Decorating in a Contemporary Style

One of the great pleasures - and hazards - of decorating in a contemporary style is that there are few rules to guide you. This freedom can be invigorating or disastrous. You'd do well to begin by acquainting yourself with the basic elements of contemporary design. The Elements of Modern Design No two homes decorated in a contemporary style will look exactly alike, but each will exhibit a mix of these elements: an incorporation of empty space that yields an airy, uncluttered appearance simple, clean lines and an architectural appreciation for texture and form sculptured lamps and track or recess lighting fixtures that disperse ambient light large, iconic accessories and artworks rather than small, cute, or frenetic pieces an ability to inject bright, fresh colors into a simple base of black and neutrals an overall effect that is bold, clean, fresh, artistic, and washed in light

Furniture in a Contemporary Style
When decorating in a contemporary style, choose furniture for its line, material, and texture. Modern furniture features clean, smooth lines. Materials such as glass, metal, leather, and wood fit nicely into a contemporary color scheme and add visual substance that keeps a room from becoming too sleek or cold.

The use of glass in coffee tables and storage pieces accentuates the contemporary style's open and visual appeal. Select monochrome accessories or striped pillows that will draw attention to the primacy of lines. Forego bulky furnishings and emphasize subtlety. A low bed with a trim, modern headboard is better than the ornamentation of a sleigh bed.

Furniture in a contemporary style should set the foundation for a room. Use artwork and accessories to keep the look fresh with dashes of bold color. Paintings and rugs with geometric patterns will keep eyes moving through a room, enjoying the thoroughly modern pleasures that contemporary design offers.