Contemporary Style

I choose the contemporary style for my project because it’s favored by most people for it’s practicality and comfort, beside that it’s been thought that contemporary interiors are cold and minimalist, I wanted to show through my design that today’s contemporary interiors are not restricted to minimalism only, it involves modernism, personal taste and today’s fashion. Today’s contemporary style interiors are comfortable and welcoming with more color and texture.

About Contemporary Style:

Contemporary style is today’s style; it’s hospitable and comfortable with its essential elements. It is appropriate for stores, offices, lofts and homes. Contemporary style focus on simplicity, subtle sophistication, color, texture, clean line, space, and shape, which makes contemporary interiors sleek and fresh. As an interior designer to achieve the look of a successful contemporary style interior you have to stick to some basic rules in your design, like color, line, space, furniture, floors, lighting and other design elements.

Colors

• The main colors in contemporary interiors neutrals, black and white.
• The palette is often stroked up and accented with bright and bold colors.
  With walls painted in a basic neutral, you will have a wonderful backdrop for bold colored accessories.
• If the walls and windows are painted in pastels, the trims should be neutral.
• If a wall is a bright, bold color, neutrals should be used everywhere else.
• Use furniture and accessories to make a bold statement. Use a basic background and shout out with your favorite color on a piece that will stand out.

Line and Space

• The most obvious and distinctive element of a contemporary interior design is line.
• In the details of the space, use bold color blocks, high ceilings, bare windows, and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture.
• The exposed space, on walls, between pieces of furniture, and above in upper areas, becomes as important as the areas filled with objects.
• In contemporary interiors each piece stands out as individual and unique.
• Take advantage of structural elements. Like air ducts may hang from a ceiling, exposed plumbing pipes, and broken bricks which provide texture. To attract attention to these structural details, paint them in bold contrasting colors, or to diminish their importance, blend them with the walls.

Furniture

• Smooth, clean, and geometric
• Contemporary furniture mostly upholstered with black, white, neutral tones in textured natural fibers, or bold fabric. Metal-finish and bright-colored furniture can fit the look of contemporary style as well.
• Leather is used more often
• Fabrics often have a natural look (wool, cotton, linen, silk, jute)
• Sofas, chairs, and ottomans have exposed legs.
• Chairs usually have no skirt, trim, fringe, or tassels.
• Colored and textured pillows in clean geometric shapes.

Floors

• Floors should be exposed and smooth in wood, tile, or vinyl. If you want to use carpet for sound control or warmth, choose commercial grades. You can add color and texture with plain or geometric-patterned area rugs.

Lighting

• Lighting is an important element in contemporary space.
• Each light fixture could be a work of art itself with sculptural details and clean lines.
• Color and metallic elements could be added on light fixtures.
• Should be selected to focus on specific piece.
• To draw attention to wall art, use spotlights or lighting directed at a painting, poster, or print.
• Track lighting and recessed lighting help to wash a wall in light.

Keep In Mind

• Texture and color combine for comfort and style.
• You can use metal, stone, and opaque or clear glass within the interior space
• To warm up the space, add heavily textured fabrics in plain colors for window treatments, pillows, or rugs.
• Blinds, shutters, or shades, are often preferred to curtains.
• Frames for artwork can be in high-gloss or matte black, natural wood, or in metallic finish.
  
  
  Reference: http://interiordec.about.com/od/contemporarystyle/Contemporary_Style.htm