When it comes to decorating your home, the most important thing to accomplish is that it depicts who you are. You need to remember that the only people who matter are the people who live there. Of course you want a home that is pleasing to the eye. Of course you want a place that is comfortable for your guests. But the overall goal is to make sure it’s a place that you love. Decorating Contemporary Style can accomplish all of these things.
There are so many different design styles out there. There are the classics like Traditional, Mid Century Modern, and French Country. More recently the Rustic Farmhouse look, Minimalist Style, and Shabby Chic Design have joined the mix.
While every design style has basic elements to incorporate when defining the look, perhaps the most flexible is found in Contemporary Design. I have to admit, this is not an area of interior design that I excel at. To that end, I have invited an old friend of mine to explain the concept. She has graciously agreed to do so and has invited us into her beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona townhome to actually show us that concept in real time.
My name is Diana Van Arsdalan.
As a Design Consultant for Copenhagen Imports in Phoenix Arizona for the past 22 years, I like to focus on simple, functional yet warm designs. I strive to create spaces that are unique to each client. Ones where I can incorporate any design element that they enjoy.
I have seen how our contemporary furnishings can compliment a wide variety of design styles. Traditional, Southwestern, Farmhouse, and Old World just to name a few. The ultimate goal of any design is to create a space that is uniquely your own. Therefore, getting to know my clients is such an important part of the process.
Often referred to as chic and sophisticated, Contemporary design seemed to be favored by the single professional or the up and coming power couple in the past. Today, it is embraced by families and empty nesters alike.
Gone are the days when modern design meant cold and uninviting! This simply is no longer true. The idea behind modern furnishings is to marry form with function, keeping the lines clean and simple for a visual that is uncomplicated and soothing to the eye.
Part of my love for contemporary design is the fact that it is fluid by nature. It is the one style that is continuously evolving. The very definition of contemporary is “belonging to or occurring in the present.” Therefore, contemporary furnishings can be used to compliment almost any style in the marketplace today.
Here are some pictures from my own home which I would refer to as “soft contemporary.”
A favorite room in my house is my kitchen. I love to cook and the sleek, clean, open design of the room makes it a pleasure to work in. The chef’s window adds to the functionality for a casual meal at the breakfast bar. It also provides a transitionary outlet to the dining room for a more formal dinner party.
Plants are a passion of mine and you will find them throughout the house. The elevated plant shelves and the skylight make the kitchen the perfect place to pursue both my passions.
With only one of my three children still living at home, we downsized to this townhome less than seven months ago. The Dining Room has not seen much activity yet but it is the perfect size for the intimate dinner parties we love so much.
The main living area of our home is the very definition of form and function. It is a gathering place for family, a comfortable space for entertaining, and a wonderful spot to simply relax and read a book.
Having a functional workspace at home is a must for both my husband and myself. With plenty of room for reference material and ample workspace, my home office is utilized often.
The soft contemporary style is carried out throughout my home. I do tend to change the accents quite often but the overall style remains the same.
Contemporary style is current, functional, and inviting. The contemporary home does not strive to be trendy. Trends come and go. But rather, it evolves along with people who live there. In conclusion, contemporary design is the perfect choice for those who choose to “live in the moment.”
Diana Van Arsdalen. 602-266-8060 ext.217 dianav@copenhagenliving.com
My thanks to Diana for sharing her home with us! I am absolutely in love with that kitchen! Cooking is not my strong suit but I think I could be inspired in that room! Still, what I love most about Diana’s home, is her original artwork. I accepted the fact that I will never have that skill long ago. If the truth be told, I would have failed my 9th grade art class miserably if my desk hadn’t been located directly behind hers! Here are a few of my favorites!
In conclusion, your home should always be a reflection of who you are. Diana’s home tells me that she is a talented, independent, woman. She very much lives life in the moment and enjoys it to the max. Having known her for over 40 years now, I can tell you her home is telling the truth. That is exactly who she is. So thank you again for sharing Diana! Here’s to the next forty!
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