The Basics of Contemporary Design

Contemporary design is popular today as was Victorian style design during the 1800s and the early 1900s. It can be difficult to differentiate between modern design and contemporary design, so understanding the basics of the contemporary style is important if you plan to decorate your home in this style.

Color Palettes for a Contemporary Home

In other design styles, color can be flashy or bright; but when it comes to the contemporary style, it's important to focus on muted, cool color palettes. Generally, the contemporary home features colors such as creams, mauves, browns and whites.

Of course, one of the many appeals of the contemporary style is that it can easily be combined with other styles. So, placing a deep chocolate accent wall in a living room won't look out-of-place.

Textures for a Contemporary Styled Home

When it comes to the contemporary home, in terms of texture, everything is clean. Polished, shiny fixtures are a common sight; however you can also used brushed or matted finishes as well.

For example, in the kitchen you may find a faucet similar to this Kohler K-10445 faucet (from Kohler's Forte Collection.) It comes in a polished chrome finish, making it an ideal example of what to look for in terms of contemporary design.

Choosing Contemporary Styled Furniture

Contemporary furniture should feature clean lines and be free of any ornate details such as carvings into the woodwork. However, curved lines can be well fitting into a contemporary styled home. For example, the slight curves on the sides of this nightstand are perfectly acceptable for the contemporary style.

However, if you're looking for something a bit more strict to the contemporary style, look for furniture similar in design to this 5 drawer dresser. The clean lines are present on every aspect, including the drawer pulls.

Understanding Contemporary Wall Art

Contemporary wall art does not have to be bland and boring. In fact, many who decorate their home in this style choose to highlight or accent their home using another style of art, helping to make their home really "pop."

So, if you're looking for wall art, don't feel obligated to stick only in the contemporary department. You can successfully incorporate modern art, vintage art or any other style if you so choose.

For example, consider using large metal wall sculptures rather than bland paintings. Something like these three golden flowers are ideal as they don't detract from the contemporary style, but still make a statement without being overpowering.

In the end, whatever you decide upon, the way you design your contemporary home should be a reflection of you rather than the sometimes-restricting guidelines of contemporary style.