Add contemporary style to your home

By Pocyline Karani

Contemporary has become the buzzword, not only in the confines of the decorating industry but in every aspect of lifestyle that denotes modern. Do not be dismayed next time you go shopping to find contemporary embroidery and contemporary crocheting.

Contemporary home decorating style is a sleek and stylish way to add fun to your home. The design uses beige tones (if not pure white) from the roof down the wall to the floor with just a stint of silver grey or black.

Decorating in contemporary style is not for the faint hearted but for those who like to keep in step with current styles and enjoy modern trends. Often seen as cold and lacking in personality, contemporary designs embrace the concepts of minimalists by enhancing lack of clutter. A welcoming warm feel may be achieved if the space is not dark. This style is appropriate for homes, offices and stores because it tends to adopt a quiet kind of feel.

If determined to explore and achieve the look of a contemporary home, you must put into consideration some of the basic rules of simplicity and subtle sophistication. Texture and clean lines also help to define contemporary style. Interiors are often intended to showcase space rather than the items in the house. Thus, by paying attention to space, shape and colour, you are definitely destined to achieve that contemporary sleek and fresh look.

Here are more tips to help you create a sophisticated modern design.

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Colour selection

For a contemporary design, go for smooth, clean, geometric-shaped furniture pieces. Photos:Martin Mukangu, Courtesy, Encanto Furniture

Line and space are critical elements in contemporary design, with lines playing a determinant role since it is found in architectural details. Line is also found in high ceilings and bare windows, between pieces of furniture and in upper areas. These lines become important in areas filled with objects. Remember, however, that less is more and each piece should stand out as individual and unique.

Utilise structural elements such as broken bricks to achieve the element of texture and stability. If you are building your house from scratch, let the plumber expose the piping system as this is perfectly acceptable. Paint these structural details in bold contrasting colours to draw the eye. Alternatively you can diminish their importance by blending them with the wall.

Furniture

Fortunately, furniture shops are awash with new contemporary furniture that should suit your interior setting. Nonetheless, go for smooth, clean, geometric-shaped furniture pieces. Upholstered furniture often wears black, white or other neutral tones in textured natural fibres. Cover them in a neutral, black or bold fabric. Fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, silk and jute often have a natural look and add textural appeal. When shopping for furniture, let simplicity guide you. Avoid curves or decorations in sofas, chairs and ottomans, which have exposed legs. Beds and chairs should have no skirt, trim, fringe or tassels.

Contemporary design

• Floors should be bare and smooth in wood, tile or vinyl. If you have to use carpet for sound control and warmth, choose modern carpets that are area geometric patterned rugs.

• For a shot of colour and texture, incorporate pillows in clean geometric shapes.

• Use furniture and accessories to make a bold statement in contemporary style interior. Use a basic background and shout with your favourite colour on a piece that will stand out.

• Avoid floral prints or fringe curves.