Contemporary style is a decorative style that is confused with modern interior design. Although they share similarities, contemporary interior design is a decorative style in its own right.
The contemporary decorating style is classic yet utterly current and timeless. In particular thanks to a light and stripped-down approach to decoration that allows you to never feel overwhelmed.
Contemporary style vs modern style
While modern decor can feel cold, restrictive, and overly minimal, contemporary style is soothing and serene. It focuses on architectural elements, decorative details, attention to bold scales and a concise color palette to create a warm space with effortless sophistication.
Simplicity, clean lines, textural play and understated drama are fundamental to achieving a perfectly balanced contemporary style home.
Why will you love the contemporary style?
The contemporary style is ideal for minimalists looking to avoid complicated prints, a heady mix of eras; and for those looking to create a simple but well-realized harmony between various elements while focusing on the architectural elements of a room.
I love discovering a beautifully appointed contemporary living room that features a mix of bright contemporary decorations. Decorating with conversation starters that stand on their own in a sea of ​​neutral colors.
As the contemporary decorating style is timeless and defined by a classic approach to putting a room together with luxurious simplicity, it’s decor will never go out of style and is easy to update.
How to create a contemporary style?
For a contemporary style living room, keep the floor simple with classic wood flooring and choose simple patterned rugs and low pile carpets with geometric shapes. Next, choose simple but effective lighting to highlight contemporary decor and architectural elements.
Also opt for a mix of metal, stone and opaque or transparent glass. Finally, use structural elements like moldings, exposed brick walls and pipes. They will add character to an otherwise simple room.
The colors of contemporary style
Neutral colors, such as grey, black and white, are the signature of contemporary style and are used to define and delineate a room.
Think of a neutral setting as a great starting point for bringing in pops of color and a base for artwork and objects with more personality. By choosing the right neutral tones for a contemporary living room, you can introduce small pops of bright color; that you can easily change according to your mood.
But if you’re looking to go full color, say on an entire wall, we suggest keeping your trim, ceiling, and floor light. Then, you can brilliantly complete them with the clues of the contemporary decoration style.
The furniture
When it comes to contemporary interior design, less is always more. Choose contemporary-style furniture that’s conversation-starting while remaining uncluttered. With geometric silhouettes and straight lines. Think solid hues and finishes, natural materials and no-frills surfaces.
For upholstered furniture in a contemporary living room, opt for textured neutral and natural fabrics; such as wool, cotton, linen, silk and jute. Then, bring in pops of color with throws and pillows that eschew garish patterns; because purity and conciseness are the key words.
Textiles
With contemporary interior design demanding clean lines and simplicity, textiles are an easy way to avoid a cold, contemporary-style home by playing with textures, toned patterns and concise color combinations.
Stick to neutral tones, stripes and geometric prints in small quantities. This will bring personality and complete a well-designed contemporary living room with unexpected, but wisely placed touches.
The accessories
While furnishings require a minimalist approach, decorative accessories allow you to get creative when looking to refresh your home in contemporary style. Whether it’s lamps, decorative objects or works of art, sometimes the best approaches to contemporary decorating are based on the extras you bring into a room after choosing furniture you care about.
For contemporary living room ideas, opt for small pieces that will be conversation starters while adding depth and personality to an otherwise minimal room.
Contemporary style piece by piece
Now that we’ve gone over the basic elements that make contemporary interior design so compelling and timeless, here’s a rundown of approaches to rolling out contemporary style throughout your home with ease.
Contemporary style kitchen
Again, the contemporary style relies on a stripped-down, minimalist approach that eschews the clinical side. A color palette of grays, neutrals and soothing whites is a classic and surefire option. It will stand the test of time and always look clean.
Paired with traditional flooring in natural materials, opt for modern cabinetry with gloss or matte finishes for an understated yet elegant juxtaposition. Also, look for storage that will allow you to avoid cluttering the surfaces.
Contemporary style dining room
In this room, everything revolves around an imposing table, structured seating and symmetry. Opt for an oversized contrasting table with a glass or stone top. Then choose matching chairs and a console table to tie it all together. Notice how the pictured piece, while simple, is far from clinical thanks to just four additional elements.
Here, the reflective green wall decor is a simple yet unique decor item; while the golden hanging lamp and textured vase bring an organic touch in small doses.
The living room
Keep in mind that what makes a contemporary style home memorable is a fierce commitment to modern simplicity, attention to lines and space, geometric shapes; as well as a strict but well-thought-out color palette that’s easy on the eye. But since your living room is often the best place to showcase your taste and playfulness, add character to your room with decorative items and artwork that will set your home apart.
Think expressive artwork, two-tone rugs, pillows and throws; as well as sculptural lamps and vases for added decadence.
The bedroom
For your bedroom, do as for any other room in your house and opt for straight and clean lines. They give a feeling of richness thanks to an impeccable design. Bring in tonal textures for added warmth and comfort with bedding, rugs and accessories that evoke a sense of understated glamour.
Avoid trims, tassels, bed skirts, and in general anything too cute or sex-oriented.
The bathroom
When looking for inspiration for a contemporary style bathroom, stick to the concept of an oasis of purity and serenity. Think white, clear and bright. For a personal touch, we suggest getting custom gear; or unique enough to create a memorable impact on guests.
