Do you believe that “contemporary” and “modern” interior design are interchangeable? Then allow us to bust that myth! While people confuse contemporary decor ideas with modern interior design, both terms are technically different. Contemporary design refers to the aesthetics that are new and popular in the present time. So, whatever is contemporary today will become old a few years from now. That is where contemporary decor ideas differ from modern interior design.

Hallmarks of contemporary-style design include quality natural materials, clean and curved lines, cool tones, and stark contrasts. It has consistently been evolving since the 1970s to match the latest trends. Contemporary decor ideas take inspiration from other designs like bohemian, minimalist, modern, and rustic. However, it has a unique charm that is different from the rest. We will show you how to incorporate contemporary decor ideas into your home interiors.

10 Contemporary Decor Ideas

1. Use Colors Wisely

Contemporary-style interiors use muted neutrals like whites, grays, tans, beiges, and taupes. You can spruce up this basic color palette by introducing occasional pops of vibrant pastel colors. It will balance the dull interior atmosphere and add a touch of freshness. 

2. Blend Different Textures And Materials

Mix various textures and materials to make the contemporary space cozy, soft, and dynamic. The liberal use of stones, metals, and glasses with wood or leather is quite common. Apart from that, add in pillows, window coverings, and rugs made of textured textiles to warm up the space.​​

For instance, you can strategically match sharp-edged furniture with neutral-toned upholstery to add warmth. You can also introduce textured walls to make the space more lively.

3. Rely On Modest Shapes And Crisp Lines

Contemporary decor ideas use simple shapes and crisp lines to define a space. The interior space features high ceilings, large windows, and architectural details with no extravagant embellishments. However, curved lines soften the angular and geometric silhouettes to create a cozier atmosphere.

4. Keep The Floors Bare

Smooth and bare floors allow all the contemporary decor ideas to shine excellently. So, choose materials like tile, wood, or vinyl for flooring. You may also include commercial-grade carpets for soundproofing or insulation. But go with plain area rugs instead of patterned carpets to inject comfort into the space.

5. Favor Open Floor Plans

Favor an open-floor layout in contemporary-style homes because it makes the interior space airy. It will also allow the kitchen, dining, and lounging areas to flow seamlessly. You may keep the floor bare and show off the clean tile, wood, or vinyl flooring. Otherwise, you can use area carpets to add color and define various zones with subtle visual cues. You can also layer a pale rug beneath the table to highlight the informal area from other zones.

6. Combine Industrial With Natural Materials

Contemporary decor ideas encourage infusing natural materials like wood, leather, jute, stone, or linen with metals. Even though the industrial decor has become softer over the past few years, blending it with natural materials adds life to the space. For instance, you can pair metal pipes with polished wood to keep the interior from looking gloomy and monotonous. 

7. Add In Round-Edged Furniture

Contemporary decor ideas promote sculptural furniture because sometimes even the functional can be pretty. For this reason, contemporary designers add round-edged furnishings that are smooth, clean, and statement-making. Dining chairs range from delicate minimalist to colorful and boldly curved. They will add a touch of freshness to the interior space.

8. Let In Natural Light

Contemporary-style homes feature large windows with minimal window treatments and skylights because they allow natural light to flow seamlessly throughout the space. Natural light can enhance the atmosphere of any contemporary interior by casting dramatic shadows without much effort. They also eliminate the need for artificial lighting in the daytime.

9. Choose a Contemporary Lighting Design

Artificial lights can add finesse and change the overall outlook of a contemporary-style interior. Therefore, choose lightings that have a contemporary design, like track lighting, sconces, cove lights, and pendants. They are unpretentious, purposeful, and high-quality. You can also use recessed lights to illuminate all the contemporary details in the interior space.   

10. Switch To An Artful Lifestyle

High-end contemporary decor ideas exhibit an artistic feel with contemporary art and dramatic vignettes. Glossy or matte frames in black, metal, or natural wood finishes are great for artwork. So, add one or two oversized pieces of artwork and celebrate contemporary artists. You can also arrange several pieces together to make a memorable impact.

Conclusion

Contemporary decor ideas keep changing with new design trends and innovations. Despite that, its diverse nature makes this design very prominent. You will understand its flexibility once you incorporate contemporary decor ideas in your interior space. So, what are you waiting for? Do not hesitate to experiment with this design genre, and thank us later!

By Sreyoshi Dhali

While finding her solace in silence and everything mundane, Shreyosi prefers to untangle the chaos inside her head and makes an effort to paint scenarios with words that keep her awake at night.

Published by thearchspace

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