Your Guide to Contemporary Style
Discover the keys to getting this clean-lined, uncluttered look in any room
Laura Gaskill
June 5, 2019
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Whether you’re working with a designer or decorating on your own, getting started is easier when you have a clear sense of your favorite style. If you love an uncluttered, of-the-moment look with clean lines and minimal adornment, contemporary style may hit your decorating sweet spot. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular style, including key elements, color palettes, furniture and accessories.
Also in this series: Your Guide to Farmhouse Style
Also in this series: Your Guide to Farmhouse Style
What Is Contemporary Style?
In a nutshell, contemporary style is current and new — it’s what today’s designers are creating. Of course, newness isn’t the only defining feature of this popular look. If you think of a spectrum of ornament, with the most embellished being traditional style, contemporary would sit firmly at the opposite end. This style embraces negative space, strong shapes and clean lines, while leaving room for interpretation and experimentation. Contemporary spaces are often minimal and white — but not always: They can also be vibrant, playful and full of color and pattern.
In a nutshell, contemporary style is current and new — it’s what today’s designers are creating. Of course, newness isn’t the only defining feature of this popular look. If you think of a spectrum of ornament, with the most embellished being traditional style, contemporary would sit firmly at the opposite end. This style embraces negative space, strong shapes and clean lines, while leaving room for interpretation and experimentation. Contemporary spaces are often minimal and white — but not always: They can also be vibrant, playful and full of color and pattern.
Contemporary style is:
- Clean. Think crisp, clean and sculptural. Shapes are strong, with clearly defined lines, curves and planes. Excess embellishment is considered a distraction and is to be avoided.
- Current. Contemporary style is of-the-moment, incorporating cutting-edge designs and ideas. Exploring trends is a possibility but not a requirement.
- High-contrast. Because the focus is on line and space, this look tends to be high-contrast. Black and white is a classic combination that works well here.
Contemporary style is not:
- Cluttered. Furnishings are chosen with care, and accessories are kept to a minimum for a clean, spacious look.
- Heavily adorned. You won’t find ornate moldings, billowing drapes or heavy trimmings. Surfaces tend to be smooth and free of extra adornments.
- Rule-following. Since this style is of-the-moment, the “rules” are constantly being remade. There is plenty of room for interpretation.
Modern or Contemporary: What’s the Difference?
Modern and contemporary styles share a few important features: Both emphasize clean lines and minimal adornment. But while contemporary style is influenced by the here-and-now, modern style is firmly rooted in another era: the middle of the 20th century, from the mid-1940s to 1970. Also called midcentury modern, this look includes iconic pieces by a host of innovative designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Eero Saarinen. And while the influence of these pioneers of modern design is certainly felt to this day, contemporary style is not solely defined by this era.
Modern or Contemporary Architecture? The Interiors Edition
Modern and contemporary styles share a few important features: Both emphasize clean lines and minimal adornment. But while contemporary style is influenced by the here-and-now, modern style is firmly rooted in another era: the middle of the 20th century, from the mid-1940s to 1970. Also called midcentury modern, this look includes iconic pieces by a host of innovative designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Eero Saarinen. And while the influence of these pioneers of modern design is certainly felt to this day, contemporary style is not solely defined by this era.
Modern or Contemporary Architecture? The Interiors Edition
Key Element: Open Space
Contemporary style is just as much about the space between objects as it is about the objects themselves. Think of crisp, clean white walls punctuated by simply framed art; sleek chairs atop bare floors; or a few sculptural vases on an otherwise empty tabletop. The open space between objects (also called negative space) increases the visual impact.
The Power of Negative Space in Interior Design
Contemporary style is just as much about the space between objects as it is about the objects themselves. Think of crisp, clean white walls punctuated by simply framed art; sleek chairs atop bare floors; or a few sculptural vases on an otherwise empty tabletop. The open space between objects (also called negative space) increases the visual impact.
The Power of Negative Space in Interior Design
Key Element: Confident Use of Color
If the first thing you think of when you picture a contemporary space is white, white and more white, you wouldn’t be wrong: There’s no doubt that white walls are a popular choice. In fact, if you’re a color lover, opting for white walls can give you greater flexibility when it comes to including other colorful elements, such as the rainbow-hued chairs shown in this space from Habitat London.
But that doesn’t mean white walls are the only choice. Color in contemporary-style spaces can be as bright and bold — or as soft and subtle — as you want it to be. Thoughtful handling of negative space and a confident application of color, when used, are more integral to this look than sticking to any particular color palette.
Great shades for contemporary spaces:
If the first thing you think of when you picture a contemporary space is white, white and more white, you wouldn’t be wrong: There’s no doubt that white walls are a popular choice. In fact, if you’re a color lover, opting for white walls can give you greater flexibility when it comes to including other colorful elements, such as the rainbow-hued chairs shown in this space from Habitat London.
