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“Contemporary” is a popular word that has been used frequently in the design world. Sometimes, the word is even misused. So what is a Contemporary style home, and what are some of the key elements of this type of design? Well, Contemporary is a style that encompasses a wide range of other styles. It is a type of style that evolved from modern architecture, particularly in the 21st century. In fact, Contemporary homes are a modern designed home whose primary focus is on form and function. The Contemporary style continues to change according to what is current in the industry. This includes a blend of elements that creates an air of sophistication. To help you better understand, we focused on four key attributes that create Contemporary design. Let’s take a look!

Color Is Important

Color is a crucial element to a Contemporary style home. Usually, it is offset by neutral tones on the walls. When selecting a color for the walls, try selecting colors such as pure white, off white, or even taupe for the perfect balance. If you want to spice things up a bit, you can use an accent color on one of the walls in your living room or select a bold colored couch. Vivid, stylish decorative accessories can be implemented to complete the look.

Create a Lighting Scheme

Developing a lighting scheme is vital for achieving a Contemporary style home because it is essential to illuminate the room’s design. These days there are so many different ways you can add light to a room beside the traditional lamp on the table. You can incorporate lighting sconces, and you can strategically add multiple small ceiling light fixtures. Track lighting, floor lamps, and pendant lighting are also some trendy lighting sources found in Contemporary style homes.

Metal as an Accent

Metal is a popular element in most Contemporary designed houses. Stainless steel, chrome, and nickel are some types of metal accents that make up this design. It creates a sleek and clean look. Plus, it is easy to implement metal accent in the kitchen and bathroom with your choice of faucet and appliances. To keep the design consistent throughout the home, you can select lamps, coffee tables, and other accessories with metal finishes.

Texture

The texture element is everything in a Contemporary home. Do not shy away from velvet, silk, and even wool accessories. Faux fur rugs, overstuffed pillows, and patterned window treatments offset the rigid lines of metal found in the home.

What are your thoughts on Contemporary design? Have you tried it in your own home? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section.

We are continually discovering innovated ways to create better products. As technology advances, we are looking for ways to create more efficient, healthier, and valuable products in our lives. However, some of these materials do not need to be heavily engineered and are naturally occurring. Bamboo is an extremely versatile product we have been using for centuries in our homes. This grass can grow in almost any climate in the world except extremely frigid atmosphere. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, making it revolutionary green products. We have adapted this plant into many useful products we use in homes today. To truly understand how versatile this plant can be, we looked at three completely different and unique ways this plant can benefit your home. Let’s take a look!

Flooring

While commonly classified as hardwood flooring, bamboo is actually a grass. This exotic flooring option is extremely durable and resilient to scratching. This clean, modern flooring option can be easily cleaned and is low maintenance. Similar to hardwood flooring, you can also refinish your planks, allowing you to get even more longevity out of the product.

Bedding

When you think of bamboo, you probably envision a very hard stalk of grass. However, bamboo can be weaved into a material used for pillows and sheets. This eco-friendly solution is exceptionally soft and comfortable. Bamboo sheets are commonly desired because they are breathable and stay cool. Most people refer to bamboo sheets as feeling silky enjoy that they stay cool all night. Bamboo sheets have other added benefits like being hypoallergenic and extremely durable as well.

Furniture

Bamboo is incredibly strong. If you are looking for a green solution to furnishing your home, consider bamboo. Bamboo furniture can be bent into intricate designs or weaved together for extreme durability. This natural look can give a raw, authentic feel to your furniture inside and outside your home.

If you are looking for cleaner and greener solutions to add to your home, consider bamboo. With unique products and solutions for all over your house, bamboo is a very versatile solution. Take advantage of this abundant plant and get some of its amazing benefits today! For more eco-friendly home solutions, make sure to subscribe!

Looking for a way to add character to your home without doing a complete overhaul? Try decorating an accent wall. It is a simple solution for creating a focal point in the room, and there are many ways to approach this idea. From traditional methods to more unique materials, the point of creating a feature wall is to have a section of the room that catches the eye, expresses your style and maintains functionality all at the same time. Read on for some great ideas for accent walls.

