Contemporary Design Tips to Update Your Home

Redecorating your home in a contemporary style can completely change the feel, as well as the look, of the space. Many people see contemporary design in the home as being cold or unnatural, when actually it is anything but. This incredibly popular form of interior design is all about decluttering, emphasising space and bringing in natural textures, which work to create a calm, open living space. A contemporary room is full of light, natural elements and well-considered pieces that all have a purpose. Sound good? Then here are a few tips for updating your home using the principles of contemporary design.

Less is More

Say ‘contemporary design’ to many people and they’ll picture an almost empty space, possibly with one sofa and a coffee table. Or maybe, a TV mounted right on top of a fireplace which, if you ask those who provide TV and aerial installations in London, is pretty common. While this isn’t the reality of contemporary home design at all, the idea of decluttering and creating more space is right on the money. In a contemporary home, the areas of space are just as important as the areas where objects are. Often, space is highlighted using lighting, to emphasise the neat, calming vibe of the room.

To transform your home into a contemporary paradise, the chances are you’ll need to do a lot of decluttering. Most of our homes are packed full of objects that we really don’t need, and we have a tendency to put most of our things on display. Of course, you may need to get rid of many of the objects, ornaments or pieces of furniture in your home that doesn’t actually serve any purpose other than to fill up space, or at least put them in storage. While this might be a difficult task, it’s the first big step towards creating a truly contemporary space in your home. Finding clever storage solutions is also a great way to declutter without giving away all your possessions, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

Draw the Line

Another well-known aspect of contemporary design is a preference for straight lines and geometric shapes, which can be applied to furniture, light fittings, ornaments and even fabrics. The clean, sleek lines emphasise the uncluttered nature of the space and allow the eye to take in everything in a room in one quick glance. Minimalism is often associated with contemporary home design, and this is often why. The minimalist concept of creating simple shapes and well-defined areas of space is essential to giving your home a contemporary feel.

You can apply this idea to your own space by considering what the dominant shapes are in each room, and working to make them more defined. Try to emphasise simple lines that are not interrupted by ornaments, curtains or frills. If you’re looking to invest in some contemporary furniture, choose simple pieces with well-defined shapes, and apply this to any artwork or fabrics you choose as well.

Natural Elements

An often overlooked aspect of contemporary design is the importance of bringing in natural elements to give texture to the overall feel of a room. This can be incorporated through furniture by choosing pieces with exposed wood or stone elements, or by adding small touches such as natural rocks as ornaments. Also, large plants and indoor trees bring a fresh biophilic feel to the overall atmosphere, which is why many designers choose to incorporate them. Many contemporary homes also include natural elements in their structure, by exposing brickwork or beams, and by adding large windows that encourage light to come into the space. Contemporary design has a huge focus on light, which you can bring into your home using exterior bifolding doors, large skylights, or well-placed spotlights. These will create an incredibly bright space that feels fresh, spacious and natural.

Textures, Not Colours

While contemporary design is known for its lack of colour, it isn’t the case that you need to banish bright colours from your home altogether. Instead, you can find a balance between neutral shades and colourful tones, adding flashes of colour carefully to make sure the space retains its calm, spacious feel. If you want to use colour on your walls, make sure your furniture is neutral, and if you prefer a colourful sofa or accessories, choose neutrals for the rest of the space. In a contemporary home, colour should be used sparingly, but not in a way that feels restrained or dull. By thoughtfully choosing your colours, you can make sure that your home is both welcoming and spacious.

One area that you really can experiment with is texture, as contemporary designers love to layer different textures and create interest by using different fabrics. The natural textures of silk, wool, leather and cotton can all be combined in your home to create a subtle but incredibly interesting design. Leather chairs with cotton cushions, or wool carpets on wooden floors create a layered feel that seems luxurious and authentic.

Go Big and Go Home

When it comes to choosing ornaments or plants, contemporary designers opt for one large piece instead of several small ones. This is a simple way to add a contemporary feel to your home, as it draws the eye to one single object and also highlights the space around it. Contemporary spaces often feel dramatic in their choice of shapes and sizes, and this can easily apply to the few ornaments that you choose for a room. Don’t be afraid to go for a statement piece that will be the centre of attention, as long as it doesn’t take up too much space!

*This is a collaborative post.