IF YOU’RE WONDERING HOW TO ACHIEVE A CONTEMPORARY LOOK IN YOUR HOME,
you’re in the right place.
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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