Forever a Classic

The simplest method and usually the first one that comes to mind is a painted wall. If you want to keep things minimalistic, a solid color that is more on the “bold side” can do the trick. If you are going to add something with a little more detail, try a patina paint to bring out a metallic look, or you can stick with a solid scheme and incorporate alternating stripes or a sponging technique.

Welcome Back, Wallpaper

If you want to skip the paint, there are endless possibilities with wallpaper. Smooth, textured, simple, intricate-there will most definitely be something to suit your tastes. It is especially helpful if you enjoy a particular design but do not want to have to go through the hassle of stenciling each section individually.

Embrace the Senses

Another way to add texture to your space is by simply using a different material. A few tried and true choices you can count on for a fabulous look are reclaimed wood panels, stacked stone, and faux brick. Any of these choices will add a more earthy, warm feeling to your home.

More Modern Approach

If you are looking for a more futuristic, modern vibe for your living space, try installing 3D panels or stacked upholstered wall panels. The 3D look will be an eye catcher and conversation starter no matter what color you choose. Like art, it will jump right out and command the attention of those in the room. Upholstered wall panels are a great way to achieve a symmetrical look that pops out at you as well. The extra dimension will add some softness to the room but will not make the space look too busy.

Which accent wall idea was your favorite? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section!

Rustic Design is praised for its simple approach of creating a beautiful atmosphere by incorporating earthy tones and a warm, inviting comfort into the design.  This timeless design theme is not created through sleek technology, modern art, or evolutionary architect in mind but instead focuses on the organic elements of nature, functionality, and comfort.  Stones, woods, metals, and even bricks thrive in this environment as they enhance the space.  However, not all metals are as welcomed to this design.  Remember, rustic themed spaces are reflected through including aspects of the outdoors.  Highly polished metals can create quite a spectacle yet may not be best for these types of designs.  We put together some beneficial metals to incorporate in your own Rustic Design that can help elevate your look and keep an eye on detail!

Galvanized Metal

Galvanized metal is when a protective layer is applied to iron or steel.  These metals are molded into decor then submerged into a molten zinc bath.  They then coat the metal with a unique look that is highly durable.  This decorative metal can amplify your Rustic Design in your home by adding character to the decor while giving it a great look!

Golds, Copper, and Bronzes

The great thing about metals is they are considered very neutral.   Gold, copper, and bronze are great to add throughout your home.   Whether you change your appliance to these materials or accent it through your cabinet handles and decor, these metals can keep your color palette feeling natural and earthy. 

Rusted Metal

What is Rustic Design without a little bit of rust?  While this is usually avoided with most metals, rust can add more character to the decor.   This can be greatly used in a wall decor piece or a fun patio decorative item.  Rust has a very worn and natural look which can amplify your home’s atmosphere and make it feel more “lived-in.”

Whatever metals you decide to use in your home, be cognitive of how it affects the space. Remember that decor can make or break a space. Keep in mind that rustic themed spaces should feel cozy, yet should also be highly functional.  Sometimes, less is more.   

Do you use any of these metals in your own space? If so, how and where? Let us know in the comment section!

Interior Design is a creative way to express yourself while tailoring your home to your specific needs.  Creating a theme will help set perimeters and guidelines of what to include in your home.  There are thousands of design themes to choose; however, not all design work in all types of atmospheres.  But of course, with the right budget, you can make anything work. That being said, if certain limiting factors are preventing you from styling your home after your favorite design theme, you may want to look at these key factors to help you make your design theme decision:

Architecture

So, you move to a new home and are super excited to create your space!  You have always loved the look of Industrial designed studios.  The bricks adding character, the exposed ductwork, and the raw concrete floors all speak to you!  However, you just moved into a Traditional architecturally styled home.  You have hardwood floors, beautiful trim, and ornate window frames.  While the conversion is always possible, it may not be worth the leg work. 

Your first step of choosing your design is deciding what complements your existing blueprint.  If you can have your architecture complement your design, you will have a fully developed theme that really enhances the environment!

Environment

Speaking of environment, your next step is where your home is located–this is not a limiting factor yet can make a world of difference when considered correctly.  Your atmosphere can be directly correlated to your design.  When living in the city, Rustic Design may not complement your space the best.  Likewise, living in a country, you may not want to use an Urban themed design.  Letting the exterior and interior work together can make a well-rounded theme that seems deliberate and focused.

