Contemporary Style Today's contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark. It's a style that is equally appropriate for offices and stores, lofts and homes. A contemporary home can be a rewarding, quiet and comfortable retreat. If you prefer a contemporary look for your bedroom, there are some basic rules you need to stick to. While simplicity, sophistication and clean lines constitute the foundation of contemporary style, elegant, sleek and fresh are also usually associated with contemporary interiors. Now let's look into more details about the characteristics and elements of a contemporary style of decorating and thus you can apply them for your interior decorating. The following information are taken from about.com, to view the original article, you can visit:http://interiordec.about.com/od/contemporarystyle/a/contemporarystl.htm Color black and white are the main colors in contemporary interiors. The palette is often punched up and accented with bright and bold color. Black is often used to ground and define a contemporary room. With walls painted in a basic neutral, you have a wonderful backdrop for bold colored accessories. If the walls and windows are painted in pastels, the trims should be neutral. If a wall is a bright, bold color, neutrals should be used everywhere else. Line and Space The most obvious and distinctive element of a contemporary interior design is line. It's found in architectural details, use of bold color blocks, high ceilings, bare windows, and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture. The bare space, on walls, between pieces of furniture, and above in upper areas, becomes as important as the areas filled with objects. In contemporary interiors, less is more. Each piece stands out as individual and unique. Take advantage of structural elements. Air ducts may hang from a ceiling, broken bricks provide texture and stability, and exposed plumbing pipes are perfectly acceptable. To draw the eye, paint these structural details in bold contrasting colors, or to diminish their importance, blend them with the walls. Contemporary Furniture Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential for furniture pieces. Upholstered furniture often wears black, white, or other neutral tones in textured natural fibers. Cover it in a neutral, black, or bold fabric. Fabrics often have a natural look (wool, cotton, linen, silk, jute) and add textural appeal. Furniture pieces should be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Sofas, chairs, and ottomans have exposed legs. Beds and chairs usually have no skirt, trim, fringe, or tassels.