When it comes to forward-thinking interior design, adaptability and timelessness are crucial factors that ensure a home will look current for years to come. Contemporary interiors are particularly adept at achieving this, as they borrow elements from various styles and combine them to create a harmonious whole. They have the unique ability to stay current even as trends change. But what are the components that remain constant in this ever-changing fashion? Let's explore seven features that define contemporary interiors.
Minimalist Furniture
Upon entering a contemporary home, you'll notice a lack of excessive furniture. Contemporary interiors adhere to the idea that "less is more," as popularized by the Bauhaus school and De Stijl art movement. By using only the essential furniture pieces, contemporary interiors put emphasis on quality craftsmanship and the powerful effect of reduction. Built-ins are often used to create additional storage without overcrowding the space. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors that showcase minimalist furniture:
The Corner House / RUE arquitectos
024 Apartment / ŠA atelier
Residence 195 / Ampuero Yutronic
Interior MFN / INT2architecture
Alonso House / Sebastian Arquitectos
Axis House / LCGA Design
BE Apartment / MZNO
Mixed Materials
Contemporary interiors prioritize the use of high-quality materials to enhance their overall aesthetic. You'll find a mix of natural woods, organic fibers, polished concrete, and marble, creating a rich visual context despite the otherwise minimalist approach. Accent pieces or walls that contrast in material make a powerful statement. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors with mixed materials:
Oneness & Otherness Apartment / Shiran Ishay
Nicolai Paris Apartment / noa* network of architecture
Tree House / ST Design Studio
Translucence House / Fougeron Architecture
Apartament DL / StudioLIM
Twins Apartment / Paralelo 30 Arquitetura
Palm Frond Retreat / Koichi Takada Architects
Open Floor Plans
The open floor plan is a characteristic often seen in contemporary interiors. Popularized during the industrial revolution and the rise of the International Style, it eliminates defined individual spaces in favor of a cohesive, flowing layout. Contemporary interiors maintain this open design, eroding boundaries between the kitchen, dining area, and living space. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors with open floor plans:
Deep Gray Apartment / Azovskiy&Pahomova architects
ML Apartment / flipê arquitetura
Ichijo-toma Apartment / kooo architects
MB Apartment / Bokey Grant
Housing and Ateliers in Rue Polonceau / YUA studio d'architecture
House in Uraga / note architects
Ceppo Apartment / Meireles+Pavan Arquitetura
Clean Lines
Contemporary interiors favor clean lines and streamlined, organic shapes. They prioritize visual strength and incorporate both straight and circular or oval shapes. By combining these shapes, contemporary homes maintain a sense of flexibility and adaptability. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors with clean lines:
DÔ Apartment / flipê arquitetura
Casa de Silva / ICONCAST
Canning Street House / Foomann Architects
Flat in Zverynas / HEIMA architects
Yugen House / Studio Gabriel Bordin
1927 Apartment / Kilo / Honc
Avila Warehouse Conversion / Allaround Lab
Muted Color Palette with Accents
Contemporary interiors often rely on neutral colors such as white, black, grey, or beige. However, they enhance the sophistication of the color palette by incorporating decorative accents in vibrant colors, such as blue, green, red, or yellow. While colorful walls are rare, when present, they are balanced by surrounding neutral furniture to maintain a contemporary look. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors with muted color palettes and accents:
Inside Outside House / David Coleman Architecture
Momenttum Apartment / Studio Boscardin.Corsi Arquitetura
Praia Mansa Apartment / Leandro Garcia
Cranberry Pavilion / Wright Architects
House HD / MDDM STUDIO
Mirror Maze Apartment / YAEL PERRY | INTERIOR DESIGNER
Langdon House / Estudi E. Torres Pujol
Statement Lighting
In contemporary interiors, extravagant lighting is used to make a statement in an otherwise minimalistic space. Larger-than-life chandeliers or bold lighting structures are combined with recessed or indirect lighting to create a bright background and emphasize the central decorative piece. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors with statement lighting:
Hangzhou Spiral Villa / Tsutsumi and Associates
Bluish House / Studio Colnaghi Arquitetura
The Unfolding Home / ACOS (A Collection of Stories)
The Octagon of Pelayo Apartment / Piano Piano Studio
In Plain Sight Apartment / Nakworks
D. Carlos I Apartment / CFarquitetos
Mazanka Apartment / Makhno Studio
Floor to Ceiling Glass
Glass walls are a popular feature in contemporary interior design. They visually continue the open floor plan aesthetic while adding soundproofing elements and emphasizing the use of materials. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling windows create uninterrupted views and connect the interior to the ever-changing outdoor scenery. Here are some examples of contemporary interiors with floor-to-ceiling glass:
Cork Trees House / TRAMA arquitetos
House of Courts / DADA & Partners
The White House / Robson Rak Architects and Interior Designers
NORM House / Alain Carle Architecte
Weekend Getaway / SAK Designs
The Glass Blocks Duplex / Tal Goldsmith Fish Design Studio
Bagh Shahr Villa / Experience Studio
These seven features are just a glimpse into the evergreen design elements that define contemporary interiors. By incorporating minimalism, mixed materials, open floor plans, clean lines, muted color palettes with accents, statement lighting, and floor-to-ceiling glass, contemporary interiors achieve a timeless look that will remain relevant for years to come.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: The Contemporary Home, proudly presented by BUILDNER. BUILDNER celebrates architecture competitions as an effective tool for achieving progress by fostering groundbreaking ideas that push the industry forward. Every month, ArchDaily explores a topic in-depth, inviting readers to learn more about ArchDaily Topics.