Contemporary Design Elements
What distinguishes contemporary design from other styles of décor? Modern home design balances style with economy, forgoing heavily carved furniture with ornate embellishments and patterned upholstery for elegantly understated simplicity. A contemporary home is sleek and striking, yet functional and comfortable. The elements involved turn the concept of “less is more” into artistry, in a way that’s simple without being simplistic.
- It all begins with geometry. Modern furniture can feature simple, straight lines, with sharp definite corners, or fluid, asymmetrical lines with rounded corners. The idea is to use geometry to create works of art, beautiful and elegant in their simplicity. The furniture in a modern home should feel light and airy, not over-stuffed or bulky. While beautiful, the pieces should not distract from the feeling of comfort and cleanliness essential to a modern home.
- Contemporary design does not accept clutter. Clear surfaces offer clean sightlines, which are essential in modern décor. Surfaces should be mostly bare, with only carefully selected items displayed, and even those items used sparingly. Things like kitchen tools and electrical wires should be stored out of sight, and window treatments should be minimal.
- Function is foremost. Rather than letting the embellishments define the furniture, modern designers focus on simplicity, utility, and comfort. When choosing modern furniture, choose it for its usefulness, not as decoration. One benefit to the simplicity of modern decorating is that the lack of ornate, expensive furnishings makes it perfect for those on a budget.
- Modern art makes a good focal point in a modern home. With furniture in clean, simple lines, and decorative aspects kept to a minimum, contemporary design lends itself to modern art. Whether elegant or eye-catching, there are stunning abstract pieces that work beautifully in a contemporary home, creating a point of focus that makes a statement without distracting from the home’s overall design.
- Color is as uncluttered as the furniture. Modern furniture differs from traditional upholstered pieces because it uses colors sparingly. Whether you prefer bold, bright, primary colors or elegant metallic, blacks, and whites, you can create a contemporary look by going tone on tone, playing brights against neutrals, or choosing one featured color.
When you’re ready to move to modern décor, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Möbler Furniture. Since 1993, Möbler Furniture has served customers in the Edmonton area, providing exceptional quality and service, and featuring modern design that fits the contemporary lifestyle. Our furniture collections come from designers around the world, and our knowledgeable staff can help you make the right design decision for your home, in keeping with your lifestyle, aesthetic sensibilities, and budget. Call us at 604.270.3535 to learn more, or contact us through our website.
