Contemporary Living Room and Den Styles
Contemporary design includes a variety of styles that will appear artistic and modern in some aspect. Although the modernism of the room may vary person to person, the thought behind contemporary design is to create a sophisticated, up-to-date room that reflects the homeowner's level of artistic interpretation and appreciation while maintaining the comfort level of the clean and tidy appearance of contemporary designs.
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Arts and Crafts
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The Arts and Crafts movement is used to create warm and inviting living rooms and dens. The design style began in the late 1800s and lasted through the early 1900s. The focus of this contemporary design style is to create a subtle appreciation for how things were made. To design a living room or den in this contemporary style, select furniture that is handmade or if you must buy mass-produced, which is often cheaper, look for Shaker and Mission style pieces. Color palettes should be light and neutral with as much natural lighting as possible. An important factor to consider when creating a contemporary design using the Arts and Crafts decorating style is to incorporate as much of the natural surroundings of the building and to maintain an open floor plan with minimal clutter and distraction.
Art Deco
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The Art Deco movement lasted from the 1920s to the 1940s and included a variety of design elements. Art Deco can be identified by its use of dominant geometric shapes, streamlined designs and exotic patterns. When designing a contemporary style living room and den, include smooth finishes and shapes. Use plenty of metal, lacquer and inlaid exotic woods. Generally, color palettes are neutral with occasional pops of brilliant color or patterns. Animal skin and fur-inspired fabrics are considered elements of Art Deco.
Pop Art
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Coming on the scene during the 1950s Pop Art emphasizes the use of imagery current in today's pop culture, creating a light and fun environment. Designers specializing in contemporary Pop Art styles focus on turning everyday items into something unique and important. Much of the furniture and decorative elements are mass-produced, making this design a good idea for homeowners on a limited budget. In addition, contemporary Pop Art designs use a lot of plastic and PVC materials in furniture and accessories. When purchasing elements for a Pop Art living room and den, look for modular furniture that is low to the ground, incorporate unusual shapes as accent pieces and colorful artwork. Again, color palettes should be neutral based, using artwork and fabrics to infuse the room with boldness, although an accent wall works well.
Minimalism
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Minimalism was inspired by Japanese design, stripping designs down to simple elements, including only what is needed. The design style lasted through the 60s and 70s and included elements like open floor plans and plenty of natural lighting. Furniture was often multi-functional to reduce clutter and distraction. Color palettes remain neutral, though warmer shades are used. Simple, clean lines are standard in minimalist design. Most shapes are cubic, square or circular to create a harmonious environment within the living room and den.
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References
- Photo Credit A 60s pop art figure runs past a pop art style face image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
