Contemporary Decorating Ideas

Many people associate contemporary decor with minimalist decor. While the sleek surfaces and open spaces of minimalism remain popular elements in interior design, its offshoot, monochromatic decor, also has a following and allows more diversity in your color scheme choices. In recent years, green design has influenced contemporary decorating, updating the popular mid-century modern look with sustainable building materials and a preference for natural tones. Other contemporary styles, such as international fusion, eschew the clean lines and celebrate the diversity of imported furniture and accessories available locally. Does this Spark an idea?

Monochromatic Decor

Go with a monochromatic color palette to give your interiors an air of contemporary chic. Walls, upholstery, furniture frames and textiles in subtle hues of black, white, cream, stone gray, warmer rosy gray, mellow yellow or steel blue work well in tight spaces. Open floor plans accommodate warmer or more saturated colors. Rather than contrast colors, emphasize contrasts in textures. Try a shaggy or nubby area rug as an accent piece, topped by an acrylic "ghost" coffee table that's transparent. Slick stainless steel or grittier galvanized steel keep furniture frames looking sleek. Brighter, abstract artwork, either propped casually against the wall or in black or stainless steel frames, may have bold colors and shapes to stand out from the monochromatic backdrop.

Green Design

The green design movement has dramatically influenced contemporary decor. In addition to structural improvements such as solar panels or rainwater catchment, green design shows up in interior finishes such as bamboo floors, stained concrete countertops and nontoxic paint. Extend the look to your decor by using repurposed and upcycled pieces, such as a wooden door on its side as a headboard or tea towels as cafe-style curtains. Try a simple do-it-yourself project, such as painting and decorating old desk drawers and nailing them to the wall to use as display shelves. Add warmth and texture to the space by placing rattan mats or wool rugs on floors and using organic textiles for window treatments, bedding and bath linens.

Global Decor

International style has transcended the racks of national retailers These days, you can find imported furniture, ethnic handicrafts and international decor everywhere, giving your home a contemporary, worldly vibe. Define your space with a focal point piece such as a French country armoire, a carved wood Moroccan coffee table, a Turkish brass tray or a Mexican hammered tin cabinet. Accessorize with a vintage beaded sari as a bedspread or tablecloth. Fill your shelves with souvenirs and artwork from world travels. If you wish to avoid the market bazaar aesthetic, choose select pieces to display and echo their color scheme throughout the room to create flow.