When creating a Contemporary interior design style, less is more. You’ll often find neutrals with blacks and whites, punched up with bold colors and clean lines. The white space is as essential to contemporary style as the objects within it are. There are many bare basics such as metal, stone, and glass, artistic shapes, and natural fibers! Contemporary design style pairs well with Transitional and Mid-Century Modern interior styles.

What Makes an Interior Style Contemporary?

I chose to unpack this style first, as many people misunderstand what contemporary styling is and are surprised when they get this style on my interior style quiz. Wikipedia defines Contemporary Art as “of the here and now” or “of the moment.” It means that it takes its cue from the present-day style trends. The Contemporary interior design style should not be confused with other modern stylings; many people view this style as glass, chrome, and cold. It is far from it! Contemporary styling is glamorous with a focus on curved forms in an updated fashion. 

“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.” – Nate Berkus, Interior Designer

Today’s Contemporary styling, at its essence, is about curves and shape, mixed with clean straight lines where artistic form comes before function. This styling is in constant evolution due to its “in the moment” style definition. Instead of reaching back, Contemporary design style looks forward, translating into a certain glamour that only the present moment and progressive design can produce.

I have put together this design board to give you the visual, because you know a picture is worth a thousand words!

Key components of contemporary interior design:

• Curved artistic forms
• Straight legs
• Soft Geometrics
• Blacks, whites, gray with accents of color
• Natural nubby and luxurious fabrics

The most common misconceptions of contemporary design:

• Cold with lots of metal and glass
• Sharp and bold color scheme
• Confused with modern styling
• Futuristic

Many of you may already see your personal interior aesthetic in the style board above, and hopefully, this helps clear up any misconception about contemporary interior design style. The best way to incorporate this style into your home is to look for artistic shapes in furnishings and lighting. Add in luxurious fabrics that are natural and nubby, with trending materials like metal and concrete used in creative forms. By rooting itself in the “here and now,” contemporary styling asks the admirer to see their interiors with an artistic eye. It’s creative with a touch of glam. 

Over the next several months, I will be unpacking each of the ten main design styles. If you haven’t already taken my online quiz to discover your interior style, I invite you to do that now!

Understanding your style can help you discover what you love and prevent those oh-so-common mistakes of random acts of purchasing, that lead to design freeze and unfinished rooms.

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