Whether it's referred to it as International Style, Revivalist Contemporary, New Modern or Avant-garde, contemporary design is experiencing a resurgence in living and working spaces worldwide with pieces by influential design pioneers such as Bauhaus, Le Corbusier (Le Corbusier's chaise) and Arne Jacobsen (the Egg Chair) taking place on honour in modern-contemporary settings. In fact, classic designs by any of these design icons are now even more widely available, and pieces - normally only seen in museum exhibits and antique dealers - are now becoming a part of the modern design movement.

With its emergence in the early twentieth century, contemporary design has gone on to firmly establish itself as a style for the future, with new designers seeking out new ways to incorporate green design solutions for today's designs. Whilst in the past it was the desire to toss out the traditional and look for new design processes, today, our constant exposure to the latest streamlined home electronics and good design makes us yearn for sophisticated products and architecture in our living spaces. In fact, this awakening to contemporary design can be attributed to the fact that this design style is complementary to the technology that is now a part of our daily living. One only has to look at the latest design trends emerging for the flat screen TV's to see that modern technology blends extremely well with contemporary design.



And today's designers are marrying the best of that inspired by contemporary pioneers with new materials, modern ergonomics and stylish good looks. Designers like Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison, and Peter Traag are transforming post-modern pieces into new works that still reflect the original, but with a refreshing new twist. One only has to look at the design offerings from companies such as Vitra and as Kartell to see where current design trends are heading.

The beauty of contemporary design for the urban lifestyle is that it does not rely on the excessive use of accessories, but 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.



Flooring
Designing floors for contemporary homes varies widely, which by definition is what contemporary is all about, and the wide variety of materials used for flooring now truly reflect the increasing trend for more organic materials in contemporary settings. Technology has introduced the opportunity to replace traditional flooring with materials such as cork and bamboo, which are one hundred percent sustainable materials, and whilst it may take some time to filter into the residential market, hardwoods and laminate floors look set to be replaced by these more 'natural' options. Other new flooring trends include natural stone and polished concrete, which is tinted or acid stained and polished to a high gloss.

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.

According to Twiice International, a South African company specialising in providing furniture solutions for living - The latest lighting technology shows a whole range of possibilities for making lighting effects easier to achieve. Fibre optics, metal halide and LED's are new methods of putting light where it is needed and providing new visual effects. Control systems have also developed from single light switches to hi-tech computer systems. Controls can be pre-programmed to certain mood settings, integrated into many audio-visual applications and even controlled from a cellular phone.



Artistic Investment
Contemporary art is dramatic and bold with single pieces set apart on display. Glass, metals, stone, and wood 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.

Contemporary is about creating a space that is uniquely personal; that fits each individual personality, lifestyle. The pace today is fast, frenetic and fun, but even those on the fast track need a place to chill and take a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily living and contemporary design offers an underlying simplicity for interiors. Whether you're searching for peace and quiet amid all the chaos or whether you want to create a striking, stunning and stylish space to match your upbeat lifestyle, Contemporary style offers a way to create dining spaces that are easy to maintain and downright sexy! - Janice Anderssen

Photos by Fritz Hansen

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