January 20, 2022 •Christyanne Wheeler
Whether you simply want to refresh and revitalize your space or you plan to renovate it from top to bottom, nothing is more central to your efforts — and your results — than finding the best interior design style to suit your home, tastes, and lifestyle.
To simplify the undertaking (or at least get you started in the right direction), we’ve embarked on a regular blog series exploring the defining characteristics of all the major interior design styles, including a quintessential list of what it takes to master each look with ease.
After covering Scandinavian, modern farmhouse, boho, and traditional décor styles, we’re ready to turn an eye toward an exceptionally popular — but widely misunderstood — interior aesthetic: contemporary style. Here’s what you should know about this forever-relevant style.
Contemporary Style Interior Design 101
When it comes to staying relevant and “of the moment,” contemporary décor is a true style chameleon. It makes sense, of course, given that the term contemporary means belonging to or occurring in the present; just as the present is always current and ever-evolving, so too are the interiors that adhere to contemporary style design standards.
Dating back to the 1970s, contemporary style is widely mischaracterized as simply another version of modern design. While contemporary style interiors have a lot in common with modern interiors — both feature clean lines, a neutral backdrop, plenty of open space, and careful attention to editing — modern design has its own consistent vibe, one that values form and function in equal measure.
A contemporary house often features open floor plans, integration of natural materials, and innovative shapes. These homes create a strong indoor-outdoor connection and reflect current design trends and styles that evolve with society's preferences.
To put it another way: modern design, which began the 1930s, features a monochromatic tonal palette, sleek silhouettes, and a near-total absence of decoration; contemporary style, on the other hand, is a design movement born out of modernism that views simplicity as an opportunity for play.
Elements of the Contemporary Design Style
Contemporary style can be hard to pin down because it doesn’t refer to a specific era — it evolves as time goes on, always remaining in the present moment. Just as contemporary style interiors of 20 years ago aren’t the same as today’s contemporary spaces, future contemporary décor will look different than it does now.
Architectural details, such as strong lines, high ceilings, and structural features, play a crucial role in contemporary interior design. These elements not only define the contemporary style but also help balance color and space within a room, creating a unique and engaging environment.
So what does it take to create streamlined contemporary interior design that is both sophisticated and playful? Here are eight ways to align your home with the contemporary interior design aesthetic:
1. Set a serene neutral scene
As a style that’s just as defined by empty space as it is by the curated objects within that space, contemporary interior design demands a neutral canvas — earthy, natural hues and bright, crisp whites set the tonal scene for contemporary décor, while charcoal black is used to ground and define a 21st century space. Straight lines are fundamental in contemporary interior design, contributing to a clean, minimalist aesthetic that enhances the overall sophistication and modernity of various living spaces.
Neutral scene-setting continues with bare, smooth flooring. Contemporary style favors hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl flooring over carpeting wherever possible; use plain or geometric-patterned area rugs to add warmth, texture, and color.
2. Energize with pops of color
Contemporary style spaces can feel minimalistic, modern, and well-edited, but there's nothing bland about them: a neutral palette is the perfect backdrop for the bold, bright pops of color that are so central to contemporary style.
Whether you introduce rich jewel tones by way of a vivid accent wall, eye-catching accessories, stunning artwork, textural area rugs, or an oversized ottoman, color sets contemporary neutrality into motion.
3. Feature sculptural lighting
While standard recessed lighting, versatile track lighting, and slender metallic floor lamps all have their place in contemporary spaces, the most illuminating lighting trend in contemporary style revolves around statement-making light fixtures — specifically, large-scale sculptural fixtures that draw the eye and carry as much aesthetic weight as a beautiful piece of original artwork.
4. Highlight structure and natural materials
The bare structures of modernism are also key to contemporary interior design, where exposed beams, steel pillars, and brick or concrete walls are common.
A contemporary style home is defined by its architectural features and design principles, which emphasize modern simplicity, clean lines, and a cohesive color palette. These homes evolve with current trends, contrasting them with other styles, and incorporate various design elements such as flooring, textiles, furniture, and decorative accessories.
Reflective surfaces like glass and metal are just as welcome as natural stone and wood surfaces; contemporary furniture designers and artists also use these materials to push the boundary between sculpture, art, and functional pieces.
