my minimalist friends, welcome to contemporary style where space, natural light and clean lines shine. If you are like me and fairly OCD, here we can thrive in a style where everything has a place and we do not waste.
Contemporary is often confused with it’s more serious and stricter sibling, modern style. Contemporary is in the now while modern looks back to the machine era for inspiration.
Want your home to reflect the expansive, smooth and formidable style that is contemporary? Let us dive in:
Tip#1: Tap That Axis: Lines, lines and more lines. Contemporary style centers around straight horizontal and vertical axes (yes, this is axis in plural, weird right) and references clean lines, planes, 90-degree angles and geometry. Time to get your math on peeps! Also, do not fear curves. Bring in circular shapes to add depth through lighting and decor.
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Tip#2: I Woke Up Like Dis Materials: No frills or pomp here, materials should be au natural. Wood should look like wood in its most basic form. Leave the crown molding and ornate cabinetry carvings at the door. Surfaces should be smooth and basic. Materials should reflect their most authentic form without ornament.
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Tip#3: Open Spaces: Contemporary style focuses on making spaces feel expansive, light and airy. Now don’t go too crazy, we are not trying to evoke the sense of unending emptiness either. Be sure to fill your space with large scale furniture and appropriately placed, even over-sized decor. Going contemporary in style requires synonymous contemporary architecture but allows for creativity in design and layouts.
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Tip#4: Natty Light: No college friends, I mean natural light. “Light, light, light, in the light” says Led Zeppelin and so does contemporary style. Use light to emphasize openness. Windows should not be bogged down with fabrics, but large and in focus. Make sure your furniture layouts center around high-scale windows and maximize light.
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Tip#5: On Sleek: “Shine on you crazy diamond” (I’m feeling the classics today). Contemporary style welcomes high gloss and polished surfaces. Chrome, nickel, steel, lacquer, glass, acrylic, plastic and tile fit right in. But don’t go too crazy diamond, make sure to mix in matte finishes and unpolished surfaces to add depth. We don’t want heads to explode from the shiny glare.
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Tip #6: Minimal Decor and Functional Furnishings: Everything has a place and should be tucked securely away and hiding. Contemporary style nods to a minimalist aesthetic. What furnishings do appear should be functional and serve a purpose. Decor should be sparse but add depth, some color and texture. Choose wisely and remember you will not see many curtains, slipcovers, skirts or rugs here.
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Tip#7: A Mostly Muted Palette: Contemporary style is all about emphasizing space. Color should not be too overpowering so shapes take center stage. Cream, white, tan, beige, gray and black are all good ones for a monochromatic scheme. Color is welcome, but should be subtle or soft and carefully chosen as only one or two accent colors will do.
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Tip#8: Gallery Style: Let’s be honest, contemporary spaces tend to resemble art museums and galleries anyway. Jazz it up with large-scale art pieces but make sure it feels balances with the few chosen accessories you have in a space.
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Exterior style: Perhaps the most visually dynamic and intriguing are contemporary exteriors, check it out:
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