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ContemporaryFurniture.com participates with Ask The Experts

Designer Christine Kenyon offers advise on PureContemporary.com

Q. I have an unfinished 1930 square foot basement. I want a pure contemporary look. There are 12 windows -- 3 facing west and 9 north. Wallcolor? Floor color light or dark? Metallic looking porcelain floor tile? Would like to have seating area, TV, Counter/cabinets, sink, small refrigerator, long dining table. Furniture colors? Would like area rugs not wall to wall. Floor color is the big question? Thanks help!

A. What a great basement! With all those windows though you will have a ton of natural light. A metallic floor and a bright sunny day ... did you need lasik surgery?

But before we start on the floor -- let's start with a few fundamental questions. Who is going to use the room? Will it be formal or casual? Do you have any fear of flooding? How cold does it get in the winter months? After all if the ground is frozen then your floor will act as a refrigerator unless you have radiant heat.

My personal preference is not to have a metallic tile floor in the basement. In a 1930 square foot space be prepared for an explosion of sound. There are commercial tiles available which will help distort the level of noise as tiles are not completely smooth and have a gritty non-slip texture on the surface. (By the way, these tiles will only distort the noise not eliminate.) Are you looking for a practical surface which can be sanitized when lets say a river over flows its banks, or a sump pump decides not to work?

From a design perspective, a metallic floor is the focal point, and 1930 square feet is a lot of focal point. Even if you have radiant heat my preference is for a softer look... a large 18-24" inch tile in a neutral tone laid on a diagonal pattern. Larger tiles offer fewer grout lines than your typical floor tile.

So where could you put the drama? Create a feature area, such as your bar, use your metallic tile on a wall behind it or better still on the face of the bar. Add a different element on the bar top, such as granite, to enhance the contrast. Your seating should float in your space and your metallic-type tile should compliment the area rug and seating area. I am assuming there is a home theater in the room as well. This too should compliment your feature area. In contemporary, open space and complimentary tones and textures will give richness and grace to your home.

When contemporary is done correctly, with color consistency and balance, the space is expressive, functional, full and a piece of art. But as with any masterpiece, you only need one focal point -- too many will just confuse us. I look forward to hear which direction you are going

CONTACT:
John Kenyon
Advance Furniture
(800) 477-2285

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