Designing Contemporary spaces is all about achieving a clean and sophisticated aesthetic while keeping up with ever-changing design trends. The versatility of neutral palettes, sleek silhouettes, and rich textures allow for easy integration of new popular pieces. 

Understanding Contemporary style

A key feature of Contemporary style is its embrace of modern layouts while always leaving room to evolve and adapt. The resulting spaces are functional, sleek, and playful. The mix of materials and textures draws interest, while the simple silhouettes and neutral palettes maintain the chic look. 

Contemporary design gained popularity in the 1970s, combining the features of other popular interiors of the time, such as Art Deco and Post-Modernism. This blend of multiple aesthetics gives Contemporary rooms a fresh feel with the excitement of not being confined to a single design aesthetic. 

Contemporary vs. Modern Design

With the rise of Modernism in the late 20th century, it can be easy to confuse Contemporary with Modern design because of the overlap in some of their key elements. While both styles are founded on functionality and chic appearances, there are key differences between the two. 

Contemporary Design revolves around adaptability to integrate current design trends. The style can pull from a large range of other styles, such as MCM, Japanese, Scandinavian, Industrial, and Art Deco. It will feature more texture and interesting art pieces compared than a sleek Modern design. 

Modern Design focuses specifically on pieces that are iconic while challenging the limits of traditional design. Decor tends to be more timeless, and rooted in history, remaining unchanged, such as with Mid-Century Modern.

Lori Dennis

Lori Dennis approaches Contemporary design by blending Coastal design motifs and transitional design inspirations to create interesting contemporary rooms. Her focus on creating timeless spaces revolved around sustainable pieces, and luxe, natural materials. 

Meriç Gürani Say

Meriç Gürani Say is known for creating clean, Contemporary designs with elegant decor. Straying away from the traditional neutral palette, she uses a rich blend of color and combines texture to create comfortable and playful spaces.   

Defining elements of Contemporary interior design

Contemporary style focuses on functionality but maintains a playful approach. It uses bold accents and adaptable pieces while blending patterns to create unique and trendy spaces. 

Bold statement pieces

Brightly colored or large-scale accents can bring interest to Contemporary spaces without overpowering the sleekness of the design. This can be an eye-catching piece of art, a unique lighting fixture, or brightly colored throw pillows. The idea is to draw the eye in while maintaining a chic vibe.

Adaptability and open floor plans

A unique feature of Contemporary interiors is the ability to transform spaces and their function to keep pace with current trends. The heavy use of modular furniture and simple, sleek pieces keeps spaces flexible from one layout to the next. Contemporary spaces rely on comfort and sleek lines. To keep the space flowing between each area of the house, rooms seldom have barriers and use similar or complementary color palettes.  

Neutral palettes, mixed with textures and patterns

The main colors of this design style are neutrals such as creams, tans, beiges, and off-whites. The creative blend of textures — natural wood, organic fibers, concrete, and metal — brings interest to the space. Additionally, geometric patterns and pops of color are used as accents around the space in rugs, wall art or throw pillows. 

Integrated technology 

Contemporary homes typically feature built-in tech systems that boost the space's functionality. These include smart home capabilities, built-in sound systems, and automated lighting — features that improve the space's overall look while providing benefits in daily life. 

Tactical tips to create a contemporary interior

When designing your own Contemporary space, it is important to consider form, color, and layout. 

Select unique accent pieces

Choose bold accents, such as unique or bright paintings to liven up the space. You can also add interest with visually interesting light features, such as sunburst metal chandeliers, or playful geometric area rugs for bedrooms and living rooms. 

Opt for modular or adaptable furniture

Since adaptability is a major focus, look for furniture that can easily move around and fit in multiple layouts. Modular or sectional couches that can easily transition to separate pieces never restrain you to one single layout making them good options. To maintain flexibility, choose simple, timeless pieces that adapt to changing trends.  

Stick to neutrals 

Your palette should contribute to the chicness of the style, so opt for palettes that exude feelings of balance and calmness, like white or gray. Choose accent colors wisely and use them as a fun addition to avoid overwhelming the space. Colors like muted teals and greens can bring the same tranquil energy to the space as your neutrals do.

Create a flow 

Avoid barriers between rooms, leaving doorways open and free of anything that will close the space off. Arrange furniture to create space and maintain a similar palette throughout the entire space. This will also prevent spaces from feeling disjointed or disconnected.

Elevate Contemporary design in your home using Onton

Onton is the ideal tool for your Contemporary design journey, from the moment you spark the idea to the day you place the final piece of decor. 

Onton Discover

Using Onton Discover, scroll through a wealth of generated designs to gather inspiration and ideas for your next revamp. Explore Contemporary kitchens, bedrooms, and living spaces to gather notes for your own space. 

Onton Imagine 

Start visualizing your space in just 30 seconds using Onton Imagine. Get accurate portrayals of what your space could look like with 10 free life-like virtual designs. Upload images of your own home or use one of the presets, and customize prompts with as much detail as you want. 

Onton Search 

Locate the perfect contemporary pieces, including the ones featured in your Imagine renderings, using Onton Search. Find dupes to popular designer pieces and filter to fit within your budget. 

Achieve all of your contemporary dreams by trying Onton for free today!