Love sleek lines and a clean look? Then the contemporary decor style is for you! Learn all about how to turn your home into a stylish, contemporary space.

Some words are self explanatory when it comes to decor styles – such as contemporary! You’d think that contemporary means modern, and while the dictionary would agree, in the decor world, you’re only partially right! Wondering what sets this particular decor style apart from the rest? Let’s investigate!

Decor Styles 101: Contemporary

‘Contemporary’ actually refers to what is current, and this changes from time to time. The contemporary decor style started in the 1970s, and what it looked like then is different from what it looks like now. However, it is governed by the same principles – simplicity, clean lines and lots of empty space. This makes it a decor style that is evergreen, with only minor modifications based on the era.

Today, the contemporary style has been influenced by the digital revolution and globalization. Perhaps due to this, contemporary decor has borrowed many elements from other styles like Art Deco, Scandinavian, Minimalist, Industrial and even Glam.

Ultimately, when you enter a contemporary space, you are greeted by a clean and clutter free atmosphere, a very modern vibe with a touch of sophistication. Let’s check out some more characteristics of the contemporary decor style.

Characteristics of Contemporary Style

• The color scheme is a striking feature of contemporary style, featuring neutrals like black, white, grey and brown
• Contemporary spaces have an airy, open feel, and generally have fewer walls or partitions
• Raw materials are often exposed, like the legs of sofas and beds, brick wall, pillars, beams and wooden flooring
• Contemporary style features quite impressive lighting features, which have sleek styles but are still grand
• Furniture and other elements have straight lines or simple curves – nothing ornate or decorative
• Textures play an important role, including metal, wood, steel, glass, chrome as well as fabrics like silk, cotton and linen
• The entire vibe is very clutter free and most surfaces are empty or have a single bold piece on them

8 Ways to get the Contemporary Style in your Space

1. Stick to Neutral Colors

The contemporary style is all about sophistication, so neutrals play a very important role in all the major surfaces like walls, floors and large furniture. Black gives a classy, edgy look, but if that’s too much for you, you can go for tans, white or various shades of grey. Dark colors are used as the grounding element, and others are used in contrast.

If you like color, it is best added as an accent, in the form of bright cushions, art work or rug. Refrain from going too matchy matchy, since contemporary is expected to look sophisticated and over matching will throw it off.

2. Leave Empty Space

If you’re the kind of person who wants all surfaces empty at all times, contemporary style is perfect for you! In this area, contemporary style shares space with minimalism. Keep your desks, tables and counters empty and free. Now, this will mean that you’ll have to find alternative ways of storage, particularly hidden storage.

Don’t crowd your walls either – leave them free, so that the furniture boldly stands out. Ensure enough space in between pieces of furniture too, and avoid any kind of overcrowding, on the floor or on surfaces.

3. Focus on Lighting

Lighting plays a very important role in contemporary style; in fact, it is considered to be a decor piece. Layered lighting workds well in the form of task lighting, ambient lighting and recessed lighting. Floor lamps in industrial styles are a great pick for contemporary style.

When choosing lighting fixtures, go with ones that have metal or chrome finishes, and with clear, straight lines or curves. Avoid decorative chandeliers – they’re not for a contemporary space! Also, make sure you get as much natural light as possible, so keep the window treatments to a minimum.

4. Go Bare

Contemporary style doesn’t shy away from showing the bones of a space, whether it’s the steel frame of a table or stone beams. If you have visible beams or pillars, the contemporary style is where you can showcase them as decorative along with being functional.

Often, the floors are also left bare, and only small area rugs are used in some places. In many contemporary homes, you’ll find that staircases don’t have railings with intricate work on them. They’re either missing, or made of glass or steel – simple and sophisticated.

5. Choose Plain over Pattern

Due to the fuss-free nature of the contemporary style, it is best to go for solids rather than patterns when choosing furnishings like cushions, duvets or rugs. If you think it’s too plain, you can try tone-on-tone colors for a classy look.

If you do want to go for patterns, choose simple ones with straight lines or simple checks. Avoid delicate prints or prints with too many colors – they’ll ruin the aesthetic of the style.

6. Opt for Bigger Pieces

When you’re choosing the contemporary style, opt for individual larger pieces of decor rather than a collection of smaller ones which can lead to a cluttered look. Choose one big painting rather than a gallery wall. If you are going for a gallery wall, place the frames close to each other so it gives the illusion of one big picture.

The same principle applies to plants as well. Choose planters in neutral tones and minimal patterns, and choose a big plant with large leaves and flowers. The intention is for the plant to stand out on its own without any distractions nearby.

7. Pay Attention to Texture

Since you can’t go crazy with colors and patterns and most surfaces and walls are going to be bare, the best way to avoid boredom and infuse some interest is with the use of textures. Textures are significant in this style, and there are many ways to add them.

For decor pieces, choose stone, metal, glass or even concrete. For fabrics, go with real or faux leather, silk, velvet or faux fur. When you’re sticking to a neutral color tone, you can go crazy with textures!

8. Put the Focus on Artwork

Because of the understated nature of the contemporary style, art work is considered very important, and you’ll usually find one stunning piece on a pedestal or on a wall, grabbing all the spotlight – literally! Many contemporary homes feature spotlights placed over works of art, so they stand out prominently from the background.

The kind of art you choose is a personal choice, but it should ideally be something modern. Since globalization is one of the aspects of contemporary style, you can feature modern art from across the world. It adds interest without taking away from the look and feel of the space.

I’m sure that by now, you have a fair idea of how to style a space in the contemporary style. If you like minimalism, less clutter and more empty space, you’ll love contemporary. However, if you love having all your stuff around you, and need a more casual setting, this might feel too rigid. The contemporary style is generally easy to maintain, and is quite practical. So what do you think – is this the right style for you?

This post is a part of the Blogchatter A2Z Blogging Challenge 2021.