In my recent project, I assembled an eclectic collection of furniture, which is neatly placed in a symmetrical living area layout. In this aesthetic, casual contemporary embraces stylish comfort. The arrangement of this living space makes it a great place for bringing people together and fostering conversation.
Contemporary style is, by definition, what is being created and produced right this minute. It combines elements from a variety of styles and eras. I love clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details with my contemporary designs, however, that doesn’t mean I will make your home feel cold. Instead, I complete with a blend of comfortable, livable essentials that create a sophisticated, current look.
Spaciousness is key in a contemporary space. Visual integrity is vital and we often see kitchen merging with dining merging with living. In addition to an open floor plan, large windows provide plenty of natural light, bringing the outdoors in. The effect is all together airy and at ease.
My clients were are all about showcasing individuality and personal style. Thus, we selected unique forms to take center stage in their contemporary space. We balanced several natural materials and natural finishes, using wood, metal and other industrial-inspired materials to provide an aesthetic balance. Here are a few of the key choices we incorporated:
Color
Contemporary design is typically offset by neutral colors of brown, taupe, cream or pure white. Decorating with pale gray is the latest urban trend, and one of my favorites.
Metal Accents
Metals like stainless steel, nickel and chrome are very popular in contemporary design, providing a sleek finish. Side tables with geometric designs, collections of mirrors and reflective interest, and floor lamps with metal frames worked perfectly.
Texture
If you want to add texture and depth to create a more inviting settings, look to rugs, wallpaper and furniture upholstery, as we did throughout our entire space.
Wood
When it comes to choosing wood surfaces, contemporary designs usually feature very light or very dark tones. We went completely custom with each piece for this project; bamboo wall treatment surrounding the fireplace, live-edge cedar for the dining table and beautifully stained alder for the one-of-a-kind kitchen table and bench.
