During the post war era, the use of sleek, clean lines in interior decorating became very popular. Then and today, contemporary interiors have certain characteristics that really identifies the style which include clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art, neutral elements and bold color.
While some may find the contemporary style stark and uninviting, others are soothed by its non-busy atmosphere and are drawn to the sleek lines, unique shapes and bold color associated with the contemporary style.
To create a truly breathtaking contemporary room, you do not need a great deal of furniture, art or accessories. What you do need, though, is proper lighting.
Choosing the proper lighting is perhaps one of the most important facets of decorating your home and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The technology associated with contemporary lighting today has made it easier than ever before to accomplish grand things in your home with just the flick of the switch. With the right light, you can make an average room look spectacular, disguise flaws and emphasize assets. Lighting can enhance color schemes and make odd rooms seem intimate and cozy.
When choosing lighting for a contemporary space you should choose pieces that are unusual with clean lines. Contemporary lighting fixtures which feature bold color or metallic accents might be your best bet. Recessed or track lighting is also very popular in contemporary homes.
Never underestimate the importance of accent lighting. Accent lighting is important in all home décor styles, but it is more important in contemporary ones because it helps to highlight interesting pieces of art, sculpture or architecture which are the main focal points of the contemporary style.
Accent lighting is pretty self explanatory. This is the lighting that is used as a decorative accent to highlight your décor’s best features such as artwork, collectibles or architecture. This type of lighting can be creatively planned with a combination of lighting products including floor-based uplights, sconces or spotlights.
While accent lighting is not very practical for doing certain tasks, it can add dramatic effect and interest to your home’s most intimate spaces like the living room and bedroom. Accent lighting can also help to create a stunning and memorable entryway.
All different types of accent lighting can be purchased to harmonize with the contemporary lighting style. From floor-based uplights, to cylinder wall-mounted lights, to sconces, there is a wide variety of contemporary accent lighting to choose from.
Task lighting is also very important to consider when decorating in the Contemporary style. Task lighting consists of mainly floor lamps and table lamps, and is the most seen of all lighting fixtures. Be sure to choose lighting that reflects your contemporary space and adds a dramatic effect to your décor.
For general lighting, recessed lighting is the most popular type of lighting fixtures in Contemporary homes. This lighting will illuminate your whole space but not detract from the sleek lines of your décor.
No matter what lighting fixtures you choose, remember to look for unique pieces with sleek lines. If you do so, you will be sure to create a contemporary space for the whole family to love and enjoy.
By: Pamela Tice
Posts Tagged ‘Decorative Accent’
The Tricky Thing About Novelty Lighting
February 5th, 2010
Novelty lighting is one of the best ways to add personality into any individual room or home without compromising on the actual purpose of the lamp, which is to illuminate your home. But what’s funny is that not too many people consider purchasing a novelty light for fear that it may clash with their current décor or may even come off as tacky. This doesn’t always have to be the case; as long as you’re just as choosy in picking your novelty lighting as you are about your furniture, house, car, you know, you’re life basically, then you should be okay.
The first and most common mistake that people make with novelty lighting is that they use it as the sole source of lighting for a room. Even though there are exceptions such as billiards lighting or unique island lighting, relying on your novelty light as the main source should be avoided when possible, which is usually always. Novelty lighting can be considered as accent pieces to your décor, adding a bit of fun personality that won’t take away from the overall theme of your room or home.
With that said, you should also always consider what your current décor looks like. If for example you have a traditional, Victorian theme going on in your home, you should probably stray away from marine animal-themed flush mounts and stick with a subtle floral themed table lamp or wall sconce. If you happen to have a retro styled home, large patterns that evoke a Pop Art theme on lamp shades, diffusers and even on the base of lamps and pendant lights work best.
Keep in mind that novelty lighting really should just be used as a decorative, accent piece for your home. Unless you have the matching décor to go with certain lights, novelty pieces such as the infamous Leg Table Lamp from the classic family film A Christmas Story should probably either stay in the attic or in the film itself! Think carefully before making your first novelty lighting purchase; who knows, it may actually give your home some extra personality!
By: Vicki Duong