But that doesn’t mean white walls are the only choice. Color in contemporary-style spaces can be as bright and bold — or as soft and subtle — as you want it to be. Thoughtful handling of negative space and a confident application of color, when used, are more integral to this look than sticking to any particular color palette.
Great shades for contemporary spaces:
- High-contrast. White, black, charcoal
- Sophisticated neutrals. Dove gray, taupe, mushroom, ivory
- Bold accent hues. Teal, navy, fire-engine red, yellow, hot pink
Key Element: Sculptural Shapes
Furniture, lighting and accent pieces share a sleek aesthetic with strong shapes and unique silhouettes. Look for slim chair profiles, long and low sofas, and sculptural light fixtures. Materials run the gamut from natural wood and leather to plastics and high-performance fabrics. Solids make up the bulk of upholstery, but there is room for patterns, whether they’re small and subtle or bold geometric and abstract designs.
Shop for contemporary furniture on Houzz
Furniture, lighting and accent pieces share a sleek aesthetic with strong shapes and unique silhouettes. Look for slim chair profiles, long and low sofas, and sculptural light fixtures. Materials run the gamut from natural wood and leather to plastics and high-performance fabrics. Solids make up the bulk of upholstery, but there is room for patterns, whether they’re small and subtle or bold geometric and abstract designs.
Shop for contemporary furniture on Houzz
Can Contemporary Be Cozy?
In short, yes! Contemporary style doesn’t have to be stiff or uncomfortable. In fact, many contemporary furnishings are ergonomically designed to maximize comfort, making for a sleek-looking yet comfy-feeling experience. Add in a few judiciously placed rugs to warm your toes, a warm throw and the soft glow of candlelight, and you’ll be on your way to achieving that hygge feeling.
In short, yes! Contemporary style doesn’t have to be stiff or uncomfortable. In fact, many contemporary furnishings are ergonomically designed to maximize comfort, making for a sleek-looking yet comfy-feeling experience. Add in a few judiciously placed rugs to warm your toes, a warm throw and the soft glow of candlelight, and you’ll be on your way to achieving that hygge feeling.
Finishing Touches: Less Is More
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to decorations in a contemporary space.
Accessories for contemporary spaces:
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to decorations in a contemporary space.
Accessories for contemporary spaces:
- Contemporary artwork, simply framed
- Sculptural lamps and pendant lights
- Candlesticks and vases with strong shapes
- Soft, touchable throws and printed pillows
Contemporary Kitchen Design
The (design) world is your oyster when it comes to crafting a contemporary kitchen. Fully embracing the latest in technology, materials and trends, contemporary-style kitchens are flexible and creative.
Features of contemporary style kitchens:
The (design) world is your oyster when it comes to crafting a contemporary kitchen. Fully embracing the latest in technology, materials and trends, contemporary-style kitchens are flexible and creative.
Features of contemporary style kitchens:
- Cutting-edge appliances. Whether it’s the latest induction cooktop or a high-performance range hood, appliances are innovative and new.
- Dramatic lighting. Island lighting can be super sleek, organic or big and bold, but it’s sure to make a statement.
- Mixed materials. Wood, metal, stone, glass, concrete, plastic — it’s all fair game.
- Unique islands. Waterfall counters, bilevel surfaces, hidden storage and mixed-material designs keep things interesting.
Contemporary Bathroom Design
A contemporary-style bathroom is sleek and simple, with smooth surfaces and clean lines. There are no unnecessary ornaments or flourishes — think simple, clutter-free and spa-like. As in contemporary kitchens, the bathroom often features the latest tech and most cutting-edge designs, whether that means heated floors or a stunning freestanding tub.
Bathroom Workbook: 8 Elements of Contemporary Style
Your turn: Are you a fan of contemporary style? Describe or show us your favorite contemporary-style space in the Comments!
More on Houzz
Read stories about contemporary homes
Browse photos of contemporary-style spaces for inspiration
Find a designer to get your project started
Shop for products
A contemporary-style bathroom is sleek and simple, with smooth surfaces and clean lines. There are no unnecessary ornaments or flourishes — think simple, clutter-free and spa-like. As in contemporary kitchens, the bathroom often features the latest tech and most cutting-edge designs, whether that means heated floors or a stunning freestanding tub.
Bathroom Workbook: 8 Elements of Contemporary Style
Your turn: Are you a fan of contemporary style? Describe or show us your favorite contemporary-style space in the Comments!
More on Houzz
Read stories about contemporary homes
Browse photos of contemporary-style spaces for inspiration
Find a designer to get your project started
Shop for products
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Thank you! :)
My pleasure!!
Thanks for a great article. Very helpful to have terms defined.
My small kitchen BEFORE & AFTER