The word “contemporary” literally means “of the moment”, which makes contemporary design ever-changing and hard to define. This interior design style borrows from others, mainly from modern, traditional, art deco, and futuristic design. Right at this point, you might be thinking on giving up on this complicated style of interior design, but even though it might sound a bit hard to incorporate it into your San Diego home, it really doesn’t require that much fuss. Here are a few style tricks that will help you master contemporary design.
Neutral Colors
Black, white, and other neutrals usually make up the color palette of contemporary spaces. White is often used as the main color, while black helps ground and define the room. In order to break the monotony, bright and bold colors can be employed to give neutrals some character. And since you have a neutral backdrop provided by white, gray, or beige walls, bold accessories will pop.
Strong Lines
One of the most distinctive elements of contemporary design is strong lines. No matter if horizontal, vertical, or curved, lines are almost always very visible in a contemporary home. If you want to incorporate these lines into your space, think architectural details, bold color blocking, bare windows, and strong, geometric shapes in sculpture and paintings.
Bold, Yet Simple Furniture
Furniture pieces also feature strong and clean lines and are usually very fuss-free, without carvings and ornamentation. Silhouettes are simple and slim, but not dainty. Additionally, certain focal pieces like the famous egg chair can be employed in order to add visual interest to the space. These chairs have all the elements of a contemporary style with their bold, sculptural look, yet still have an elegant simplicity. Natural fabrics such as wool, linen, and cotton are the best solutions for furniture, thanks to their textural aspect. Other materials like light-colored wood (maple and birch), stainless steel, chrome, and glass also often find their spot in contemporary homes.
Bare Flooring
Floors in contemporary settings are often left bare and smooth. If carpets must be used for warmth or noise control, commercial grade models are the safest solution. Color and texture can be added to floors with plain or geometric area rugs.
Art and Lighting
Art has a special place in every contemporary space. However, it’s best to use black (high-gloss or matte) frames or frames with metal finishes. If you love to have a space full of art pieces, hang them close together so they give out the feeling of one large and coherent piece. Otherwise, the vibe can become too cluttered—empty space is just as important as the items you put into it. In order to draw the eye towards art, you can use spotlights or lights directed towards your paintings or sculptures.
Dramatic Greenery
Greenery is more than welcome in any space, contemporary or not. However, if you want to achieve a contemporary vibe, opt for dramatic and large plants placed in simple containers. Think large blooms, colorful leaves, and interesting or sculptural plants. If you have enough space, an upward-focused light placed at the base of your plant will give your greenery a more dramatic look.
What to Avoid?
Fussy prints can be gorgeous, but they clash with the simple and plain vibe of a contemporary style. However, feel free to choose two-toned prints like zebra or leopard pillows on a neutral chair. You can also opt for a bold and textured rug that will anchor your monochromatic and elegant furniture. All in all, you should be aiming for a clean and concise look.
One of the defining aspects of contemporary design is that it’s a medley of various other styles from the past 100 years. But, what it did is it took all the best elements of those styles and created another, completely new style that has the potential to stand the test of time. So, if you want to create a space that will look timeless, elegant, and modern, keep these contemporary look tips in mind and try to recreate it in your San Diego home.
