Contemporary Allure: The Fresh New Look You’ll Love

Start with a rich, earthy colour palette

The hero of this scheme is its wonderfully warm and sophisticated palette. Colours are drawn from nature; think soft, earthy neutrals, such as textural greys, pewter, pumice and stone.

While you may wish to vary colour strength and proportions from room to room, the key is not to stray from this palette in order to give your home the refined and cohesive feel this look calls for.

Accents of black

Small accents of black might seem insignificant, but they pack a powerful punch in this earthy, neutral scheme. Introduce matt black touches through lighting, joinery handles, picture and mirror frames and furniture such as chairs and side tables. You’ll find they ground the earthy palette and give rooms a thoroughly contemporary edge.

Less pattern, more texture

When it comes to fabrics, rugs and wallpaper, keep patterns and prints to a minimum and instead focus on a rich layering of contrasting textures in tonal shades of pewter, pumice and stone.

Up the glam factor by lining the walls of your hallway or master bedroom with textured linen or opting for a richly textured wallpaper.

Add layers of luxury with a subtly patterned herringbone or chevron timber floor in your main living and dining areas, chunky, loop-pile wool carpet in the bedrooms, and luxurious fabrics such as velvet, boucle, linen and silk for your soft furnishings, cushions and bedlinen.

Statement artwork

“Abstract artworks are a signature element of the Contemporary Allure look,” says Danielle Taylor, Interior Design Manager at Carlisle Homes.

Pair artwork with bold, statement lighting. “Think sophisticated and refined when it comes to your lighting choices,” says Taylor. Consider a shapely matt-black and glass pendant light above the dining table or kitchen island, and simple yet striking wall lights in nickel and frosted glass in the bedroom and hallway.

Natural finishes

Luxurious natural materials are central to this aesthetic. Create a warm and appealing foundation with a herringbone or chevron timber floor to your main living areas and cosy wool carpet to bedrooms and quiet spaces.

For the kitchen and bathrooms, opt for timber or timber-look joinery (Laminex has a vast range of stunning woodgrain laminates that cost a fraction of the price of the real thing). Line the walls and floors of your ‘wet’ rooms with low-maintenance, stone-look porcelain tiles.

Finish off with touches of marble in tabletops and accessories, and stone-look benchtops in a luxurious, easy-care finish such as Caesarstone.

Dial up the comfort factor

Comfort is key in a look that’s all about luxury. Seek out fully upholstered dining chairs that encourage guests to linger long after the meal has finished, cushioned bar stools and armchairs with tailored detailing such as piped edges. Make seating even more inviting with sumptuous faux-fur throws and a medley of cushions in luxe textures such as silk, velvet and leather.