Have you dreamed about creating a cosy, inviting design in your home but are overwhelmed with so many design styles out there? It can be tricky, right? I remember having these thoughts when I first purchased my home and that’s when I landed on contemporary design.

Unlike a lot of styles, contemporary design doesn't refer to a specific period of time, it's constantly evolving to reflect the popular styles of the present day. Essentially as a mash up of many, it borrows qualities from modernism, minimalism, Art Deco, and other global styles, without honing in on any one style in particular…..why limit yourself to one when you can have many!

Contemporary Design Characteristics

Although contemporary design is, by nature, fairly ambiguous, there are a few characteristics that help define it. Why not play around with these quick tips in your home to create that magic?

• Clean lines

  Clean uncluttered lines provide a sense of openness and space, with minimalistic furniture and décor that has an emphasis on function and form. Including furniture with some curves helps soften the space. Furniture should serve a purpose and the space should be clutter free, devoid of unnecessary ornaments. It may be a good opportunity to declutter what you currently, think about what brings you joy, as Marie Kondo would say!

• Neutral colours

  Light colours like white, cream, beige and grey provide calm and serenity. I’d suggest using grey in moderation though, as its popularity is declining. Adding bold accents or patterns can provide visual interest, or a bit of fun and contrast alongside a neutral scheme. Throws, cushions, artwork or even painting one wall are an easy way to introduce accent colours, and the beauty of it is they can usually be inexpensively changed if you fancy a different accent in a few years’ time.

• Open floor plans

  Open floor plans provide seamless flow between spaces and allows natural light to flood in, to create a sense of expansiveness and of course a lack of clutter also helps!

• Natural materials

  Elements like wood and stone are examples of natural materials that add warmth and texture to the space and are a big feature in contemporary design. These are often balanced with manmade materials like glass and metals e.g., chrome, brass, iron to create contrast.

• Geometric shapes

  Throw out those chintzy patterns and incorporate geometric shapes to achieve a sense of order and symmetry, think rectangles, squares, triangles, circles and repeating patterns. Against a neutral backdrop some geometric shapes can easily be introduced on curtains, cushions, throws, rugs or artwork.

• Texture

  Another way of providing balance is through texture to add depth and interest, for example textured wallpaper, plush rugs or even woven baskets. See what textures you can find to add balance.

Contemporary design is a style that emphasises simplicity and minimalism, with a focus on natural materials and open spaces. Be brave and give contemporary design a go in your home by incorporating some of these key features to create your very own inviting showpiece!

Before You Go

Although contemporary interior design is my preference, Peacock Interior Design Ltd caters to a variety of styles.

Are you a busy professional who is juggling multiple priorities, like family, demanding day jobs and squeezing in time for a lively social life? Imagine creating a beautiful, functional, contemporary home that helps you start your day with a smile and end it with an oasis to chill in, somewhere you’re proud to show off to your friends and family, and make great memories in.

I’d love to hear from you if you’d like help making your house a home and having some fun along the way, it’s a free no obligation discovery call to hear about your project and how I may be able to solve your problems. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear idea of what you’d like, just an inkling or are completely lost with so many choices on offer out there, my goal is to create something unique to reflect you.