If you’ve ever wondered what exactly does it take to make a room “contemporary”. Well, you’re not alone, contemporary interior design is very popular. Whether you’re new to the world of design styles or have been there for years, sometimes it can be hard to distinguish the contemporary design from other ones. So, in this article, we will answer many commonly asked questions about contemporary interior design, its features and how to apply it in your home design. To start with, contemporary style refers to the home interior spaces and product designs that are happening right now! Interior designers define it as current and exciting. That’s it? Definitely No! keep reading so as to learn and see contemporary style done right.

What is the contemporary design style?

The word “contemporary” means “of the moment,” contemporary design is that design that is constantly evolving. So, this interior design is all about the here and now. This style encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century. It flaunts what’s happening in today’s world of interior design. It is evolving and plays around with conventions, embraces new ideas and takes on different forms as each season comes and goes.

What is the difference between contemporary and modern design?

One of the main differences between contemporary and modern design is the age above all else. Modern design refers to the specific time period from the early to mid-twentieth century. To clarify, this distinct style focused on simple form and function, earthy palettes, natural materials like wood, leather, and stone, and streamlined silhouettes. However, contemporary design doesn’t refer to a specific period of time, it’s constantly evolving to reflect the popular styles of present-day design. To illustrate, although the modern design has a specific look and feel, contemporary design is ever-changing, due in part to the availability of new materials and pieces, contemporary may include curving lines, whereas modern design does not. So, contemporary is different from modern because it describes design based on the here and now and not tied to a specific era.

What are the features of the contemporary design style?

1-No clutter

The number one rule here is “less is more”. So, it’s important to remember not to clutter the contemporary home with collections of too many pieces. This approach will allow all of your contemporary furniture and accessories not only to breathe but also to stand out. To illustrate, contemporary design is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details. So, resist the temptation to decorate your surfaces with pictures in frames, ornaments, or other clutter: instead, a few, well-chosen ornaments will make the most impact in your contemporary home.

2-Geometric Forms

A contemporary living look is a world away from the fussy interiors. As contemporary forms is one of the foundational elements of contemporary design, it’s one of the elements that sets this design style apart from others. To clarify, these interiors often feature a mixture of both straight and elegantly curved lines that are as simple as possible. So, when it comes to choosing furniture, look for smooth, simple, and clean geometric shapes to capture the essence of contemporary interior design.

3-Contrasting colors

Neutral and natural tones dominate the contemporary decor palette. So, if you’re aiming to pay homage to this style, blacks, whites, tans and grays should make up the bulk of your design. However, in this style, you can also create an interesting and lively mood. So, although the contemporary design is famous for soft and neutral colors. Yet, you always need to add a splash of bold and vibrant hue in the mix. To clarify, you can play with a mixture of bright and bold against light and neutral colors. This can be in the form of a wall feature, a cluster of throw pillows or even artwork. For example, if the walls and windows are painted in pastels, then the trims should be neutral. However, if a wall is painted in bold color, then neutrals should be used somewhere else.

4-Up to date textures

A variety of textures will help add visual interest to the space. Metals like stainless steel, nickel & chrome are very popular in contemporary design, as they provide a clean finish. In addition to that, using opaque or clean glass will enrich your sought mood. Usually, floors in a contemporary style home should be bare and smooth, using wood, tile, or vinyl. However, your walls can feature a contrasting and sophisticated mural to make the space lively. To create a soft look rather hard textural feel in your home, try adding some different textures: a faux-fur cushion, a velvet throw, or a set of silk drapes will make an interesting contrast to the rest of the look.

5-Minimalist Furniture

Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential for contemporary furniture style pieces. Therefore, look for the furnishings with solid, well-defined lines instead of over-stuffed or floppy pieces. So, the main rule is to keep simple and uncluttered, without decorations. Don’t use ruffles, excessive carved details, fringe, or floral prints, never use curtains with fringe, trims, or tassels. This furniture is often a mixture of both clean straight and elegant curved lines. Therefore, go basic, bare and bold.

6-Individualistic Lighting

Individualistic and unique lighting pieces are very important in contemporary interior design. The lighting elements aren’t only functionally used but also aesthetically, they are an artistic statement in a contemporary interior. They can also be used to draw attention to well-placed art and accessories through recessed or track lighting. Lamps may have straight lines and sparkling metallic finishes to provide a perfect atmosphere.

7-Decorating in Contemporary Style

Contemporary interiors are very subtle and simple which makes it perfect for large works of art that shine best in the midst of simplicity with their clean lines. If you will add a painting, then canvases should be framed very cleanly. Frames in high-gloss or matte black, natural wood, or metal finishes are great for artwork. There can be also streamlined metal sculptures or black and white photography can add a stylistic touch to your home. You can check these ideas for inspiration: wall art prints.

Applying contemporary design in your house room by room

Your Contemporary living room

To add some contemporary flair to your home and starting with the living room you have to stick to a minimalist form. So, select tables, chairs, and couches that feature gentle curves, low profile, and smooth lines. Your living room’s color palette would be that of neutrals. However, you may not always fill your room with neutral shades and can embed geometric patterns create in a patterned rug or a geometric wall art for example. In addition to that, mixing brass, wood and black accents also creates a dreamy space that is so “now”. Also, unique artworks, sculptural lamps and vases make a statement without creating clutter or overpowering the room and would perfectly react with the furniture. Finally, in order to make your living room contemporary, you have to consider the geometry of your space and pick your furniture with clean lines to be minimalist and above all comfortable.

Your Contemporary bedroom

The best thing to do after a long day of work and exhaustion would be to jump in your cozy bedroom and have a nap. Because bedrooms are usually toned down and soothing so a heavy use of pastel tones and neutrals would be a perfect way to achieve a calm contemporary mood. As we mentioned above that this style is all about clean lines and smooth surfaces, so your bedroom furniture forms should lean towards soft shapes and textures. Keep in mind that contemporary design doesn’t need a lot of extra adornment, so keep wall-art and accessories to a minimum. Finally, stunning headboards feature walls using light and shade. For instance, use extruded panels and LED strip lights behind your bed to make a truly unique mood.

Your Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary kitchens are sleek and minimalist and innovative. Above all, they have a layered look using several materials, patterns, and textures. Firstly, think of elegant, minimalist cabinetry and find high functioning and sleek electronics. So, search for fitted storage and built-in appliances that harmonize with your kitchen’s materials. For instance, the use of stainless steel is one way to tell if it is a contemporary kitchen whether in cabinets or electric appliances. At last, when you design your contemporary kitchen make sure that the final look is a smooth and seamless transition from surface to surface creates a soothing visual flow.

Your Contemporary Bathroom

Your bathroom is your sanctuary for cleanliness and comfort so, keep it clutter-free and neutrally decorated. It can be accessorized with chic dispensers and storage and can be designed with lowing curves and hard angles or actually both. The color palettes that accompany a contemporary style bathroom are often muted. In addition to that, there is a wide range of texture that you can mix in your bathroom. For instance, the bathtub that can top a bed of pebbles. Light plays an important role in your bathroom design as the recessed LED strips that can be used for a clean and subtle effect. Finally, If you want to incorporate plants into your scheme to make your bathroom a true sanctuary, you definitely can.

Contemporary design wrap up

To conclude, features of contemporary interior design are many. Yet, it’s mainly about creating subtle yet stunning spaces. It’s the design of absolute simplicity yet absolute sophistication. However, if you follow the advice we mentioned above, you will definitely create a contemporary home design like no other. To read more about interior design. Check: Egyptian Interior Design Trends