Existing Furniture

Existing furniture is not the end-all decision maker, but truly something to consider when moving.  If you have pre-existing furniture, you may want to determine what theme they already reflect.  Decide what needs to be replaced or what will be staying for the long run.  Creating your design around the furniture you already have acquired can save you time and money.

Paying attention to your pre-determined factors can help you create a well-balanced design.  If your architecture does not agree with your design, it can feel forced whereas a well-created design flows best with the atmosphere.  From interior to exterior, your home should feel like it complements itself throughout its entirety.  If you are struggling, just remember the three concepts mentioned above and go from there.

It is no secret that plants bring a new form of energy and life into your home when brought indoors. Having plants indoors has been a common household remedy for centuries because of the positive energy they have in homes. When you think of plants, you may typically think of a horizontal garden outside, but have you ever consider having a vertical garden inside your house? Vertical gardens are stylish and unique, and they can be subtle or grand focal point in your room. If you are interested in incorporating a vertical garden in your room’s design, here are three great ways to include a green wall in your home:

Framed

Having a green wall can be as subtle as a framed garden. This dimension of art can be a fantastic, lively addition to a bedroom or office space. Plus, it is great for beginners who do not want an enormous task of watering and maintenance. Not to mention, it can also really help the Feng Shui in a room. Plant life is associated with higher levels of productivity make this an excellent option for the workspace as well.

Patterned Succulent Wall

This is a cute idea that you can do indoors or outdoors. Succulents are great, low maintenance plants and can really liven up the area. Adding these to your home is a great way to showcase your love of nature and display your keen eye for unique designs. This fun design also can help make a dull room feel balanced and introduce green subtly into the color palette.

Random Patterns

Lastly, “random” plants and patterns is a fun contemporary feature that can be integrated to make a room feel fresher and inviting. Adding a “random” design can reflect your love for nature and make a room feel more aesthetically pleasing. A unique vertical garden design allows you to broaden the spectrum of colors and textures you bring into the room. Adding this architectural remedy to a room will have you spending more time in the room and enjoying its breathtaking atmosphere.

Which vertical garden idea was your favorite? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

While both are commonly used as interchangeable words, Modern and Contemporary Design both have distinct differences. Knowing their differences can help you better generate a style for your own home or business. As we explored in Part One, Modern Design is a style with unambiguous guidelines and rules which created it; however, Contemporary is a little more open-ended. Let us take a more in-depth look into what makes Contemporary Design.

Contemporary Design

While Contemporary Design gives some homage to Modern Design in its open layout, it is its own exclusive entity. Contemporary Design can seem a bit eclectic and like a mix of several designs such as Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, even Hollywood Glam. Yet, what makes this style so unique, is that it is always evolving. This style is always about today’s current fads and trends. Contemporary Design will usually involve some more unique design furniture and lighting. It will pull from many fashions or genres that seem to be the most influential in the industry currently. Geometric patterns have seemed to make a strong influence in recent styling and are currently trending in this style. Likewise, applying trending colors and patterns is a standard move with this design. While this design may feel eclectic, it still uses a minimalistic approach. Do not overcrowd your space and make it feel cluttered. This also will have you stray from ornate and overly lavished décor. Clean and crisp are still very important to encapsulating this style. Your atmosphere is sure to be very unique and eye-catching yet does not lose focus. Neutral color palettes are still welcomed yet popping colors and hard contrasts can set this design apart.

Contemporary Design is great for people willing to adapt. Never get too satisfied with a space and be ready to change. Staying up with today’s latest trends will help you keep your space fresh and trendy. So, next time you see a Modern or Contemporary space, you will be able to identify the differences and better understand each design.

Interior design has many different types of styles. From Hollywood Glam to Rustic, there are many designs in which we can pull inspiration. Many styles have evolved over the years and became trademarks to the stylings that we incorporate in our homes and businesses today. Some designs have come and passed, and others are still being created. Some designs have even meshed together to create something new and unique. For example, Traditional Design is a very classical look yet when mixed with modern; it finds a balance in the transition of eras. We refer to this design style as Traditional. Yet what is Modern Design? Many people use the term Modern and Contemporary Design interchangeably; however, they are two very distinct, different styles. We will explore both designs so you can decide which one may be best for you. Both have advantages, disadvantages, and personal preferences which allows them to be unique to you. Join us as we explore what makes a mid-century modern home and check out what creates a contemporary home for more details.

