While contemporary design is best known for being sleek and sophisticated, it also has a welcoming warmth. A less is more approach is the foundation for contemporary design. This includes simplicity, clean lines, minimal patterns, white space and neutral colors.
Contemporary style is all about minimalism and simplicity and is often a blend of creams, whites and grays. This edited aesthetic is sleek and thoughtful, highly functional and has minimal collections or accessories. Read on to learn more about designing a contemporary design plan.
What is Contemporary Design?
Not to be confused with modern design, a contemporary interior is filled with streamlined silhouettes, a neutral foundation, and carefully edited. A contemporary space reflects the current trends through restrained accessorizing. Its minimalism creates an environment centered around calm and serenity.
Contemporary Furniture
- Contemporary furniture is designed on a foundation of sleek, streamlined silhouettes.
- Furniture in a contemporary space may lack hardware or may float, such as a glossy floating media console.
Contemporary Colors
- In a contemporary home, a neutral color palette is prevalent. Black, white, taupe, beige and other muted neutrals can be found throughout a contemporary space.
Contemporary Accents
- A contemporary space focuses on the room instead of the items in the room.
- A contemporary decor plan is well-balanced, clutter-free and minimal. You might find a large plant, artwork in a sleek, streamlined frame, natural stone and glass accent pieces throughout a contemporary home.
- Minimalism shines through in contemporary spaces; however, many textures, such as a streamlined velvet sofa, sheepskin rugs, oversized neutral pillows, or neutral cashmere throws keep the area warm.
- Multi-colored prints, heavy drapery, or distressed wood are not part of a contemporary home decor scheme.
How to Create a Contemporary Space
Simplicity and restraint are two of the most important aspects of a contemporary space. Furniture in streamlined silhouettes, a large framed piece of art without any ornate details as the focal point, minimal accessories and incorporating organic accents create a serene, contemporary environment.
When accessorizing a contemporary space, think on a larger scale. For example, rather than creating a gallery wall, select a single large-scale piece of art. Or, instead of a vase of flowers, use flowering branches that are two to three feet high.
Where to Shop for Contemporary Decor Pieces
A contemporary home is calm and uncluttered. Below are tried-and-true retailers that have an affinity for contemporary home decor.
- Design Within Reach creates exceptionally crafted, built-to-last and beautifully designed furnishings meant to be passed down from generation to generation.
- Jonathan Adler is a modern home decor and accessories company that features chic, iconic designs. While known for its use of color, Jonathan Adler’s furniture pieces have sleek, streamlined lines.
- Rejuvenation creates lighting rooted in timeless design, with sleek, restrained lines.
- Room & Board creates modern furnishings that are artisan-crafted and designed to last.
If you’re looking to create a contemporary space, follow this guide to create a home centered around a less is more approach and is sleek and minimal while radiating a welcoming warmth.
