Update your home with contemporary interior design

What you need to know:

  • Very often contemporary is mistaken for modern design yet the two are different concepts.
  • While modern design refers to specific points in time which have passed, contemporary design is more about the present moment, writes Gloria Kawuma.

The world is fast changing and with it our tastes and preferences depending on our levels of exposure. The world of interior design is about functionality and design, comfort with class and this can only be achieved through the various styles of interior design. Today, we venture into the world of contemporary interior design.
Contemporary design is exciting. It is non conventional almost in defiance to the norm. It pushes boundaries thereby defying the rules meaning that one can create their own unique style. It refers to what is popular right now.

Match and mix
Contemporary interior design is in a way one of the easiest designs to create. It is a design style that embraces what is current and new. It can be eclectic, ever changing borrowing pieces from different other styles and eras to create the ultimate room.
It could incorporate clean line finishes, large windows or even luxurious fabrics like silk or satin. In this, design shapes, textures take centre stage. Sleek geometric furniture is paired up with wood and metal. The fear of colour does not exist here; it is splashed out in bold, bright contrasting hues.

Furniture
The furniture is designed in dramatic shapes, playful yet sharp, clean and edgy. The accessories are almost in futuristic designs. No curved or decorated furniture, sofas or chairs have exposed legs, no fringes or tassels. In contemporary design each piece stands out as an individual.
It is uncluttered, each item can be viewed in its own space. It’s all about the interiors show casing space rather than things as seen in other design styles. The walls are usually painted in white or neutral hues giving one a good backdrop for bold coloured accessories.

The colour black is often used in this style either in the furniture or linen but punched up with bright colours usually in form of pillows. White, neutral and grey are other preferred colours for contemporary interior design because they provide the crisp and clean foundations needed. On the whole, this is one interior decor style that your grandmother or mother would never agree to live in.

Adding art
Opt for a few statement artworks or prints and match a scattering of cushions, throws and decorative accessories in complementing shades and patterns to add subtle accents.