Contemporary Style for Your Home
Contemporary design, often mistaken for modern design due to its clean lines and minimalistic aesthetics, is a distinct interior design style that reflects evolving trends and influences. It is characterized by clean lines, minimalism, and uncluttered spaces. This balance between staying current with design trends and adhering to a core set of key elements makes contemporary design an ideal choice for those who want a space that appears clean and up-to-date, yet still leaves room for individual expression and customization.
Contemporary design was heavily influenced by the modernist movement of the early 20th century, which championed simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials and technologies. As interior design goes, the contemporary style came around the 1970s as a response to the rigid and ornate aesthetics of earlier design movements, such as Art Deco.
The Elements of Contemporary Design
Contemporary interior design reflects the design trends and aesthetics of the present time. It often means a lot of minimalism, simplicity, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. Function over form! But that doesn't mean that the form isn't stunning. A contemporary interior is often beautifully designed with a modern feel. Some key elements include:
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Clean Lines: Contemporary design emphasizes clean, straight lines and smooth surfaces with geometric shapes. This is often accomplished through stone as a primary design material. This creates a memorable impact in the space.
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Minimalism: Architectural elements often feature a minimalistic approach, with a focus on simplicity and the principle of "less is more." Clutter is kept to a minimum, and there's an emphasis on functional design in current trends. Not sure how to accomplish this? An interior designer can help navigate this contemporary aesthetic.
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Neutral Color Palettes: Contemporary design typically employs neutral tones with a palette of whites, grays, blacks, and earthy tones. Bold colors may be added to create visual interest. Often this could mean color through woods and natural colors in paint choices.
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Open Spaces: Contemporary interiors often feature open floor plans, where different functional areas flow seamlessly into one another. This creates a sense of spaciousness and promotes an uncluttered look. In addition, it welcomes natural elements through indoor/outdoor living.
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Natural Light: Maximizing natural light is a common feature of structural elements in contemporary design. Large windows, skylights, and open spaces are used to bring in as much daylight as possible.
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Minimalist Furniture: Furniture in contemporary interiors is typically simple and functional. Pieces are often low-profile and have clean, unadorned designs. Natural materials like glass, metal, and wood are popular choices.
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Use of Technology: Contemporary feel often includes the latest technology, from smart home systems to sleek, modern gadgets. This aligns with the idea of a modern, efficient lifestyle. A perfect example of this are Nest Thermostats. They may be a thermostat but it's smart and elegant.
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Functional Storage: Storage solutions are integrated into the design to keep the space organized and clutter-free. Built-in shelving, hidden cabinets, and multifunctional furniture are common features. To stay minimal you need to keep accessories out of sight. Except for maybe some well-thought-out wall art or window treatments.
Contemporary interior design is a flexible style that can be adapted to various preferences and settings. It's all about creating a clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space that reflects the design sensibilities of the current era.
Contemporary Interior Design Ideas
First things first! Don't leave out clutter, or extra accessories, favor sharp over curved edges, avoid fussy prints, only use bold color as an accent, and pull design inspiration from concrete jungles. If you're looking for a living space that screams contemporary interior design then you'll need to think "less is more."
Find furniture with built-in storage that's 'sneaky.' An example is modern bed frames with storage underneath, wall storage, and more.
Get art pieces that move with the times and work to add subtle interesting touches. Bear Bricks are an art piece that blends into a modern home while still adding something interesting to the space. Another statue or figure that you could include in your space for an artistic but modern touch is KAWS.
Contemporary Living Room
To achieve a contemporary look in your living room, it's essential to focus on sleek design, functionality, and a balanced aesthetic. Start by opting for clean lines in your furniture choices, favoring minimalistic, low-profile pieces that exude simplicity. Scandinavian pieces like what you might find at IKEA come to mind.
Monochromatic color schemes, often centered around neutral tones like whites, grays, or blacks, create a refined backdrop in your contemporary living room. Integrate plenty of natural light by using large windows and open spaces. Incorporate technology subtly with smart home devices and entertainment systems in popular styles that seamlessly blend into the decor.
To start you off, here are a couple of design ideas: neutral tone couches and stone or wood coffee tables and entertainment units are a perfect place to start on your living space. Other styles often include a ton of color. For this style, color sits out. {Unless it's an accent.}
Contemporary Bedroom
Decorating a contemporary bedroom is all about achieving a perfect balance between modern aesthetics and comfort. Start by choosing a neutral colors as the base, such as soft grays, whites, or muted earth tones, which provide a serene backdrop for the room. Simple yet beautiful is the cornerstone of a contemporary design style.
Incorporate clean lines, minimalistic furniture, and sleek, uncluttered designs to create a sense of spaciousness and simplicity to the bedroom. Don't be afraid to mix materials like glass, metal, and wood for a sophisticated look. Add pops of color through accent pieces like vibrant throw pillows, artwork, or a bold area rug, infusing personality into the space.
Lighting plays a crucial role in contemporary design, so consider fixtures with sharp, geometric shapes and warm, energy-efficient LED bulbs. Or, even lighting that's under furniture to glow around the space. To complete the look, include a few carefully chosen decorative elements, such as abstract art, a statement mirror, or a striking headboard, to make your contemporary bedroom a reflection of your modern taste and style.
Contemporary Kitchen
These kitchens are characterized by their sleek and minimalist design, which emphasizes functionality, and a sense of open space. Like the other rooms, a contemporary style kitchen will often be designed with natural materials and occasional pops of bold, contrasting colors.
Cabinetry tends to be flat-paneled and handle-less, giving a seamless and uncluttered appearance. Countertops frequently feature materials like quartz or granite for a polished and easy-to-maintain surface.
Stainless steel appliances are commonly integrated into the design, adding a touch of modernity. Open shelving and smart storage solutions are key features, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Contemporary kitchens often incorporate large windows or glass doors to allow light to flood the space, further accentuating the clean and airy feel of the room. Overall, contemporary kitchen design aims to strike a balance between form and function, creating a harmonious, stylish, and highly functional cooking and gathering space.
Contemporary Dining Room
Contemporary dining rooms are a reflection of the modern aesthetic, where simplicity, functionality, and style converge to create inviting and versatile spaces. These dining areas often feature clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a focus on minimalistic design, allowing for a sense of openness and airiness.
Furniture in contemporary dining rooms is typically sleek and often showcases innovative materials in neutral colors like glass, metal, and acrylic, contributing to an elegant and uncluttered atmosphere. Lighting plays a significant role in these spaces, with statement fixtures or pendant lights adding a touch of artistic flair.
Additionally, contemporary dining rooms are characterized by their adaptability, often accommodating both formal gatherings and casual family meals with ease. The overall ambiance is one of understated sophistication, offering a perfect backdrop for culinary enjoyment and social interaction in a modern setting.
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