Whether you're starting from scratch or simply looking to refresh your space, finding the perfect interior design style for your home is essential. Contemporary style is a popular choice that combines timeless elegance with a modern touch. In this article, we will explore the core concepts of contemporary design and offer insights on how to master this style effortlessly.
What Does Contemporary Style Mean?
While modern interior design and contemporary style share similarities, they each have their unique characteristics. Contemporary decorating style is classic yet of the moment, creating a timeless ambiance that never feels dated. It emphasizes architectural elements, decorative details, bold scales, and a concise color palette, resulting in a warm and sophisticated space. Achieving a perfectly balanced contemporary style home requires simplicity, clean lines, and quiet drama.
Why You'll Love Contemporary Style
- Minimalists will appreciate the simplicity and clean aesthetic of contemporary style. It avoids fussy prints and excess clutter, creating a harmonious blend of elements.
- Contemporary living rooms offer the perfect opportunity to showcase conversation-starting pieces amidst a sea of neutrals. It's about finding joy in the curated selection of contemporary home decor.
- The timeless nature of contemporary decorating style makes it worth the effort and investment. It never goes out of style and is easy to update.
How to Create Contemporary Style
To inject your home with effortless contemporary interior design, focus on highlighting architectural details. Here are some essential tips:
- Keep the flooring simple with classic wooden floors and rugs featuring simple patterns or low-pile carpets with geometric shapes.
- Choose lighting that effectively showcases contemporary home decor and enhances architectural features.
- Mix materials such as metal, stone, and opaque or clear glass.
- Incorporate structural elements like molding, exposed brick walls, or pipes to add character to an otherwise simple room.
Contemporary Style Colors
Neutrals, along with gray, black, and white, are signature colors in contemporary interior design. They define and ground a room, providing a foundation for expressive artworks and objects with more personality. Neutrals serve as a starting point to introduce pops of color and bring vibrancy to your space. Consider keeping trims, ceilings, and flooring light when using bold colors to maintain a balanced contemporary style.
Contemporary Style Furniture
In contemporary interior design, less is more. Choose statement-making furniture with smooth, clean, geometric silhouettes and straight lines. Opt for solid hues and finishes, as well as natural materials and unadorned surfaces. For upholstery, go for neutrals in textured natural fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, silk, or jute. Inject pops of color with throws and pillows while avoiding loud patterns to maintain a clean and concise aesthetic.
Contemporary Style Textiles
Textiles play a crucial role in contemporary interior design by adding touches of texture, tonal patterns, and concise color combinations. Stick to neutrals, stripes, and geometric prints in small amounts to bring personality and complement your well-designed contemporary living room. Use textiles strategically to create visual interest and warmth in your space.
Contemporary Style Accessories
While furnishings should follow a minimal approach, decorative accessories allow you to get creative in a contemporary style home. Incorporate lamps, decor objects, and artworks that complement your carefully selected furniture. The right accessories can add depth and personality to your space, serving as unique conversation starters.
Contemporary Style Window Treatments
For those fortunate enough to have large windows and unobstructed views, minimal and easily retractable window treatments maintain a clean and flawless look. However, don't be afraid to add contrasting elements to create visual interest. Wooden blinds in a dark hue or sheer white floor-to-ceiling curtains can add a polished drama to your contemporary living room or dining room.
Contemporary Decorating Style Room by Room
To help you incorporate contemporary style throughout your home, here are some approaches room by room:
Contemporary Style Kitchen
Achieve a spare yet elegant look in your kitchen with soothing grays, neutrals, and white. Combine traditional flooring with modern cabinetry in high-shine or matte finishes for a subtle yet refined contrast. Optimize storage to keep surfaces clutter-free.
Contemporary Style Dining Room
Create a contemporary dining room by incorporating a substantial table, structured seating, and symmetrical design elements. Consider an oversized table with a glass or stone top, matching chairs, and a console to tie everything together. Add unique statement pieces for a touch of individuality.
Contemporary Style Living Room
In your living room, focus on modern simplicity, attention to line and space, geometric shapes, and a carefully selected color palette. Express your personal taste through expressive artworks, two-toned rugs, pillows, throws, and sculptural lamps and vases.
Contemporary Style Bedroom
Create a bedroom that exudes elegance and comfort with clean, straight lines and tonal textures. Choose bedding, rugs, and accessories that add warmth and evoke a sense of pulled-together glamor. Avoid overly decorative elements and focus on simplicity and refined design.
Contemporary Style Bathroom
For a contemporary bathroom, aim for a clean, serene oasis. Embrace white, bright, and light-filled spaces. Consider custom-designed fittings or unique fixtures to create a memorable impact. Balance minimalism with personal touches for a spa-like experience.
Now that you have a better understanding of contemporary style, unleash your creativity and transform your home into a space that effortlessly combines classic elegance with modern design.
