Contemporary Design Ideas: Simplicity and Comfort for Your Home

Looking for a sophisticated and comfortable design style? Despite what one may think of the concept, it is in fact pretty common in many new homes today. For the most part, contemporary designs are spacious and clean with an interior sense of open space. Not sure if this is the style you are looking for? Here are some general elements of the Contemporary design style:

Palette: With the Contemporary style, the colors are often neutral, black or white. The walls are painted in the neutral color, which allow for bold wall art or furniture to decorate the room. The key to painting a room is if the walls are painted in a color, the trim needs to be neutral. The same idea goes for the furniture color, meaning that if the walls are bold, neutrals should be located throughout the interior.

Layout: The idea of a Contemporary style is the use of lines or architecture. Blocks and other geometric shapes are used as a design element, along with the concept of open space. In this design style, less is more so that each unique piece of furniture or art stands out. Flooring is usually a hard wood floor or tile, but if you prefer carpet, a neutral color can be an alternative. Modern fixtures can be used in the bathroom and kitchen, since it can add value to your home.

Décor: When choosing furniture for your room, look for items that are clean cut and smooth. It may be an idea to use bold colors in a neutral room, so that things don't get too boring. The idea is to keep things uncluttered and straight, without adding extra decoration such as heavy curtains or bulky bedding. Candles are a great addition to any home, as well as lamps that complement the design style. The use of print in textiles should be kept to a minimum, unless it is consistent with the décor of the home. There should not be any floral prints, since the style is more structural. The use of an area rug can bring in warmth to a bare floor, and would especially look good with a geometric pattern.

Finding places to shop for this style can be easy. Stores like Pier 1 or IKEA have many design concepts that would work in a Contemporary space. IKEA especially is known for its more modern take on interior design, and always providing a clean and simple solution for any room. Target stores are also incorporating this design style into its merchandise, with items from the Contemporary Home Collection. So whether you use a more art gallery approach to your interior design, or just a clean and comfortable living space, this design style can be used in many different ways.