Creating the Contemporary Style in Your New Home
The Contemporary Style is best known as the style that is currently on trend or ‘of the moment’. This can be terribly confusing which is why we are here to help you in creating the Contemporary Style in your new home.
It may seem daunting, but it is such a fun style to work with. Every home is completely different as each homeowner has a different take on what they picture as contemporary. The rulebook is thrown out for the Contemporary Style, which is actually what makes it incredibly easy to work with.
The beauty of contemporary is that you can add in all different style elements to create a look that is unique to you. This style is based off a neutral colour palette with splashes of colour throughout. A contemporary home highlights the simplicity. Picture straight lines, clean, open floor plans and minimalistic spaces.
How to create the Contemporary Style in your new Kookaburra Home:
Stick to a classic colour scheme
The classic colour scheme for a Contemporary Style home starts with a neutral base – blacks, beiges, white and greys. From here you can add on-trend colour to your home through styling pieces and artwork. For this style, less is absolutely more. The simpler the look, the better.
A plain and simple space is appreciated with this style. Those blank white walls – perfect. The simple furniture – best choice. Neutral colour palette – couldn’t ask for more.
And then comes the colour, in a subtle and minimal way. We love the deep colours – dark greys, navy and greens. All in small, curated amounts – feature tiles, soft furnishings, coffee table additions and even chair legs.
Lighting as a contemporary feature piece
When we talk lighting, we talk both natural and artificial lighting. Yes, natural lighting can absolutely be a feature too. Floor to ceiling windows are a great place to start – and they benefit as a feature that never goes out of style. Whether it is to look at your view, open the negative space in a stairwell or simply to let natural light in, you can’t go wrong here.
Other ways to incorporate natural lighting is through strategically placing skylights, we do love a good skylight feature, and utilising glass doors for entrances and to separate rooms.
Secondary to natural lighting is the stylish addition of pendants. They are a perfect feature for above kitchen benches, dining tables or in entryways. As we already know for this style, keeping it simple is the best styling choice.
Using textures as contemporary style
Combining different shapes and textures throughout your home not only creates a variance, but it also allows the creation of depth and dimension. Textures can come from a large variety of materials – concrete, steel, stone, leather, glass and timber – all creating their own aesthetics while working well together. Choosing a few keys elements, rather than a lot, keeps to the minimal and modest style of contemporary.
Pair matte patterned tiles on your kitchen and bathroom splashbacks with standard gloss subway tiles. Place a timber coffee table on a plush floor rug. Or choose linen fabric dining chairs to compliment your raw timber dining table.
Warming the space
Although we have talked about minimalist styling, there are ways to add warmth to your home without the excess chaos. Stone benchtops in your kitchen tick the box for stand out texture, bonus points if a waterfall edge is to your taste. Pairing with bevelled edge melamine handle-free cabinetry keeps your kitchen looking sleek without cabinetry hardware. Timber cabinetry accents warm the space while also adding natural colour and texture.
As for your bathrooms, floating cabinetry, AKA wall hung vanities, glass shower screens and large format tiles with minimal grout lines are perfect choices. Plus, a warming timber feature of course.
Throughout the rest of your house, soft linen furnishings – rugs, throws and cushions – paired with sheer curtains finish off a space, all while adding warmth and texture.
Joining indoor and outdoor living in your new home
Smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor allow your living to happen in every available space while continuing the open space philosophy of the Contemporary Style. Our favourites are large decks and landscaped gardens complimented by outdoor kitchens, pools and spas.
To discover more about how to create the Contemporary Style in your new Kookaburra Home, get in touch with us today. Better yet, have a look at the full gallery of our favourite Contemporary Style homes – 32 Meningie, 2 Walker Flat, 162 Mannum Waters, 246 Middle Beach and 720 Harrogate.
By Amy Rosendale
