Transform Your Space with Contemporary Interior Design

Contemporary design refers to a style that is current and of the moment. Today, it’s often characterized by clean lines, minimalism and a focus on function over form. Modern materials such as glass, metal and concrete combine to form the understated, minimalist vibe that contemporary interior lovers have come to cherish.

 

From an architectural perspective, contemporary interiors tend to prioritize open-concept floor plans and place a heavy emphasis on natural light. Homes in this style are typically uncongested, bright and easy on the eyes.

 

Not to be confused with modern design, which refers specifically to the design style of the mid-20th century, contemporary design is constantly evolving to reflect current trends and design tastes.

IF YOU’RE WONDERING HOW TO ACHIEVE A CONTEMPORARY LOOK IN YOUR HOME,

you’re in the right place.

Contemporary Design Principles and Key Characteristics

Following core contemporary design principles is key to achieving a look that falls in line with this popular style.

 

From uncluttered floor plans to white, bright, breezy color schemes and furniture layouts, these are some of the most important design principles to abide by to achieve a current-day contemporary interior aesthetic.

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Open-Concept Floor Plans

Contemporary interiors are all about creating a seamless flow from one room to the next — particularly the kitchen, dining room and living room. Homeowners and guests alike should be able to move freely between the main areas of the home without feeling disconnected from the rest of the group.

 

For example, those preparing a meal in the kitchen should be able to see, talk to and entertain guests in the living room without feeling ostracized. These free-flowing designs leave plenty of room to play with different furniture layouts and make it easy to update configurations as contemporary trends continue to transform.

 

In a nutshell, an open-concept contemporary home should have:

 

  • Minimal walls.
  • Seamless flow to and from adjacent spaces.
  • Functional furniture layouts.
  • Room for flexibility and change.

Lots of Natural Light

Contemporary spaces are bright, full stop. While artificial lighting is an important piece of the contemporary interior puzzle, the focus on natural light is heavy. From an architectural perspective, this may mean building larger windows in frequented living spaces, such as family rooms or kitchens. From a decorating perspective, window treatments tend to be minimal if present at all.

 

The contemporary interior design style follows a simple rule for lighting: the brighter, the better. In terms of window and window treatments, design inclinations tend to favor:

 

  • Oversized or mulled windows.
  • Thin frames.
  • Minimal drapery.

Minimalism and Clean Lines

Minimalism is a core principle of contemporary design that demands organized and uncluttered living spaces. Inside these thoughtful and flowing homes, less is more — so ornamentation tends to be modest.

 

Sleek lines take precedence here, helping create a sense of simplicity and sophistication indicative of this uncomplicated design style.

 

Contemporary is clean, which means contemporary interior designers should emphasize:

 

  • Simple lines and forms.
  • Quality over quantity.
  • Airy and uncluttered spaces.
  • Multifunctionality.

 

Neutral Color Palettes

Neutral colors make it easy to swap out pieces of furniture and decor for newer, trendier items when contemporary design inevitably transforms. Light and bright colors, like whites, grays and beiges are common.

 

When selecting colors for a contemporary space, remember these truths:

 

  • Opt for simple palettes.
  • Use bright colors.
  • Incorporate occasional pops of color.

Fluidity

Contemporary design is fluid and ever-changing. It’s a trend-forward approach to interiors, meaning that the current styles that are recognizable as contemporary may be different in ten years time.

 

With that, those interested in this design style should be open to change and willing to try out new trends as they enter the contemporary interior arena.

Contemporary Furniture and Decor

Contemporary furniture design emphasizes and reflects the simplicity, comfort and functionality evident in other areas of the aesthetic. When it comes to furniture design and layout, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind.

FURNITURE DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Current contemporary furniture design and layout trends mirror the simplistic composition seen throughout the style as a whole. Clean lines, minimal ornamentation and geometric shapes inform contemporary-style furniture in a big way.

UPHOLSTERY

When it comes to contemporary upholstery, it tends to stick to that same neutral identity — although bright and bold fabrics can be a great way to introduce excitement into these modern spaces.

