When it comes to contemporary design, less is more and in this blog post we’re sharing the basics on how to achieve this interior design style in your home.
Before we begin, let’s first clear the air about the confusion of whether modern and contemporary interior design are interchangeable.
Though they might be synonyms, when it comes to interior design, they’re vastly different.
In the simplest terms, modern interior design encompasses a specific time period, the early to mid-20th century, while contemporary interior design is always changing and focuses on what’s trendy now.
In order to achieve the latter look, there are various components to consider.
Five Elements of Contemporary Interior Design
Color
The basic color palette of contemporary design includes browns, tans, and white. Keep the focus on a neutral color palette and add pops of bold color to the space with pillows, rugs, lamp shades, etc.
Flooring
Understated flooring like wood, tile, and vinyl are commonly used in contemporary interior design. The simplicity of these choices can be supplemented with patterned rugs that add color, depth, and texture to the space.
Furniture
Contemporary design favors function over form when it comes to furniture. The simple and uncluttered feel of the overall room typically translates to the furniture as well. More often than not, upholstered furniture adheres to a black, white, or neutral color palette. The legs of chairs, ottomans, and sofas, are commonly exposed while the details of the furniture remain basic and bold.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting in contemporary design, some common characteristics include:
– Glass and metal elements
– Smooth profile
– Simple lines and curves
– Designs that include recent innovations of the current time period
Natural light is also a major tenant of contemporary design and custom wood shutters are a great option to consider when bringing this interior design style to life.
Uncluttered
As mentioned before, contemporary interior design highlights what’s popular at the moment and focuses more on simplicity than it does the things that fill the space. Surfaces like tables and the tops of dressers, for example, are prime real estate for decorative items like picture frames and other personal items. However, with contemporary design, keep these surfaces uncluttered. Choose a few must-have items and resist the urge to over decorate. Contemporary design, at its core, is a great style choice for minimalists.
