What is contemporary design practice? This is a question asked many times by home buyers as they seek to purchase a new home. The term “contemporary” is defined as having certain standards or ideas that are different from those of traditional design. Some home buyers are simply confused as to what contemporary home design would look like, so this article seeks to provide some clarification of the different concepts behind contemporary design.
Before discussing contemporary home design in detail we first need to establish what “contemporary” truly means. In its broader sense, contemporary simply refers to a design that is different from traditional styles. It differs in the fact that it generally takes the form of new and exciting design that is still very familiar to consumers. When looking at contemporary home design, you will find a lot of stylistic diversity. You might find that contemporary design mixes traditional elements with modern ones, while still others may be looking at contemporary home design that has absolutely nothing to do with either tradition or modernity. Whatever your individual idea of contemporary design, it is sure to have an effect on the style and layout of your home.
Most contemporary homes take their inspiration from various different sources. Sometimes the influence of certain designers is obvious, such as when looking at some of the contemporary home built in the styles of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier or Mies Van Der Rhoe. However, other times, less obvious influences can be found. For instance, if you look at the way some contemporary home built around the “Shaker” style of architecture, which is characterized by a series of rectangular or square shaped rooms, then you may well be inspired by the work of Henry VIII, who broke with the traditional style of the time.
Many home buyers are also confused about contemporary home design when they are shopping for a new house. After all, it can be difficult to tell what is contemporary and what is not. Some examples of contemporary designs are the condo type homes that you often see being built today. These homes are designed around an individual concept rather than the old style condominiums, and they fit in with the high-rises that many people associate with contemporary architecture. While these contemporary homes cannot be considered truly contemporary, their designers certainly have given them an edgy feel. This kind of design fits well with the younger generation and is very appropriate in the urban environment.
However, some people still wonder what is contemporary design. The answer to this question is simple – the design does not necessarily have to conform to the current standards of contemporary home design. In fact, a contemporary home designed in a more retro style may actually be considered contemporary in the eyes of some people. The point of contemporary design is to bring into the picture, whatever the medium has available to designers at the time, and to make their vision something more than just a fad that will be forgotten after a few years. As such, you do not necessarily have to follow the contemporary design style as it pertains to modern or contemporary homes.
One reason why a contemporary home may still be considered contemporary is because the materials used are still mostly manufactured and not handcrafted. Many contemporary materials, such as fiberglass for example, are still produced in large numbers even if they may not look like they have been handcrafted. Therefore, contemporary design practices tend to create a feeling of uniformity where materials are concerned, and the use of handmade or unique elements is rejected. However, contemporary design also tends to favor lighter materials and more geometrical shapes, so you can tell that contemporary design practices do not have an affinity towards the natural. Another contemporary design practice is to utilize sharp angles, and this is seen in home accessories, furniture pieces, architecture, as well as interior design.
In order to determine whether or not what is contemporary design is your own personal taste, you must determine what is contemporary first. The last component of what is contemporary is your own individual style. However, many times the design elements that you incorporate into your contemporary home will actually be derived from what is contemporary already. For example, if you decide to incorporate wood into your contemporary home, chances are you are looking to evoke the feeling of a country farmhouse. Likewise, if you choose to incorporate stainless steel appliances into your contemporary home, you are trying to evoke the feeling of a modern-day city.
These are some of the elements of what is contemporary design practice that you must consider before deciding on your own unique design. In addition, these are just some of the components you should take into consideration as you begin your search for the perfect home design. This way, you will be able to know that what is contemporary design practice for you is truly you.
