Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Soft Lines and Neutral Colors: The Best of Contemporary Style
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
Yesterday I spent the afternoon at my parent's house, talking with my mother and sister about my mom's very gradual, but definite, redesign of her living room. The room has white walls and lots of natural light and it's a big area that opens into a foyer on one side and the dining room on the other. It's always been a pretty traditional room, with heavy wood and Oriental rugs and a conservative palette of beige, burgundy and Wedgewood blue. The room is accented by the great collection of art and objects that my parents, and their parents, amassed during years of traveling, but sometimes that even gets lost in the overall design.
About a year ago, though, my mom decided she wanted to upgrade the look, realizing that her own personal taste runs more towards the "modern." At least that's what she said. After a few frustrated consultations with her, during which she turned down all of our "modern" suggestions, my sister and I realized that the look she was after wasn't strictly modern at all, but more contemporary.
With it's neutral colors and rounded corners, contemporary style is a good fit for my parent's open home with all of its natural light and cool stuff. Getting from traditional to "contemporary" will still be a challenge for my parents, but this collection of spaces might inspire a jumping off point:
About a year ago, though, my mom decided she wanted to upgrade the look, realizing that her own personal taste runs more towards the "modern." At least that's what she said. After a few frustrated consultations with her, during which she turned down all of our "modern" suggestions, my sister and I realized that the look she was after wasn't strictly modern at all, but more contemporary.
With it's neutral colors and rounded corners, contemporary style is a good fit for my parent's open home with all of its natural light and cool stuff. Getting from traditional to "contemporary" will still be a challenge for my parents, but this collection of spaces might inspire a jumping off point:
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
For some reason, this room reminds me of an infinity pool - it's just so serene and peaceful. I love the layers of neutral colors and the simplicity of the furniture. The spare look of the whole space makes every piece incredibly important.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| If the room above is a great ideal, but maybe not practical for a busy family, this space is an excellent example of contemporary design at its family-friendly best. A neutral palette keeps a busy room calm, and the round lines of the chairs add to the smooth feeling. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
One of the characteristics of contemporary design is creating a single strong focal point - like this fantastic zebra rug. It's vibrant, but not over the top, as it is kept in check by soft, neat, simple furniture.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Contemporary design doesn't have to be colorless, either. It's not all about gray and beige. This is a great example of a beautiful contemporary room that uses red accents and pale lime to great advantage. I love the metal bed, too. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
I love this dining room for its neutral grays, but I especially love the way the owners of the space use small, changeable touches - the flowers and table settings - to add tiny jolts of color.
Isn't this a great bed? It's a perfect combination of subtle color and fantastic shape. Its height dominates the room, but it's not overpowering thanks to the calm colors.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Interesting lighting, cool art, a small jolt of color and, of course, simple but smooth lines in the furniture. This space is classic contemporary - and fantastic.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Medium tones in the wood and floor, offset by stainless steel accents and an open, airy floor plan make this kitchen a great model of contemporary design. Plus, I especially love the slight curve of the island's countertop. It softens the look of the rest of the space.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Contemporary style isn't confined to indoor space. This patio is a great example of how the elements of a particular style can translate to the landscape. I love the organic stone wall and the neutral colors, offset by one big shock of purple.
Ideabook updated on Sept. 7, 2009.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Did you know that this was Steve Wozniak's house (Apple's co-founder)?
Here is the great video clip of this house (it was for sale in 2006):
http://www.legendaryestate.com/
Good luck!