Contemporary Design is Hard to Define Easy to Live With

Contemporary Design: Hard to Define, Easy to Live With

Magen H Wall Art: Adding color to contemporary design.

OakDesign Dining Room Decor: Reflective material in a mixed palette maintains contemporary feel.

OakDesign Dining Room Decor: Changing the accent color alters the boho vibe.

LEV2 contemporary bedroom interior design: New shapes and trends in contemporary design.

VG contemporary coffee table: A tall cabinet instead of a traditional credenza shape is contemporary.

Guadarte comtemporary cabinet: Elements from other eras, like the sofa, are incorporated in contemporary design.

Former Bushell bedroom – Textured fabrics add interest to the space.

Alder and sweet Gray sofa – This is a common style and color range for a contemporary room.

Gianfranco Ferre contemporary living room – Contemporary sofas often have no visible legs, with upholstery extending to the floor.

Contemporary wood light furniture – Lighter wood furniture is a key element of contemporary design.

Hayman contemporary desk and chair – Contemporary style can be eclectic, making it easy to incorporate other eras.

Contemporary design is difficult to define for a valid reason. Although certain general characteristics are always present, the subtleties and specifics can change over time. This is because “contemporary” refers to the present moment.

What was contemporary during the 1980s is not the same today. Contemporary design also often incorporates influences and elements from past design periods. So, what are the typical characteristics?

Neutral Color Palettes

A neutral color palette is most common. Monochrome palettes with brown, beige, cream, and white are common. Gray is a trendy neutral for contemporary rooms, and black and white is a classic choice.

Any pops of color come from accessories or additions like artworks, statement rugs, or bold accessories.

This contemporary grouping uses a popular neutral palette in today’s rooms. The sofa is easy to care for and comfortable, and the upholstery fabric has texture that spices up the color. The graphic accents are also neutral, but the pillows have a trendy chevron pattern and the solid pillows add texture with their fur coverings.

Contemporary styles incorporate lighter wood furniture compared to traditional styles. Clean-lined coffee tables made from wood with a gray finish are common, often accentuated with inlaid metal stripes. Metal accents are also commonly seen in contemporary design. While darker woods may still be used, the silhouettes are clean with no carvings or elaborate details.

A minimalistic approach with light and open accessories is typical in contemporary style.

Bushell Interiors designed this contemporary bedroom with darker wood, using clean lines and minimal ornamentation. The warm wood and textures give the room a contemporary feel, although some elements are reminiscent of modern style.

This contemporary living room by Gianfranco Ferre Home showcases a salmon hue, while maintaining a generally neutral color palette. The leather accent pillows reflect the contemporary design style and provide added texture to the velvet sofa. The grouping is grounded by a brown rug and complemented by gold-legged accent tables with marble tops.

The room’s focal point is a bold piece of artwork on the wall.

It can be difficult to differentiate modern style from contemporary design due to their similarities. However, this desk and chair can fit into a contemporary space because of their clean, unembellished lines, lighter wood, and metal legs. The styling of the chair and leather sling seat also complements this style.

Contemporary spaces showcase advanced materials and sleek metals. This design by Ginger and Jagger features a lavender wall of shiny tubes and a metal room divider, which serves as both artwork and accent. The occasional table also has a gleaming chrome base.

Despite the pastel base from the tubular backdrop, the room is primarily cream and gray due to the sofa and screen.

This tall cabinet by Guadarte of Spain features a shiny surface and metal detailing. It has a clean silhouette and metal base, placing it in the contemporary design range. The accent vases on top are shiny and bold, perfect for this style of decor.

The leggy base contributes to an open feeling in the room, which aligns with today’s contemporary spaces.

Pieces featuring mixed materials and metallics are appropriate for contemporary interiors. This modular coffee table by VG New Trend of Italy combines brushed metal with a high shine finish and a stone style pattern. The trendy shape and arrangement is contemporary, as is the dominance of metal finishes.

Accessories are minimal.

Fluid, eclectic style

Contemporary style offers leeway for personal preferences due to its fluid nature. The LEV2 bedroom exemplifies contemporary design by incorporating traditional wallpaper, accent color, and global or bohemian accessories. The color palette consists of neutral beige, white, and a touch of grayish blue.

This design style allows for individual expression.

Mixing materials and textures is common in contemporary design. This dining room has more color than usual for this style, but the dining set works well in a contemporary space. The wood on the chairs and table base is simple and smooth, while the glass top keeps the feeling open and airy, perfect for open-plan homes.

The texture on the chair upholstery adds another dimension to the space too. This room fits the definition of luxury contemporary design because of the refined finishes and materials.

Contemporary design often favors a neutral color palette, but that doesn’t mean it lacks color. In fact, vibrant colors can be introduced through accessories and wall art. For instance, a rug/tapestry from the Magen H Gallery can be used to enliven a space, acting as a focal point and adding dimension and interest.

Distinctive Lighting

Contemporary designs often include unique lighting fixtures. These fixtures can come in various shapes and sizes, and it’s important to remember that “contemporary” refers to what’s currently trending in the design world. Your lighting choices can be subtle or bold, as long as they complement the overall style and color palette of your space. Since metals are commonly used in contemporary design, it’s easy to find lighting options that highlight this material.

Whether it’s a hand-crafted piece or a mass-market fixture, choose lighting that sets the right mood for the specific area. For example, Mobilia’s Neiva pendant is a metal fixture with a matte finish and an attractive silhouette that fits perfectly in a contemporary space.

Contemporary design is one of the easiest styles to create despite being difficult to define. Its fluid nature and ability to reflect personal style make it highly adaptable. Influenced by everything that came before, contemporary design can be more eclectic than other styles.

The key rule for creating a contemporary room is to ensure it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.