Contemporary home decor: 4 key characteristics that intersect style and comfort
Check out these 4 hallmarks of contemporary home decor from a range of styles to create highly personalised interiors that
Check out these 4 hallmarks of contemporary home decor from a range of styles to create highly personalised interiors that reflect your individual taste
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST 6 Photos
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The terms ‘contemporary’ and ‘modern’ are often used interchangeably however, in the world of home decor and furniture design, they are not the same. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Varun Poddar, Founder of VOX India, explained, “Modernism’ in design refers to the movement that began at the start of the 20th century. It brought to an end the extravagant styles that existed before – replacing heavy textures, wood tones and carvings with minimalist features and open spaces and focused on maximizing functionality. The use of straight lines in furniture is another key characteristic of this school of design. The ‘contemporary’ style on the other hand, as the name suggests, refers to trends that are prevalent at the present. As such, ‘contemporary’ design has been in a state of constant evolution since its beginnings in the late 1970’s. In contrast to the static ‘modern’ style, contemporary home decor incorporates elements from a variety of eras and styles into an overall minimalist theme. Versatility and adaptability are the hallmarks of contemporary home decor, enabling homeowners to mix and match from a range of styles to create highly personalised interiors that reflect their individual taste.” He highlighted a few key characteristics of the contemporary style: (Photo by flipNook on Unsplash)
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1. Minimal Furnishing: Space itself is virtually a decorative feature in the contemporary style, and minimal furnishing is essential to achieve this. Simple and clean-cut furniture designs, with clean lines and smooth surfaces are ideal. The innovative Infratop ceiling system is a practical and hassle-free way of giving ceilings and roofs an aesthetic finish. The result is bright, airy rooms that convey openness and enable statement furnishings and other features of the room to stand out. (Photo by Pixabay)
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2. Contrasting Elements: Asymmetrical designs and striking contrasts are far more at home in the contemporary style than they are in the modernist tradition. Bringing together varied finishes and textures creates a visually striking look that helps bridge the gap between the natural and the manmade, and creates a timeless, welcoming atmosphere. Juxtaposing bold, statement pieces with minimalist furniture adds further character and depth to the space.(Unsplash/R ARCHITECTURE)
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3. Warm Colours: ‘Soft’ contemporary furnishings incorporate traditional materials, with ‘warm’ materials such as hardwood preferred over ‘cold’ materials such as metal. Rich wooden hues help create a cosier environment and enable the space to better harmonize with nature. Despite effectively serving as the ‘fifth wall’ of your home, ceilings have often been overlooked when it comes to interior design and renovation projects. However, homeowners and architects are increasingly beginning to pay more attention to ceilings, for both their aesthetic value, as well as a range of practical benefits that enhance the quality of life. And soffit ceilings have emerged as an attractive option in recent years, bringing to bear the right balance of functionality and beauty. Wooden colours evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.(Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash)
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