If you’re new to apartment decorating, you might be overwhelmed by so many different, often complex or expensive styles online and in magazines. What is a contemporary style? How can you achieve it without breaking your budget? Contemporary décor uses a warm and comfortable style to accentuate any modern apartment. It utilizes color, texture, and space—so let’s find out how it’s done.
The Basics of Decorating
Color
Color is the foundation of any contemporary design. To start, focus your room with a neutral color, a black, or a white. From that backdrop, you can have fun with bold, bright colors. If you go with the inverse—bright, bold colored walls, for example, then you should use neutral colors for the rest of your décor.
Patterns
Use the lines of your architecture to your advantage. Many upscale apartments have soaring ceilings and high windows, so utilize those blank canvases by placing your décor accordingly to draw the eye toward geometric art pieces and sculptures.
Materials
Your modern apartment should have a decorative consistency; otherwise, it will look haphazard. Utilize opaque or clear glass, metal, and stone materials, and then add a layer of comfort to your space with an area rug or decorative pillows. Large plants, such as the rubber plant, can bring warmth and style to a living room or dining room.
Flooring
If you can find a luxury apartment with a stylish wooden floor, decorating in a contemporary fashion will be much easier. You can add an area rug to bring together a living room and add texture or color.
Furniture
If you’ve decided to go with a neutral paint job, furniture is where your design can really shine with bright, complementary colors. Remember that geometrical design is the building block of contemporary décor, so keep those shapes in mind when you buy your furniture. Stick with natural fabrics like linen, wool, and cotton.
Minimalism
Less is more when it comes to a contemporary design. This is especially true if you live in a studio apartment. You want to create a spacious, clean, airy atmosphere. Clutter is the enemy of any modern design, be it too much junk or too much furniture.