Casual Design

The word ‘casual’ brings to mind the concept of a lack of concern, a carefree and even somewhat lazy approach that is more functional then decorative and like most such impressions getting it right is much harder then it looks to the untrained eye!

Being able to merge the attributes that make a room look homey, warm and comforting without making it look tired, old and sloppy can be difficult. Doing so in a way that is both comfortable to live in and easy to maintain while still being relatively inexpensive to design and create is what takes the real skill though!

Naturally you want the rooms in your home to be comfortable and easy to live in and maintain – a simple beanbag with a washable liner would accomplish that nicely and I suppose one could call that casual although most would define that style as ‘early bachelor’ as would having your laundry hamper in the living room where you can throw your clothes as you come home from work while easy to live in this is not what we refer to as casual style.

To create a casual decor style that is livable but obviously done on purpose and by someone with taste and a certain amount of sophistication you need to follow a few rules, such as:

• Use simple details in fabrics and accessories – try to avoid shiny materials and when possible lean toward textured or other weaves of interest such as linen and wool

• Rely on restful and muted designs and colors in upholstery, curtains and cloth lampshades

• Avoid too much symmetry but don’t allow it to become eclectic

• When possible use horizontal lines and simple, country themed artwork

• Furniture should be soft and comfortable, preferably oversized

• Use of slip covers are a plus and soft pastels and neutral colors or dark tones such as forest green, cranberry or navy can be used to create simple focal points.

Most casual rooms will rely on larger and more ‘blocky’ pieces of furniture rather then vertically high pieces or thin petite works. The larger scale provides a comfortable sense of security and confidence, as well as giving room for storage and spreading out.

Contemporary design

How is Contemporary Decoration Identified?

Perhaps because of an emphasis on clean lines and order, contemporary decorating will always draw comparison to modern and minimalist approaches to explain differences.

We won’t change that here either.

Contemporary features softer lines and an emphasis on comfortable texture to set it’s distinctive mood. Color, while not elaborately used is warming, even rich in the mid range, and never stark in the neutrals. More inviting than modern while remaining clean. Clean not sterile.

 Modern Contemporary Decorating with Color and the Proper use of color

Rid your mind of any idea this color palette can be boring. An infusion of vibrant color can come from an accent wall of a different color, vivid accessories such as cushions, contemporary area rugs, and pillows, bold works of art. Let a prime piece of contemporary furniture, a sofa perhaps, be considered art and go uncharacteristically bold.

Let simplicity be your driving force in working a living room Contemporary plan

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You will be looking to create a good relationship between the environment your home provides and it’s user.

Here the word stark might come to mind again. It is a common fear but avoidable if you focus on putting visual order into your life. Order can be comforting and comfort is tranquility. Move forward with that thought in mind.

Surfaces and Putting Contemporary Texture to the Test

A modern lifestyle needs modern surfaces that are both functional and practical. On floors that means smooth. Choose Berber over cut pile where there are carpets. Flush fitting, durable finish hardwoods over v-grooved, waxed strip floors. You’ll need to avoid intricate detail on all surfaces, including moldings, furnishings and accessories. Not only do these interrupt objective softer lines but, maintenance and cleaning is more difficult.

Wood surfaces such as tables, shelving units and flooring can be dark toned or light but should remain consistent throughout a room. The choice of wood types and grain are open to your preference. But, don’t break from the consistency and continuity of your design concept mixing wood tones.

To add some depth to vertical lines where needed, a wall can be covered in a fine textured linen modern home wall paper. Don’t use anything with an elaborate pattern. Once again, remember you want to avoid intricate details.

Added texture can come from choices of upholstery fabrics and window treatment. Offset sleekness and smooth lines with linen, wool or raw silk. Focus on texture and color over elaborate patterns which might confuse the overall contemporary look.

The law of order

It is worthy of emphasis to stress the need to keep clutter minimal. In a busy household this isn’t always an easily attainable goal. But clutter can be kept out of sight so as not to confound all the order your decorating work will accomplish.

The use of multi-door, flush mount cabinets along the length of a wall can be incorporated easily into the furnishing decor theme. Let this generous amount of space with multiple divisions serve as a handy depository for your secret stash of papers and games, magazines and knick knacks, table linens and props, and everything else inappropriate to the view.

Distinguishing materials

Bright metals are a material of important application and prevalence in Contemporary decorating. Chrome, nickel and stainless steel is incorporated into the design of many furniture pieces, decorative accessories, lamps, and stand alone art. Versatility of the material cannot be denied but, the beauty in these metals is beheld in the addition of sleekness to the decorating purpose.

Lighting fixtures and use of light in contemporary design is an element of extreme importance. Think of it in that way –an element– when you put light to use and your project will finish in the right direction.

Illuminate and draw attention to key features. Beam streams of pure clean halogen light over focal points such as the central coffee table of a seating group. Flood softer light tight to and along walls.

Look for well designed track lighting to bring power to ceiling areas where power is unavailable. Opt for pot lighting where you can and directional spot fixtures where needed for reasons of utility.

Floor lamps are preferred over table lamps. Include these bright metal “sculptures” as a part of your metallic accent and accessory program and accomplish usable lighting with the same stroke.

You should be able to fill a room with light when needed or as you wish, be able to work the lighting for affect in much the same way a stage production crew might do in theater.

A final thought

Absolutely nothing in the decor package and design should be overpowering or try to make a solo statement. Make your personal statement through the appearance of the project in its totality.