Defining Contemporary Design Styles

Contemporary interior design can be hard to nail down because it draws on many different design periods, including modernism, Art Deco, and minimalism. Modern styles can even draw on the industrial, retro, and bohemian periods. The style combines features from these design styles without significantly focusing on one type. This article explores the contemporary home style, what that means, what elements to look for, and specific guidance and suggestions for each room in your home.

The simpler the idea, the harder it can be to define. In the same way, it may be tricky to understand the subtle nuances of contemporary design, and then execute them in your personal space. Understanding what is contemporary style can inspire those of you looking to refresh your space and wanting to know how to decorate in a contemporary home style.

“Contemporary” is defined as belonging to or occurring in the present. Thus, contemporary styles are always in fashion because they belong to the here and now. Contemporary styles follow what is popular and trending at the moment while also incorporating timeless and classic techniques that have an ageless feel to them. Contemporary design highlights:

• Neutral shades
• Form: clean lines, both curved and straight
• Minimal and unadorned yet thoughtful pieces
• Natural textures
• Lighting

It is okay not to have a complete grasp of contemporary design because this design style is often subtly changing. Below we discuss these highlights to provide a broader understanding of the contemporary design style.

Neutral shades are the first hallmarks of contemporary design. Tans or beige, whites, grays, and blacks should make up the majority of your palette. Patterns and bold solids may be used but should be done sparingly and usually as an accent. Read our article to learn more about contemporary color and modern color theory, including trending colors for 2024.

Form in design commonly refers to shape. The contemporary design focuses on form just as much as function and features clean, sleek lines and organic silhouettes. Where modern design focuses exclusively on clean, straight lines, contemporary design mixes both straight and elegantly curved lines throughout the room, such as in architectural elements, furniture, lighting, and decor. Strong visible lines are present in contemporary design concepts, and structural elements are highlighted.

Space plays a vital role in contemporary style. In a contemporary room, less is more, and space is embraced throughout the room. Pay attention to the high ceilings, bare windows, and reserved wall decor in the photos of contemporary-style home interiors throughout the article.

Contemporary-style furniture follows tenets of contemporary design. Upholstered furnishings are generally in reserved or muted color schemes and are solid hues, like beige, white, gray, or soft blue. Contemporary decorators use natural materials, unadorned surfaces, and neutral, textured, natural fabrics such as:

• Wool
• Cotton
• Linen
• Silk
• Jute

Contemporary furniture pieces make a statement. They are conversation starters, unique and tasteful while remaining reserved and organic in their form. Furnishings have clean lines or rounded edges. They are sturdy and robust and avoid frilly adornments, such as tassels, trim, fringe, or ruffles. For more inspiration, browse San Francisco Design’s modern furniture and home furnishings catalog.

Contemporary design is thoughtfully understated. Decor and art are used sparingly, but the pieces that are used make a statement, are meaningful, and catch the eye. Patterns are reserved for throws, pillows, and rugs for a bit of pop. Don’t overdo it, and remember that in the contemporary design world, less is more.

Lighting is the final important element in contemporary style. Natural and layered lighting is very important in a contemporary style home interior, and thus windows are often left uncovered or with minimal covering. Let in as much natural light as possible, then use ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting to fill in the rest of the room and highlight specific areas or pieces.

Light fixtures should follow contemporary style and be largely unadorned yet shapely fixtures that work well with the clean and curving lines around the room. Metal fixtures in brass, chrome, and iron are a popular choice for contemporary home decor.

There are many reasons that contemporary style is worth investing in, but three stand out:

Contemporary style will last for years. Contemporary style is much more timeless than trendy, and it is understated enough that it will not easily go out of style.

Contemporary design creates an oasis of calm in a chaotic world. The contemporary style is relaxing. The color palette is soothing, and the room is spacious and uncluttered, making your home a sanctuary for you and your loved ones.

Contemporary design is easily adaptable. It works well with many architectural styles and rooms and can be easily applied in an older home or a new build.

San Francisco Design offers complete interior decorating services to turn your contemporary design dream into reality for your entire home or room by room.

The best way to establish a clean, calm, and understated tone is to design a contemporary style entryway. Make it simple and uncluttered. Upon entering your home, visitors will not feel overwhelmed and instead may have their attention drawn to a statement piece that you chose to display or a unique yet simple piece of furniture that can double for storage. Introduce a long, leather ottoman or bench for a simple seating option that won’t make the space feel crowded.

Contemporary kitchen styles should be simple and clean. Look for storage options to decrease countertop clutter as much as possible. Adhere to clean and curving lines in light fixtures, cabinets, furniture, and appliances. Light fixtures and bar stools, in particular, can bring in curved lines. Try introducing sleek, rounded metal pendants over an island or bar stools with softer edges. Balance minimalism and warmth with natural stone backsplashes and countertops, or use a natural, muted green, blue, or gray for cabinets. Sleek metal appliances paired with natural materials and tones can provide an elegant contrast.

The living room is the gathering room in your home. Keep it comfortable yet stylish with high-quality furniture in timeless styles. Remember to use natural lighting as much as possible; remove heavy drapes or outdated window treatments. Add ambient and accent light fixtures where needed for soft, dispersed light. Furniture pieces should make a statement, providing clean or curved lines and simple yet elegant style. Use an oversized sectional to fill the space, yet keep it balanced with a pair of matching chairs. Include greenery to soften the space and introduce an organic element. You can accent the room further through the use of unique textures and throws, pillows, and rugs in a small but defined color palette.

In the dining room, contemporary style is all about lines, symmetry and structure. Focus on a unique dining table made with glass, stone, or wood and slim chairs that don’t distract from the table’s prominence. An elegant, modern chandelier and oversized piece of art are all you need to complete the space without introducing competitive features.

Contemporary style bedrooms are a simple yet elegant affair. Avoid bedskirts, multiple pillows, overstuffed armchairs, and floral designs. Instead, focus on soft, layered, natural fibers and symmetry in nightstands and other bedroom furniture. A contemporary bedframe can be a signature piece that ties the room together and adds to the feeling of elegant simplicity of a primary suite. Browse our collection of contemporary bedroom furniture for more inspiration.

Contemporary style bathrooms are one of the most popular spaces that homeowners wish to update. Contemporary bathrooms focus on space and emphasize cool hues, sharp lines, and updated materials to create a unique and breathtaking room.

San Francisco Design focuses primarily on contemporary furniture styles. Each of our unique pieces meshes seamlessly into any modern home. If you are decorating a contemporary home, take some inspiration from the examples listed in this article or discover more to love in our online store.

If you want to see our beautiful furniture pieces in person, stop by one of our locations in Salt Lake City or Park City. Our talented team of designers is ready to help pick the perfect piece of furniture for your contemporary design at each location.

When you buy furniture from San Francisco Design, you know you are purchasing an incredibly well-made and unique item of furniture. You can customize the fabric and color of many of our pieces to fit into your space. With each furniture purchase, you will receive a free design consultation. We also offer full-service design consultation if you want to start with a fresh and complete interior design plan.

If you don’t want to leave your living room but still crave an entirely new design, check out our e-design feature. This process allows you to design an interior space entirely online. It’s perfect for those who are not in Utah but would still like to utilize our design services. At San Francisco Design, we help you with all your interior design needs. Contact us today to get started.