5. Choose bold furnishings
Contemporary furnishings have a lot in common with modern pieces: neither are fussy or overwrought, and both favor strong, clean lines. But where modern furniture stays firmly in the “streamlined” lane, contemporary style furnishings aren't afraid to embrace silhouettes that are a little curvier and more organic.
Contemporary furniture design favors simple natural upholstery that adds textural appeal, like wool or linen, and shuns florals, fringe, and other “extra” details; if you want to incorporate bold contemporary prints, use them sparingly on throw pillows. Exposed legs are preferred, particularly when they're made of shiny nickel, stainless steel, or chrome.
6. Keep it open and uncluttered
Contemporary design favors open floor plans for one simple reason: negative space, or the space that isn't occupied by furnishings, artwork, fixtures, and structural elements, is just as important as the items that have been chosen to fill and define the space.
While contemporary décor isn't purely minimalistic, it does support the central design concept that less is more. To that end, windows tend to be bare, walls and floor space are uncluttered, and every object or piece of furniture has been carefully considered.
7. Embrace contemporary art
With clean silhouettes, a neutral foundation, restrained finishes, and mindful attention to space and editing, contemporary interiors are the perfect backdrop for showcasing current, emerging, and otherwise exciting new artists. Bold or colorful artwork definitely stands on its own in a sea of neutrals.
Given that art has always been a catalyst for change in the design world, it makes sense that contemporary design — the style that's been evolving since its inception — gives artwork a very prominent place in the home: a large painting, print, or sculpture may be the focal point of any space.
Contemporary Design in Different Rooms
Dining Room Design
A contemporary dining room design emphasizes simplicity and geometric shapes, creating a space that is both functional and visually appealing. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, is common in contemporary dining rooms, adding warmth and texture to the space. Stainless steel appliances and modern lighting fixtures can introduce a touch of sophistication, enhancing the overall modern vibe.
Geometric patterned area rugs can add visual interest and texture to a dining room, breaking up the lines with a bit of playful design. Contemporary dining room design often features sleek lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on functionality, making it an ideal space for both everyday meals and entertaining guests.
Decorative details, such as wall art and sculptures, can add personality and character to a contemporary dining room, ensuring the space feels inviting and unique. With a focus on modern aesthetics and functional design, a contemporary dining room can be a stylish and practical addition to any home.
A Contemporary Style Bathroom
A contemporary style bathroom combines functionality with modern aesthetics, creating a serene and stylish retreat within your home. It often features sleek lines, minimalistic design, and a neutral color palette that serves as a calming backdrop. Incorporating nature by using stone and wood materials adds warmth and texture, complementing the clean and uncluttered look.
Incorporating geometric shapes and straight lines, contemporary bathrooms often include frameless glass shower enclosures, floating vanities, and wall-mounted fixtures that enhance the sense of space and openness. Stainless steel and chrome finishes are popular choices for faucets and hardware, adding a touch of sophistication and shine.
Lighting plays a crucial role in a contemporary bathroom, with an emphasis on natural light and strategically placed fixtures to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. Large windows or skylights can help bring in natural light, while sleek, sculptural light fixtures provide ample illumination and visual interest.
To maintain the contemporary look, storage solutions are often integrated into the design, keeping surfaces clear and organized. Built-in shelving, recessed cabinets, and hidden compartments ensure that the bathroom remains functional without sacrificing style.
Contemporary Design Style in the Kitchen
Contemporary kitchens emphasize clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a harmonious blend of materials. Natural materials like wood and stone add warmth, while stainless steel appliances offer durability and a modern aesthetic. Flat-panel cabinetry with minimal hardware maintains a streamlined look, and open shelving adds a personal touch.
Neutral tones dominate the color palette, with pops of color introduced through accessories. Lighting plays a crucial role, with large windows for natural light and pendant or recessed lighting for ambiance. Durable countertops, such as quartz or granite, provide both functionality and style, ensuring the kitchen is both practical and visually appealing.
Incorporating geometric shapes and smart storage solutions, contemporary kitchens often feature kitchen islands with integrated seating, offering a multifunctional space for cooking, dining, and socializing. The use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances reflects a commitment to sustainability, aligning with current trends in contemporary home design.
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