Monday, 8 June 2009

Ideas For A Relaxing And Cozy Contemporary Home Decor

By Janet Fino

The hallmarks of the contemporary aesthetic are the use of neutral tones and clean, sleek lines paired with little to no excess details. This doesn't, however, mean that you have to deck your room out with all the sterility of a hospital. Going overboard with the contemporary look almost always ends up with a room that looks and feels cold and aloof. With enough variety and a few homey touches, you should be able to achieve a space that looks modern and feels comfortable enough to live in.

Make color your first factor to consider. The palette for the contemporary aesthetic is made up of neutrals, which means you'll work with blacks, whites, creams and beiges. But don't stop there, else the room will have all the appeal of a blank sheet of paper. Because your room's primary colors are neutral, you can be bolder with the color choices for the rest of the room. A distinctive accessory or an area rug in some deep color will really stand out in a neutral room. At the same time, don't be too bold; going for the contemporary look is all about maintaining balance.

Don't just focus on one kind of material for furnishing your home so that your place won't look too sterile. Choose a primary material then accent it with another. For instance, make your space stand out by using both metal accessories and glass furnishings.

Moreover, contemporary is not all glass and metal or steel and nickel. Hardwood can also be used for this theme, as long as you choose the more modern looking type of wood, such as cherry and mahogany. Marble is an all too common floor material for a contemporary design, so for a twist, opt for wood flooring. If not, you can still infuse wood accessories for an unlikely contemporary-styled home, as in the case of wood frames, jars and other containers, or some big furniture.

Colors and materials can only do much for giving warmth to your place. For maximum effects, maximize texture. Contemporary design has a sleek and clean look to it. Hence, with the use of fabrics, you can give your place a cozy look. The beddings, drapes, coverings and cushions can all have an impact to how your contemporary house becomes a more relaxing home.

A contemporary design is usually lighted by a bright, overhead or ceiling lighting. This leaves little warmth to make a room look intimate. To achieve this look, make use of lamps and recessed lights. These will bring a soft glow to the room as well as add a decorative element to make the space more stylish.

Finally, area rugs can seal the deal of a contemporary yet inviting abode. A good piece of area rug can bring all the decorative elements in the room together creating a space that looks well balanced and impressively decorated. The color and texture of the rug will make the room livelier from an otherwise neutral motif and the sleek look from the modern furnishings. The soft and lush textures of the rug will also give a comfortable and snug factor to the space making it more homely. Lastly, the addition of area rugs will make the place a real knockout, especially if you make use of pieces that have attractive designs or patterns.

There's no 'right' way to put the six elements above in a room to create a contemporary look. It's all a matter of keeping lines clean, all your visual elements balanced and the atmosphere sophisticated. At the same time, you shouldn't be giving up comfort and livability just to make the room look good. Even when going for that picture perfect room, always remember that you are decorating for your comfort and pleasure and for yours alone.

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