Basis Furniture: How To Decorate In A Contemporary Style

How to decorate your home in a contemporary style (that’s just as cool as you).

So, you are a stylish soul that loves things to look fresh, clean and modern, right? You are obviously a follower of contemporary design and would like your home to reflect that taste. No problem.

When looking to “up your game” and create a space that you are happy with there are a few key things to keep in mind.

KISS (keep it simple, stupid)

Okay you are not stupid, we know, but the acronym doesn’t work without it so there you go.

A contemporary decorating style requires you keep things simple, subtle and sophisticated. You want to make use of textures and clean lines – showcasing “space” instead of “things”.

It’s a decluttering exercise that creates room to breathe, live and entertain. Contemporary interiors are always sleek and fresh – just like you . . . so your choice of furniture and colours need to support that design philosophy.

Colour me fabulous

Your bright pink and feathered boa is probably not going to cut it in the purist sense of the “contemporary” word.

It doesn’t mean there’s never space for it of course – hell this is your home and you can do as you please. All we are saying is that, in most cases, the colours you will be looking at include neutrals, black and white. Then you can use some accents of bright and bold colours that play against the neutrals.

Say the clever people at thespruce.com; “With walls painted in a basic neutral, you have a wonderful backdrop for bold coloured accessories. If the walls and windows are painted in pastels, the trims should be neutral. If a wall is a bright, bold colour, neutrals should be used everywhere else.”

Let’s talk about desks (and things), baby!

Most of us have (way more) taste than our wallets can afford but you don’t always need to break the bank to get the style you are after, either.

What you are looking for is furniture that doesn’t have unnecessary curves or decorative features. Go for smooth, clean and geometric shapes. Make sure to avoid fringes, tassles, floral prints and things like that.

Less is more here so find furniture pieces that are both comfortable and contemporary in their own right. (like the type we stock at Basis Furniture).

Flooring, lighting and art

You want floors that are bare, made from wood, tile or vinyl. You want track lighting and recessed lighting to light up your walls . . . while spotlights help feature a specific piece of art.

Speaking of which, when it comes to art (says Coral Nafie), “contemporary style sculptures or framed art can be placed at eye level by placing them on a structural column or pedestal. Frames in high-gloss or matte black, natural wood, or metal finishes are great for artwork.

If you must put several pieces together, hang them close together, so they create the feeling of one large piece.”

There’s more to discuss of course, like dinnerware, but you get the idea.

Keep it clean, keep it fresh and splash some colour here and there. Whatever you do though make sure your home always reflects “you” – otherwise you will never be comfortable.

And life’s too short for self-inflicted discomfort, don’t you agree?