Contemporary Design Style

Contemporary design style has influenced everything from architecture to art, to furniture and product design. Contemporary design style can inspire your entire home or just a few key pieces in your home.

Some well-known contemporary architects include:

• Robert A.M. Stern, Dean of the Yale University School of Architecture
• Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, a director of the Bauhaus, one of the foremost schools of modern design
• Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect whose influence is very strong in the Chicago area
  

Contemporary homes are usually influenced by these pioneers. They typically have clean lines, sleek profiles, lots of flowing open floor plans, and plenty of natural light. They are best complemented by neutral color palettes, uncluttered decors and simple, modern furniture.

Contemporary furniture usually conforms to the idea that form follows function. Instead of pretty, overstuffed and ornate pieces, they are usually streamlined, high-tech in look and sometimes function. They are not often the most decorative pieces but they are usually the most comfortable because they are inspired by the human form and how humans will interact with the pieces.

Famous contemporary furniture designers include:

• Eero Saarinen, a Finnish designer famous for his womb chair.
• Charles Eames, who produced compound curves from plywood and designed the Lounge Chair 670.
• Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American designer whose coffee table is still the centerpiece of many contemporary living rooms.

Contemporary art refers to art produced since World War II. Since the modern art movement spans such a wide number of years, there are many different types of work in this category.

Some famous contemporary artists include:

• Damien Hirst, known for his exhibits of real animals in formaldehyde
• Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist who died at the age of twenty-seven.
• Julian Schnabel, a neo-expressionist artist.

For inspiration, check out one of the many well known U.S. museums showcasing contemporary art in cities such as Boston, Miami, New York and Chicago.

Contemporary art, like contemporary furniture, can dominate a home or serve as an accent piece. Even if your decorating style is Victorian, Colonial or pre-War, you can make contemporary design style work in your home. The trick is choosing art and furniture that you love. If you stick with what you love, it will automatically blend with the other favorite pieces in your home.

Today, contemporary style design is available no matter what your budget. Stores like Target have made contemporary design style available to the masses. Design stars like Michael Graves make tea kettles and toasters with beautiful style for Target. Thomas O'Brien makes vintage-inspired retro lamps, clocks and bathroom products for the big box retailer.

The hallmarks of contemporary interiors are modern style, clean lines, and form following function. To create a contemporary look choose neutral colors, lots of natural lighting and modern materials. Furniture should be a mix of strong fabrics such as leather and suede and sleek finishes such as chrome and nickel. Create visual excitement with some contemporary art in bold colors. Frame the artwork in simple black frames or matte metals. Lighting should be simple. Consider recessed and track lighting and floor lamps with great visual appeal. Let the artists mentioned here inspire you and you can create a stunning, functional home.

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