| Most people think of Contemporary style as being | | | | depending on the other colors you anticipate using. |
| cold and harsh, or industrial and unfriendly. In reality, | | | | Contemporary style's neutral colors are sparked by |
| Contemporary style centers on clean, uncluttered | | | | bright accent colors such as deep, brick red or vivid |
| lines and a minimalist approach to furniture and | | | | yellow. Depending on your aesthetic, you could also |
| accessories, but it is much more warm and intriguing | | | | opt for an emerald green or a marine blue as your |
| than most people think. | | | | accent color. Whatever you choose as your accent, |
| The first step in contemporary styling is to great rid | | | | remember to keep it as exactly that - an accent. |
| of the clutter. It's great to honor Grandma and | | | | Keep in mind, however, that paint is one of the least |
| Great-Auntie by displaying their treasured possessions | | | | expensive ways to brighten up the decor of your |
| but unless they are around to notice, pack away | | | | home, whatever the style. |
| such collectibles. Better style, loan them to your local | | | | Open space is also key to a Contemporary look. Aim |
| heritage museum, where they can be admired by | | | | for easy flow of traffic when arranging the furniture. |
| many. Plus, you'll get a nice little note identifying your | | | | Take out that space-hogging coffee table and |
| knick-knack, "on loan from the collection of ...." | | | | anything else that impedes movement. Place furniture |
| That's the thing about Contemporary style - it's very | | | | that is functional but highlight inviting, such as a |
| much about living in the experience of "now". In order | | | | sectional done in a low-maintenance fabric. |
| to do that, say Contemporary designers, it's essential | | | | Next choose some focal points for your decor. For |
| to trim anything that gets in the way, and to use the | | | | instance, group your living room or dining room |
| minimum of objects and furnishings so as to cut | | | | furniture on a striking area rug. Given the |
| down on the drudgery of housework. | | | | Contemporary design, you'll want to avoid the |
| Next determine your lifestyle and define the | | | | complex patterns of Persian and Oriental rugs. |
| aesthetic that goes with it. Whether you work from | | | | Instead consider a strong Tibetan rug, which typically |
| home, like the quiet, bookish life or love to entertain | | | | has a minimal, Zen-like pattern but some fascinating |
| friends and family, a Contemporary decor requires | | | | textures. Or try a Navajo rug with a vivid pattern in |
| you to pare your home decorating down to the | | | | your accent colors. Another option is a Transitional |
| barest essentials. Perhaps you want to have your | | | | rug, a style that's considered contemporary among |
| living room, dining room and kitchen in Contemporary | | | | rug makers. Depending on your finances, you could |
| style, but you want or need a study or den to | | | | even consider having a large area rug made |
| contain your home office, professional and personal | | | | specifically to complement your own style. |
| mementoes, etc. You have options. | | | | Finally, add a large painting to one wall, or place a |
| Contemporary color schemes center on neutral | | | | striking art object on a plinth. Install functional track |
| shades of white, cream, tan and black. When | | | | lighting to highlight the artwork. Be sure to put the |
| choosing a wall color, pick something that will serve | | | | lights on dimmer switches to set a mood, such as |
| as the basis for all your decorating. Remember that | | | | romantic or convivial. If you need a lamp or two, be |
| lighter shades open up a room, which can be a big | | | | sure they're made of metal and have clean, |
| plus in a small space. Darker shades make a room | | | | uncluttered designs. |
| cozier, but don't go so dark that it feels like a | | | | Simple but striking, Contemporary decor never goes |
| dungeon. Consider a warm shade of white, such as | | | | out of style. |
| ivory, for the walls, or perhaps a neutral pale tan, | | | | |