Recently, we've looked back into the past at rustic, industrial and modern styles for home interior inspiration, but now it's time to come right back to the present, to see how you can introduce contemporary living to your home.
Today's contemporary style is all about keeping things simple and uncluttered. Soft yet defined shapes and clean lines are the hallmark of a contemporary living space. Whilst this may all sound a little cold and bare for your tastes, there some quick and easy ways to soften up your decor through the use of more natural elements. Natural fibres, stone and light wood finishes can all help turn what could be a sparse and unwelcoming space, into something that feels warm, inviting, and bang on trend.
Another key aspect of the contemporary home is light. If you have an open plan design in your living area, you will find it easier to make use of both natural and artificial light to its fullest extent. However, not all of us have this luxury, so make sure there is plenty of white space in your room to keep things sleek and bright.
Scandinavian influence
One of the major influences on contemporary style in recent times has been the popularity of Scandinavian designs. The "Scandi style", as it has become known, was borne out of a need for comfortable functionality. Well, what would you expect from a region where most of the year is spent indoors in the warmth?
The Scandi style is a typically designed to be more cosy than a straight contemporary living room, with a refined rustic feel to it. By combining natural elements, such as light woods and plush fabrics, you can really create a living area that is a joy to spend time in. Throw in some iconic Scandi style furniture pieces for a touch of added character to your design.
Minimalist
The minimalist look is yet another trend that has heavily influenced contemporary style over the years. Designed specifically to create a feeling of calm and tranquillity in your home, it's the perfect antidote to the hectic lives we lead.
Based around simple, uncluttered spaces, and coupled with bold, angular furniture in geometric shapes, the minimalist look is perfect for smaller rooms as it helps to create the illusion of space.
As you won't be adding much in the way of living furniture, statement pieces are a must! Furniture should be straight and geometric in shape, rather than rounded. Take this mix and match chest of drawers for example.
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Made from sustainable wood, the Weston natural 12 drawer chest is a real statement piece for your home
A quiet monochrome and neutral palette plays up to this style perfectly. It isn't overbearing or domineering, but will help to create an oasis of calm.
Contemporary colours
The 3 main colours for contemporary style are white, grey and blue. Whites or white washes help to create reflective surfaces that light can bounce off. Softer greys should be used, with some darker greys for statement. Stone neutrals or statement marbles can also work well.
Don't go overboard with your accent colours. Use blue denim tones and indigo shades to bring a touch of character to proceedings. You could also try some muted yet rich tones as accent colours, such as coppers, gold and pastels.
When introducing wood to your decor, go for warmer finishes. Bleached woods, teak, oak or warm walnut all work well with this style. A simple greywash wood occasional table, for example, can be used for a whole variety of purposes.
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Made from sustainable teak, this occasional table from our Eli range, will add a natural element to your decor
Contemporary accessories
With contemporary style, less is more. It may be a bit of an old cliché, but it genuinely pays to style your room simply and keep it uncluttered. OK, we understand this might sound a little boring, so why not add in some textures to mix it up a bit and add more depth to your room? Handcrafted elements such as baskets, knitted blankets and rugs are very much on-trend.
Bold patterned cushions and rugs can help to break up the simplicity a little, for a statement style, whilst sheer curtains, blinds or fabric curtains make ideal window coverings.
Keep wall art or illustrations simple, add plants for a more natural look and feel and hang mirrors to help bounce light around your room.
Like this style? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below, or browse our contemporary living furniture.
