In reality, contemporary style design, although sleek, clean and smooth, can make a colorful and dramatic design statement that is an interesting blend of textures, colors and elements.

If you enjoy clean lines, smooth surfaces, bold colors and natural elements, contemporary home decor could be the creative lifestyle expression for you. Home decorating ideas for color choices will consist of neutral shades for the walls, although accent walls in a bold color (or two) are not out of the question.

In fact, you will want to create drama with the use of color. For example, if your walls are the neutral backdrop, you may select a sofa that is a bright, solid red.

Your upholstered pieces will not have busy patterns, and in fact, there may not be much pattern in the space, with the exception of a striking area rug or artwork on the wall. To create further contrast in the area, you may decide to use a small amount of black as a dramatic accent.

Although clean lines are indicative of contemporary decor, unique geometric shapes are very much at home in this setting. This could come in the form of sculpture, accent pieces or a one-of-a-kind chair. Complementing these will be the straight lines of the other pieces in the area, such as a Scandinavian style sofa.

Accent pieces such as coffee tables and end tables may be wood based with stainless steel or chrome accents, and of course will be clean and sleek lined. The wood tone that is selected, whether light, dark or something in-between, will be carried through the area for consistency.

Your flooring may be wood, tile or a textured carpet such as a Berber to complement the contemporary decor. A textured wall covering could be part of your contemporary home decor and lend another element of interest to the area.

Lighting is an essential element to contemporary style decorating and should be selected carefully.

Track lighting is often used to highlight a focal point in the room. As with other elements in the room, light fixtures will have clean lines, may have bold colors and be constructed from a type of metal such as stainless steel or chrome.

As you are selecting colors, textures, furniture and for the area, including clean, crisp contemporary accessories, it is critical to remember that with contemporary decor there is never a feeling of messiness or overcrowding. Each piece and element has a drama of its own, and should be appreciated without distraction.

Here are some ideas for Contemporary Window Treatmentsto complete your room's decor.

If you think that adding one more element to the area might be too much, you're probably right. Err to the "less is more" philosophy of decorating and you will be fine.