Well, almost! But this article is about sexy lines, smooth, long legs, sophistication and elegant style! We’re talking about Contemporary Dining for the urban lifestyle.


Whether Interior Design refers to it as Revivalist Contemporary, New Modern or Avant-garde, contemporary design is experiencing a resurgence in living and working spaces - worldwide.

The joy of Contemporary Living is that it does not rely on the excessive use of accessories rather it focuses on minimal accessories selected for their design and form. This is a style that is black and white - no grey areas - and colours are bold, solid and contrasting. No baby blues or pinks here!

Our constant exposure to the latest streamlined home electronics and good design makes us yearn for sophisticated products and architecture in our living spaces.

When choosing pieces for a contemporary scheme, remember that you need to make bold statements with both furniture and accessories, and you need to keep it simple. Avoid floral prints, tassels and clutter, and opt instead for artistic pieces. What you save on smaller decorating items put towards a single item that adds rather than detracts from your look.

Designed for looks and comfort
Furniture design should be simple and clean looking. Suites in one-colour with clean lines manufactured from leather or fabric are an integral part of contemporary design, while geometric-shaped scatter cushions can be used to add a splash of colour.

Flooring
Laminate flooring has become very popular over the last few years, but carpet always creates a feeling of luxury and comfort in a room - whether you want elegant formality or a casual space. A new development in flooring is the use of concrete, which is tinted or acid stained and polished to a high sheen - a great new contemporary look.

Lighting
Lighting has always played an important role in contemporary interiors. Track lighting can be used to illuminate walls and emphasise particular features, such as classic pieces of furniture. Look for unusual fixtures with sculptural interest and clean lines.

Artistic Investment
Glass, metals, stone, and wood will all fit well into a contemporary interior. If contemporary is your style, visit our local galleries and start investing in pieces that will increase in value with time. When it comes to art and sculptures, these should be placed for emphasis, on columns or pedestals. Install specialized lighting for original art, framed prints, or posters. It is most effective to have a few large accessories well placed rather than lots of smaller pieces. Give each piece breathing room by establishing a zone of empty space around it.

If contemporary is the look for you, experiment with it, play around with ideas before you take the plunge. Browse décor magazines and put together a collection of images then, armed and ready, head for the shops.