DÉCOR
Unique, modern-style furniture adds a stylish flair to contemporary interiors. Photo: Taylor Made Furniture
Lean, Spacious and Clean: Contemporary Style adds Sophistication to Home When Cynthia Block and Michael Bone renovated their 1920s-era home, they kept two seemingly conflicting goals in mind: simplify, and maintain character. They decided to use a contemporary style with its sleek furniture, sparse décor and open spaces as the right way to achieve both.
“The biggest reason we decided to overhaul our older home into a more sleek, contemporary design,” says Block, “is because we just wanted less. This sounds a bit ironic since we added 400 square feet. But with our hectic lives, we were tired of too much stuff.” Living with Less Means Living with More That living-with-less idea is a hallmark of the contemporary style, agrees Lana Hendin, sales manager with Palliser Rooms. “A contemporary approach to decorating allows
34 Saskatoon HOME Spring 2010
a homeowner to showcase their space with a ‘less is more’ mentality,” says Hendin. “Carefully-chosen furniture pieces reflecting a simple, sophisticated line allows you to manipulate the room’s appearance in relation to size and scale. Adding colour and texture is crucial,” she explains, “and will keep the home comfortable and inviting.” Contemporary furniture design and décor conjures up a sophisticated and spacious feel. It’s characterized by sparse and uncluttered spaces, bare windows, straight lines and sleek,
sculpted shapes, neutrals and earthy creams, browns and blacks, punched up with colourful accents and interesting objets d’art. The contemporary look also calls for furnishings that are comfortable and well-made, but not overstuffed, fussy or bulky. “There is always a range of possibilities within a style,” says interior designer Kari Hollingsworth. “People often think that contemporary will be cold and sparse, which doesn’t have to be the case at all. Clean lines and minimal unique pieces can create a very warm and