Sleek lines, minimalist design, and futuristic accents are the signature elements of contemporary style. From the flooring to the furnishings, here are seven design basics for the contemporary bedroom.
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 1) Wall Color
In a contemporary bedroom, the style is so stark and simple that sometimes a bold wall color is needed to provide warmth and personality to the space.
The size of the bedroom should determine how much color to use. If the room is small, choose a light neutral shade for three walls, and use the bolder darker color as an accent wall. If the room is larger, painting two adjoining walls a bright color, opposite two walls of a lighter shade, gives a funky contemporary feel to the room.
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 2) Flooring
Hardwood and tiled flooring are popular choices for contemporary rooms, but for the bedroom, you may want to opt for a softer material. If you keep the hardwood or tiled flooring, a solid color throw rug is a versatile piece that can add a pop of color and soft landing place for your feet.
If you decide to go with a carpet, keep the pile low. Knotted or berber carpet styles work best with the simple contemporary design. Stay away from patterned carpeting and long material such as shag or plush loop which will make the room look too busy.
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 3) The Bed
For a contemporary bedroom the bed design should be as simple as possible. Beds with simple headboards and low or no footboards are preferable. They can be of any wood or stain, but avoid ornate carvings, posts, or other accessories attached to it.
Keep the lines of the bed clean and straight: no rounded edges, etc. As an added bonus, because contemporary beds are very simple, they tend to be less expensive than more elaborate bedroom sets.
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 4) Lighting
Lamps are often overlooked in other room styles, but in a contemporary bedroom, the lighting can really bring character to the décor. Futuristic designs, globes, even lantern designs work great to “lighten” the minimalist design of a contemporary bedroom.
Avoid any style that comes with a shade: a lamp shade makes any lamp appear more traditional, and will not fit in with the style of the contemporary bedroom.
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 5) Bedding
Bedding is another area of the décor where your personality can be showcased in a contemporary bedroom. Large geometric patterns bring a modern look to the bed; go even bolder with graffiti prints or large scale screen-printed illustrations on a duvet.
In addition to the comforter, adding solid color throw pillows work to connect the personality of the bedding back to the simplicity of the contemporary design.
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 6) Window Treatments
For the contemporary bedroom, replace ruffled valances, frilly tie-back curtains, and long dramatic drapes with sleeker window treatments. Bamboo blinds, solid color roman shades, and indoor shutters keep the sun out, but the modern style in!
Contemporary Bedroom Design Element 7) Accessories
Accessories should be used sparingly in contemporary bedrooms due to their minimalist design. Limit extraneous decorations to only one per surface to make sure that the room does not become cluttered and lose its contemporary style.
A bold piece of art, an abstract shape mirror, or even a collage of empty frames can embellish a blank wall. A small sculpture, a desk-size fountain, or candle display can dress up a dresser or nightstand with subtle drama. Finally a large planter or ficus tree by a window or in an empty corner, balances out the harsh lines of the room and adds a relaxing element of nature.
For more suggestions on designing a contemporary room, please visit:The Contemporary Bathroom: 10 Tips for Decorating the Modern Bath.