Mid-Century Modern

So, first, we need to understand that “Modern” does not mean “as of today.” Modern design refers to a time era in design that has come and passed. Because of this, it cannot continue to change. The rules and guidelines to this style are pretty set in stone. Mid-Century modern was established in the 1930s-1960s, and it was used in architecture, industrial, interior, and even marketing. This design happened right after World War II when families began to move from the more rural area to live in more urban neighborhoods. This change correlated with smaller homes and with it came an adaptation to make a style that worked. With smaller spaces, people still wanted to have their home’s feel big, which meant minimalism, simplicity, functionality, and an open layout were a must. Modern homes would typically have a neutral color palette yet could add color through muted tones. Most of the lines in the architecture would be sleek and clean cut. To make the homes feel more open, geometrical, crisp furniture was introduced. Materials were entering the market during this time which made plastics, glasses, metals, and woods all valid options to use in this design.

Now that you can identify Modern design, it is essential to see what makes Contemporary design different. Check out Part Two for a greater understanding. For more insight on design themes and differences, make sure to subscribe to our content!

If your home has an open floor plan, it can easily began to feel like your decor is chaotic. With no walls to distinguish space and function, it might seem like everything is just roaming free. That is where area rugs come into play. The right area rugs can be a valuable asset to a open floor plan because they help give the illusion of order without the need for walls. However, if you plan on using several rugs together, it is important to give thought to how they will look together. While the easiest solution may be to use matching rugs, this can sometimes be aesthetically boring and may even ruin the look you wanted to capture. To help, check out these tips for using multiple area rugs in an open floor plan:

Using Matching Area Rugs

When using multiple area rugs in one space, you might be tempted to take the simplest approach which is opting for matching rugs. Using matching rugs will help keep the spaces separate while keeping things harmonious. While using matching area rugs is a bit unpredictable if you really want to take this approach, consider choosing a rug that features a bold graphic pattern. Using such a high contrast pattern rug keeps things interesting, and it does not overwhelm the space.

Using Different Area Rugs

You also have the option of using distinct floor coverings. Using different area rugs within the same space can seem a bit scary, but it can actually turn out great if it is pulled off right. You can use different floor coverings to distinguish the function of each space or section. The key to pulling this off is by choosing rugs that feature similar color palettes.

Believe it or not, you can have fun with pairing different types of rugs together. Of course, it is easier to pair solid colored rugs than ones featuring a pattern. When pairing solid rugs, just select two colored rugs that look great together. Neutral colored rugs will look great with just about any rug, but if you want to go the color route, try to find a color that is used in both area rugs to pull their designs together in the open space.

What are your thoughts on area rugs in open floor plans? Do you like using different rugs or similar ones? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

Every room can use a little something to help empower the theme. If you want to add more color to a space or simply make a bold statement, consider adding an accent wall. Accent walls perfect for creating depth to the room and making a focal point for the design theme to follow. There are several ways to approach this idea; here are our top picks:

Bold Color

Applying a bold color to a single wall can be a great way to make a strong statement. If you are looking to add color to a room, what better way than on an accent wall? Choose one wall that you want to establish as a focus point, and make this wall a different color than the surrounding walls in the room. An accent wall will draw attention, so keep in mind what wall this will be in your space. Typically, this becomes a focal point and is often near a fireplace or large window, but you can be creative as well. You can even add an accent wall to a smaller wall or a less noticeable wall to add character all around the area.

Balance

Incorporating an accent wall can create harmony in the room. If you have a color theme, have your accent wall correspond with it. If you want to attempt to have a color theme in your room, this is your opportunity. Your accent wall should complement the room accessories, and it is the perfect way to enhance the area without having to paint all the walls!

Other Options

You do not have to create your accent wall with just a different paint color. Tiled backsplashes, brick walls, and even wallpaper can all be used to create your accent wall. Think of painting stripes or a pattern to add character to the room. An accent wall can significantly improve a room’s overall aesthetics; all you need is a little imagination.

Have you created an accent wall in your home? What are your tips and tricks for nailing the design? We would love to hear your thoughts and advice below in the comment section.