When choosing upholstery, consider these contemporary themes:

  • Natural fibers: Materials like wool, linen, cotton and silk are favored for their durability, texture and breathability.
  • Leather: Leather, especially smooth, high-quality leather, is another common choice for its sleek look and easy maintenance.
  • Muted patterns: While bold patterns are not typical, some contemporary spaces might incorporate muted geometric patterns or subtle textures in the upholstery.
  • Pops of color: Solid-colored accent pieces in bold or unexpected colors can be used to add personality and vibrancy to a contemporary space.
CONSTRUCTION

Contemporary style furniture typically uses sleek, modern materials that evoke simple elegance. Materials such as metal, glass and wood are used in innovative ways to create contemporary furniture pieces that are both stylish and practical and complement the overall theme well.

FORM

Since contemporary homes place importance on flexibility, modular and multifunctional furniture designs are prevalent in these interiors. They allow homeowners to optimize spaces as they see fit and swap layouts on the fly to accommodate larger groups of guests.

DECOR AND DECORATION

While contemporary style favors austere spaces, decor is not completely absent. Artwork and textured elements should add visual interest to contemporary spaces without compromising cleanliness.

To add just the right amount of flair to a modern interior space, consider these typical approaches to contemporary art and textural elements:

  • Artwork: Abstract sculptures, geometric patterns and bold artwork can add an element of fun and personality to contemporary spaces.
  • Layered textures: Smooth surfaces, glossy finishes and natural materials, like wood, stone and jute, are common textures that look great without compromising the simplicity of these spaces. Use multiple textures and layering them intentionally to create dimension and visual interest.

Contemporary Color Palettes

 

Keeping in mind the bright, simplistic character of contemporary design, there are still many color palettes, schemes and themes to play with within the aesthetic.

NEUTRAL PALETTE WITH POPS OF COLOR

Using a base of white, beige or gray, complemented by bold accent colors such as teal, mustard yellow or coral can add vibrancy and visual interest to the otherwise restrained style without being too overwhelming.

MONOCHROMATIC SCHEMES

Monochrome suits the core color principles of contemporary design nicely. By using various shades of one color, such as gray or blue, decorators can create a cohesive and appealing look in a contemporary space.

 

BLACK AND WHITE

The timeless combination of black and white is a staple in contemporary design; a classic pairing that creates a striking contrast and lends a sense of elegance and drama to the space.

EARTHY TONES

Contemporary is no stranger to earthy tones such as taupe, olive green and rust. While brighter shades tend to take the forefront, there’s plenty of room for warm and organic colors that add depth and coziness to contemporary spaces while still maintaining an identifiable aesthetic.

Contemporary Lighting

Natural light aside, lighting fixtures still have a place in contemporary style.

Clean, Minimalist Fixtures

Understated yet stylish designs for pendant lights, track lighting, recessed lighting and floor lamps are what contemporary fixtures call for — and the materials are familiar, too. Metal and glass combine to create compositions for interior lighting that echo other furniture and design objects in a contemporary style.

Additionally, accent lighting, such as wall sconces or under-cabinet lighting, can add depth and visual interest to a space while still feeling modern.

Emphasis on Energy Efficiency

LED lighting in particular is commonly used in contemporary design. It’s bright, has a long lifespan, low energy consumption and can produce consistent illumination in contemporary rec rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and more.

Integration With Technology

Contemporary style adopts modern technology that creates enhanced functionality around the home. This includes tech such as smart lighting solutions that allow for remote control, dimming and sometimes color-changing capabilities that can set the mood quickly and efficiently.

Contemporary Design FAQ

Still have questions about what contemporary design is all about? Check out these FAQs:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN?

Classic design places emphasis on elements such as timeless and traditional elegance, warmth and formality, whereas contemporary design is all about simplicity, neutrality, innovation and experimentation.

CAN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN BE PERSONALIZED TO MY TASTE?

Of course, it can! Being trend-forward doesn’t mean that all contemporary interior design is cookie-cutter. Beyond the basic principle of this style, there is lots of room to customize it to suit personal preferences. If you’re unsure where to start, a professional decorator from Decorating Den Interiors can help!

Create Your Dream Contemporary Home

While its appearance is simple, sophisticated and serene, contemporary design and decoration require a thoughtful approach to decor curation that emphasizes the most important design principles and characteristics:

  • Sleekness.
  • Light, bright, open and airy spaces.
  • Natural materials.
  • Clean, neutral color palettes.
  • Thoughtful furniture layouts.
  • Flexibility.

Using these ingredients, our professional decorators can help you achieve the contemporary oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

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