To work contemporary style into your home, think about how to add warmth in some areas while streamlining others. Colleen Primm, owner of Colleen Primm Design in Strongsville, breaks down three ways to update your space.
Plants
Make your space look a little more lived-in with a splash of green. For inexperienced plant parents, Primm recommends placing small cacti on shelves or a large fig tree for people with a green thumb. “Contemporary design looks good on paper, but it often lacks softness,” Primm says. “Plants just add a more livable, vibrant vibe that can really help a space.”
Minimalist furniture
Forget oversized, fluffy sofas. With contemporary design, less is more. Opt for a thin, tight-back couch with no curves in a neutral beige or gray, or even a large piece of art with geometric designs that draw the eye. “The world can be so chaotic,” says Primm. “Sometimes it’s nice to just have something straight and simple.”
Brushed metal
Add some sleekness with a pop of brushed nickel — a softer and less shiny material than stainless steel. Look for faucets, dishwashers or even refrigerators in the finish. “It’s more matte and calm,” Primm says. “It’s becoming more classic, so even if things around it are changing, that brushed metal will stay current for a long time.”
For more on this style: Design Guide: Material Thrill
