The hallmarks of the contemporary aesthetic are the use of neutral tones and clean, sleek lines paired with little to no excess details. This doesn’t, however, mean that you have to deck your room out with all the sterility of a hospital. Going overboard with the contemporary look almost always ends up with a room that looks and feels cold and aloof. With enough variety and a few homey touches, you should be able to achieve a space that looks modern and feels comfortable enough to live in.

Make color your first factor to consider. The palette for the contemporary aesthetic is made up of neutrals, which means you’ll work with blacks, whites, creams and beiges. But don’t stop there, else the room will have all the appeal of a blank sheet of paper. Because your room’s primary colors are neutral, you can be bolder with the color choices for the rest of the room. A distinctive accessory or an area rug in some deep color will really stand out in a neutral room. At the same time, don’t be too bold; going for the contemporary look is all about maintaining balance.

Start with color. Contemporary is monopolized by the neutral shades of beige, cream, black and white. Adding an element of bright colors here and there can be done through decorations and accents. Mix and match contrasting tones. Neutral shades are the best foundations for working with other colors.

Next, focus on the furnishings. Contemporary design is often decorated with materials like metal, stainless steel, glass and nickel. Incorporate two or more of these materials, or utilize wood for your flooring. Surprised? Yes, wood can also be designed for a modern theme. If you wish to stick to a marble or tile flooring, you can always use wood in your decors or some pieces of furniture to give the space a look of originality and homely feel.

Because you’ll be working with very few colors, play around with different textures to add life to the room. A texture that breaks up the typical uniform sleekness of a contemporary space will make just about any room feel like part of a home. Fabrics are very useful for adding texture to a room; a brightly colored throw here and there will have a huge impact in the overall visual effect of the decor.

Of course, lighting can make a difference. Harsh lighting doesn’t help. Admittedly though, modern theme is about ceiling lights that are almost blinding in their brightness. To remedy the situation, make use of floor lamps, desk/table lamps, chandeliers and even recessed lights to give a glow to your home. Each room will look more intimate once you switch off the overhead light and flick on the lamps.

What better way to conclude a decorating project than to decorate with area rugs? This versatile decorative item can harmonize any living space to create a well-coordinated look and the right ambiance you desire. If your living room for instance, is the epitome of contemporary chic, soften it with a lush, deeply-colored area rug for a cozy feel. Furthermore, if your bedroom for example already has the inviting ambiance from the bedside lamps, push it further with an area rug in the center of the room for a romantic aura it rightly deserves.

It’s not impossible to soften a too trendy contemporary look of your home. From the ideas stated in this article – from the colors and texture to the decors like area rugs, you can make your place a truly welcoming abode, a relaxing sanctuary away from the hectic life you lead out there in the busy streets of the city.