What, exactly, is “Contemporary” design? It’s actually a fluid term that encompasses whatever design trends are currently in vogue, at any given time. Think of the term “contemporary,” in general: It refers to something or someone existing during the same time, or era. In similar fashion, Contemporary interior design consists of an ever-changing set of design ideals embraced during a particular point in time.
Here in 2016, Contemporary design incorporates style elements from Mid-Century Modern as well as Traditional design. Because it’s a combination of styles that are favored by your contemporaries, it’s an eclectic style that’s as changeable as your taste in furniture or colors.
Architectural Considerations
Current Contemporary design starts with thinking outside the box. If you’re building a new home, the first thing you’ll want to consider is the locale; your home design should harmonize with the landscape. That idea includes windows positioned with the view in mind and unusually shaped silhouette that maximizes the lay of the land.
Inside, the floor plan in vogue is quite open, reflecting the casual atmosphere and multi-tasking tendency of life in 2016. Natural elements like exposed beams and natural stone provide a glimpse at the kind of emphasis on sustainability valued in today’s world.
Classic mouldings, doors, and windows, along with neutral colors for appliances and walls provide just the right canvas for the look. The general consensus is that Contemporary design currently starts with pretty Traditional bones.
Furnishings and Accessories
With open layouts, positioning of furniture can be a bit more out-of-the-box, but Contemporary design includes an open, uncluttered feel. Certain elements of Mid-Century Modern design certainly come into play here, with clean lines setting off natural elements. Comfort is truly king, though, so the “rules” are a bit less stringent than for a strictly Modern scheme. Wood furnishings and upholstered furniture offset metal and molded plastic pieces.
In the kitchen, stainless steel appliances are the rule, and for walls, many shades of gray are particularly in vogue. While color can be used sparingly, patterns and textures provide most of the visual interest. Earthy items like pottery or modern artwork typically provides the focal point for a room, often inspiring the color palette and furniture arrangement of the room.
Flooring and Wallcoverings
As you might imagine, Contemporary interior design relies on simplicity and warmth. Plain painted walls in neutral colors combine with bare floors to achieve that aim. Custom-Milled, Wide-Plank Hardwood Flooring from Rehmeyer Wood Floors is the perfect complement to this design style.
Reclaimed wood floors are particularly in vogue, but sustainably harvested, hand-distressed wood floors (like our Old Trail, Legacy, or Authentic Hand-Scraped Collections), character-grade floors like our Pioneer Collection, or clear-grade wood floors (like our Prestige Collection) can also work within this motif.
Rehmeyer Wood Floors
Rehmeyer Wood Floors offers a full range of custom milled and engineered wide plank hardwood flooring. Rehmeyer’s flooring is all 3/4″ solid hardwood and sold unfinished, prefinished, or completely custom finished to suit your project.
Call Rehmeyer Wood Floors today toll free at (888) 474-4047 or visit our website at RehmeyerFloors.com to learn more about our custom flooring services. Based out of Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, Rehmeyer Wood Floors ships nationwide.
Leave a Reply