Dear Jean and Richard, We’re thinking about making the inside of our home more contemporary. What key design elements should we be considering? –Kathy, Asheville

Richard: That depends on what contemporary means to you. Very different in WNC than in NYC. For example, some mid-twentieth century architecture blending natural materials with glass in geometric arrangements are often considered contemporary, despite the fact it can be 50 years old. Minimalist interiors are often referred to as contemporary, though that look has been around for centuries in such styles as Scandinavian.

Jean: When I think of contemporary, I think of sleek, simple lines and often a monochromatic color scheme. I think we’ve all been trained to think that way by shelter publications, often because the editors themselves have a hard time identifying a style that does not neatly fit into period or cultural traditions. Right or wrong, when they refer to an understated, dramatic interior void of fancy frills, they’ll call it ‘contemporary.’

Richard: We just finished an apartment in New York City. Contemporary to them meant minimal, high gloss, industrial and pops of bright color.

Jean: Often architects appreciate this style, as it doesn’t cover up the integrity of their design. Urban chic, retro, or post-modern, there’s no one style that can be considered contemporary, because what’s new today will be dated tomorrow.

Richard: Of course you’re right. Makes you happy, doesn’t it? But because the term is so often used to define an alternative to more predictable interiors, most people already have it set in their minds that it means simple and clean, with low, horizontal lines Even that, however, has a different look and feel than it did fifty, thirty, or even ten years ago. Flat screens and i-pods have replaced component stereos and TV cabinets. Solid surface counters are now the norm. New materials like recycled glass and floating laminates are being used for floors. It could be argued that the new contemporary is also “green.”

Jean: I love green! I consider green a neutral…

Richard: No, Jean. I mean green building, as in using renewable resources…..a direction that is being taken seriously by most of our manufacturers, or at least hyped to be so.

Jean: Which reminds me—this started with a question from Kathy. I think the only advice we can safely give is identify what is most important for your lifestyle, and then remember that the rules of scale, proportion and color still apply. Regardless of whether your idea of contemporary is pale color and armless seating, or a wall of glass blending the indoor room and the outdoor garden, remember to consider traffic flow in your room layout, balance the weight of the furnishings within the space, and hang your wall art at eye level.

Richard: And remember that your idea of contemporary might be laughed at by your parents or children. But maybe you didn’t want them visiting too much anyway!