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Swansea Life - 'Out with the old, in with the new' - Column by Lesley Taylor - Jun 2011
This month we are going to focus on contemporary design and how to create a modern space within the home. There is no better way to escape the gruelling day to day routine and hectic lifestyle that so many of us now find ourselves a part of, than to return home to a crisp, clean, minimalist space. This is the founding concept behind contemporary living.
Although we refer to it as 'contemporary' design, the basic idea behind it is actually somewhat a reminder of the past. In 1901, Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed the high-backed 'Hillhouse' chair that would still suit a contemporary space, with its minimalist yet inventive style that grabbed attention over one hundred years ago.
The Mackintosh chair is of a basic design, yet this concept of 'less is more' has been followed through time in order to create this interior theme we have come to label as 'contemporary'. Even the arts and crafts movement which began to catch people's eye towards the end of the twentieth century adopted a similar thought process through presenting minimalist pieces such as solid oak furniture, and hand-crafted ceramics.
Modern spaces can be easily created through choosing the right colours, textures and materials. In order to achieve this style and allow it to have a period of longevity, it is important that the room remains clutter-free and has a basic foundation design which allows flexibility in terms of furnishings and accessories. The contemporary style should be one that is easily absorbed and creates a soothing yet exciting atmosphere for those who enter it.
One of the key starting points to think about is the colour scheme which should be almost systematically chosen in order to create the contemporary style desired. Complementary tones should be used, and if you decide to be brave and add a dominant colour into the mix be sure to consider the ambience that will be created before you go jumping in the deep end. Bold colours should still be used in a way that creates an end result with a relatively soft and soothing finish.
In terms of colour schemes, one of the easiest ways to create a contemporary space is through using a 'non-colour' such as white, and then injecting the space with splashes of brighter and bolder colours through accessories and furnishings, in order to break the clinical mould and create a more vibrant atmosphere, while still maintaining that minimalist feel. If the neutral scheme isn't for you, then popular colour choices often include secondary colours such as violets or greens or tertiary colours. One of the most important pieces of advice that I can give you is to avoid using the three bright primary colours; red, blue and yellow if it is contemporary chic you want to create, as they will give an eighties retro design.
In order to achieve a truly current look, be imaginative and think outside the interior design box. All trends influence one another, and whatever is seen on the catwalk, in shop windows or advertised on TV, will more often than not affect the design choices we make for our own homes. If beige is the new black on this seasons catwalk, then the chances are that it will somehow find its way into your newly decorated home, whether it be in a dominate way such as on the walls or the carpets, or just in the finishing touches. In flicking through magazines and brochures, the current fashions will pretty much jump out at you, and it's from here that you can begin to develop ideas to go on your walls, rather than in your wardrobe.
I will let you into four little contemporary space colour secrets of mine which will allow you to create the perfect balance between calm and tranquillity, mixed with interest and innovation. If you follow these as a rule of thumb, you shouldn't go wrong!
The first design format is to pair neutral colours with various patterns and textures which can be of the same tones, but which spark interest and act as focal points. This prevents the room from becoming bland and boring; after all, this is not what developing a contemporary space is about.
The second technique is to allow different contrasting textures to be applied to the room, as an alternative to having matching pieces. This will allow the room to take on a modern, almost futuristic feel.
Thirdly, although I have advised you to think carefully about using bold colours, often those which you wouldn't normally put together can actually create an innovative and effective space when used in the same environment.
Lastly but by no means least, is a scheme that is perhaps the most simple to follow. Through the application of gentle colours such as terracotta's, limes, and subtle shades of blue a fresh, harmonious atmosphere is immediately created and can be further modernised through metal fixtures and contemporary art work. These can be easily incorporated when using these base colour tones.
Creating textures is a key part of contemporary design, and the easiest way to introduce them is through using natural materials for soft furnishings such as cushions or bedding. When it comes to window dressing you should try to use linens and cottons. In terms of cushions and throws, I would recommend textures such as fur and leather which work really well when used minimally scattered around the room.
Including patterned fabrics will add another dimension to the room; however these should be kept to a minimum. Having one bold cushion on your sofa is going to have a greater effect than a room full of them. Contemporary spaces are about including innovative pieces and designs, but in a minimalist fashion to maintain that all important clutter-free aesthetic. The tip when it comes to soft furnishings is to keep the patterns simple, but use bold colours. This is your chance to liven up a neutral room with strong blocks of vibrant colours creating that funky, modern feel.
In terms of permanent decoration, walls should be painted to create the perfect matte backdrop for all of the artistic elements you wish to include. In fact I think you will be surprised at just how much of a statement a plain, painted wall can make within a room. The flooring is just as important in creating the correct backdrop as the walls, and for contemporary spaces hard flooring is the best option, especially those made from natural materials. Wood, slate, stone or ceramic tiles are the type of flooring that you should be opting for, as these will provide clean edges as well as adding further texture to the room. If it is patterned hard flooring that takes your fancy then this needs to be geometrically organised.
For some, hard flooring just doesn't belong in the home, and if your heart still remains with carpet then just avoid those with a pattern as this will make the room look dated, and will disrupt the contemporary flow. Thick carpets which ooze luxury are the sort of style that you need to opt for. If you are a carpet lover, may I suggest a compromise? Â Adding a contemporary rug into the space, will not only add further interest, patterns and textures, but also the sense of warmth which often people feel hard flooring lacks.
Creating a contemporary space can completely transform a home from a chaotic mess to a peaceful haven.
The ambience is transformed, and contemporary living boasts elegance and style, as well as a chance to experiment with artistic pieces and innovative designs.
And if this isn't your thing, don't worry, as next month we will be returning to the style of traditional living!
By Lesley Taylor
Lesley Taylor is an Interior Designer, Author and full member of the BIIDA. www.lesleytaylor.co.uk.
