Contemporary & Comfortable: You Can Have it All

Contemporary & Comfortable: You Can Have it All

If you prefer simplistic and sleek spaces, the contemporary route may be your best choice for creating your ideal home. With designs that are current and comfortable, your decor should adhere to the rules of simplicity, sophistication and clean lines.

By taking note of the following design tips, you can create a fresh and welcoming space that exudes contemporary style that’s all your own.

Simplification is Key

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The first step in creating a contemporary space that suggests comfort is to simplify. Create clutter-free spaces by getting rid of items you don’t need. You should also invest in shelving and furniture that converts into storage space. Eliminate objects in your home that serve no functional purpose. This will give you a clean palette to work with as you add contemporary elements.

Emphasize Lighting

Contemporary design places emphasis on letting natural light flow through a space. It gives a room a more inviting feel. Avoid filling your space with dark colors and opt for a more light and airy ambiance. Softer colors such as yellows, whites and greys work well in a contemporary space. If you want to incorporate color, do so by adding colorful accessories. Use sheer or light window treatments to allow the light to seep into the room.

Add Warmth with Accessories

Decorating with accessories is the perfect way to keep your space from feeling cold. Pick out colors that complement the signature pieces you have selected. Choose items such as house plants or candles to add warmth without making your home feel cluttered. Keep small added touches simple yet impactful to contribute to a cohesive look. Simple wall accessories work well to allow rooms to naturally lead to one another while defining separate spaces.

Simple Geometric Forms

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As you shop for furniture to decorate your place, implement pieces with simple, geometric forms. You don’t want overly stuffed furniture that detracts from a sleek look. Place emphasis on clean and smooth lines to create a striking look. Metals like stainless steel, nickel, and chrome provide a clean, finished look to contemporary spaces. If you want to incorporate wood surfaces into your home, use light or very dark tones to create a unique look. When choosing furniture, choose pieces with a glossy finish. Chrome and steel are often staples in contemporary homes.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Adding natural materials such as woods, leathers, and marble creates a clean space. Mixing soft forms with harder elements can add warmth to your space. For example to avoid the harsh look of straight lines and edges, use softer pillows or fur throws to create comfort and balance. Add a rug to create a new focal point that softens the space. Repeat materials throughout the home to create a cohesive space. Just make sure you avoid excess clutter.

Have Open Spaces

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 Layout furniture and decor in a way to make it seem less cluttered or overcrowded. Make sure you balance pieces throughout the room so the room feels finished. Large scale pieces and accents work well in open spaces. They add intrigue while leaving enough open space. Incorporate lighting fixtures that highlight the key pieces in the room.

 Overscale Artwork

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 Large works of art function well in contemporary spaces given the lack of other pieces for adornment. Blanks walls are the perfect palette for focal points. Canvases should be framed cleanly. Black and white enlarged photographs or simple sculptures work well in contemporary settings. Make sure the piece of art isn’t competing with any other main focal point in the room. If this is the case, eliminate one piece to avoid detracting from the overall look.

Neutral Colors

While you may think neutral colors lack character, they can actually contribute to the coziness of the space. Incorporate neutral tones such as tans, and creams. You can then add blacks and greys as secondary colors. Let a piece of artwork or item of furniture add a pop of bold color to the space. Neutral colors give you the freedom to pick accessories in a variety of colors.