Look through paint sample cards for inspiration.
You can achieve a contemporary look in your home simply by using modern color combinations. For more adventurous amateur designers, specialized effects will create a strong statement on your walls. Test different colors and effects on canvas boards, and place these in your rooms to give yourself a chance to judge their effectiveness alongside existing furnishings and colors, which means you are less likely to make an impulsive decision you later regret.
Contemporary White
White walls almost always give a clean, bright, contemporary appearance to a room. To avoid a look that is too cold and sterile, go for a soft shade of white, such as white with a hint of rose or magnolia. Clever lighting choices can also soften a white room. White paint works with any other color, but for a really modern home painting idea, stick to white; paint your walls, ceiling and woodwork different shades of white for a "layering" effect. White paint paired with a minimal furnishing style and luxurious fabrics create a calming contemporary environment ideal for a bedroom.
Contemporary Brights
Bright green is a bold, modern paint choice.
A favorite trend in contemporary interior home painting is strong, bright colors. For a really bold style statement, paint an accent wall in a primary color like green, red or yellow. Take care when choosing your accent wall; if in doubt, go for the wall that is directly opposite the door of the room, or paint the fireplace wall. An alternative to the primary colors is a secondary color; select orange, purple or hot pink for a really vibrant room. Remember that, as a general rule, darker colors make a room appear smaller while lighter tones give the illusion of more space. Contrasting brights work in rooms where the aim is to create a lively, energetic atmosphere; paint orange walls with lime green woodwork and backsplash in a kitchen or violet with a yellow stenciled border in a feminine bedroom or bathroom. Clashing colors can look just as effective; pick two or three colors from the same spectrum; for example, scarlet, salmon and fuchsia.
Contemporary Special Effects
If you are looking for a really unusual contemporary paint effect, create a specialized finish on your walls. Pigment your walls, scratching back the plaster, glazing and polishing will achieve an interesting "linen" effect. Glazing alone provides a much greater shine than paint does. Take a tip from interior designers, and use high-gloss car spray paint on your walls for a quick application; follow product instructions carefully. For a really contemporary wall finish, use blackboard paint and create your own chalkboard wall, which is ideal for a modern family home.
