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.