Contemporary Design in the 21st Century

Contemporary Design has come of age in the 21st century with the sleek, and yet at times dramatic, use of blacks and bold colours as well as geometric shapes.

It is sometimes hard to imagine that this style is highly successful by its simplicity, subtlety and sophistication.

It is more about the ability to create space than it sometimes is about the fixtures and fittings.

It is the successful combination of colours, furniture, fabrics and lighting using natural materials, splashes of colour and simplicity that makes Contemporary Design in the 21st Century what it is.

When selecting your colours, remember to choose neutrals, blacks and whites with black being the main defining colour. To define an area try using splashes of bright bold colour to provide the perfect finishing touch.

Your furniture should be sleek lined, smooth, clean, and include geometric shapes if you are truly aiming for the epitome of contemporary style. Defining colour matches such as a combination of black and white or a combination of neutral textured tones can be used for upholstering furniture.

Accessorising through fabrics such as silk, wool, linen and cotton can introduce a textural aspect and inherent neutral hues. This is often balanced out combining bold colours or geometric patterns with pillows and a rug or throw. Ruffles and cute have no part in Contemporary Design!

The Lighting design is used as an artistic statement in a contemporary interior. Floor and table lamps will have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes; colour might be introduced with a special shade. Recessed or track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories.

Success is no coincidence

Those wanting to successfully incorporate Contemporary Design into their homes need to remember that accessories are used to make a bold statement.

Clutter should be kept to a minimum and always follow the principle of 'Less is more' when it comes to contemporary design.

It is the natural woods and stone finishes that allows the designer to create their own style within a style that is sleek and yet purposeful, timeless and yet modernly elegant.