When it comes to home interiors and design styles, contemporary means ‘here and now.’ However, it’s considered more of a trend than a style because it channels design aesthetics that are popular at a given time or decade. A Contemporary house has informal design techniques and unpolished finishes like concrete and distressed wooden elements is what makes it stand out from the rest of the permanent design styles.
We’re here to help you figure out what this modern luxury look represents at present. Contemporary interior design gets its aesthetic from modern and cutting edge ideas like clean lines, comfort and intentionally effortless furnishing. While they are easy ways to incorporate these elements, maintaining minimalism is key.
Read on to learn more about contemporary interior design and how to spot it yourself!
How to spot a contemporary design?
One of the first things you’ll notice about this aesthetic is it’s clean shapes and lines. Not only are they seen on wall treatments but also on clean-lined upholstery and geometric pieces of furniture. Every element is understated and uncomplicated featuring only one dominant material.
Colour palette: When you think of contemporary interior design, think neutrals. Greys, blacks, browns and white occasional pops of pastel colours are trending.
Materials: These are inspired by cutting edge designs with a luxe twist. Popular flooring options are durable wood, tiles and vinyl. You can also find metal, stone and glass for an industrial mix. However, comfort and luxury comes from materials like silk linen and cotton.
Furniture: It is devoid of any embellishments or carvings, furniture sports smooth surfaces and sleek silhouettes, with a bias for, you guessed it, clean lines. Saying that, while everything is kept minimal, there is often one statement piece in a bold colour or form.
Lighting: Here, lighting is mainly reserved for functional use. Therefore, accent lighting features a raw look and track lighting is used to draw attention to art and accessories. Ornamental lighting is a rare sight for this design style.
Top 5 Contemporary Livspace Homes
#1: 2BHK in Mumbai features a stunning colour scheme
A few features that stand out in this cosy 2BHK contemporary house are neutral colours and wood finishes. White on wood is one combination you can’t go wrong with. Moreover, the furniture is clean and uncomplicated while the finishes are rustic and luxurious. The sofas and chairs are designed for comfort with pops of colour in soft shades. Even the kid’s room has a fun contemporary interior design.
#2: Plush 4BHK keeps true to the trend
Very rarely do you find a contemporary house that features all the characteristics of the design. But we’ve got one for you! This 4BHK in Mumbai has a neutral colour scheme with pops of colour, plenty of natural sunlight, luxurious materials like marble and metal and fine finishing touches with wall trims. Moreover, a noteworthy mention goes to the lighting in the home. Consequently, the fixtures focus on functionality and design. They feature floor lamps, pendant lights and geometric chandeliers.
#3: Luxury furnishings for this Mumbai home
While most contemporary houses focus on minimal colours, this home incorporates the aesthetic in the form of luxurious materials and patterns. Therefore, materials like silk, velvet and chenilles used in upholstery can add plenty of character to a design. Moreover, each furniture set has a distinct luxurious yet clear-cut feature to it. The room has furniture that is perfect for its size and doesn’t look bulky. Moreover, tying the whole aesthetic together is the subtle geometric touch from the rectangular wall trims.
#4: Materials makes a difference in this Gurgaon home
Speaking of materials, this 4BHK in Gurgaon has a myriad of them. From marble flooring to subway tiles, this contemporary house has a noteworthy material in every room. While the living and dining room have classy white and black vein marble, the kitchen has ceramic tiles in a diamond pattern and the bedrooms have light wood flooring. Wait, there’s more! Consequently, a touch of symmetry and lines come from the brick wall tiles in the living room and kitchen backsplash.
#5: Stunning textures and patterns give this home its contemporary aesthetic
Located in Noida, this stunning contemporary house has stunning patterns and finishes in every room. However, the master bedroom definitely steals the spotlight. Subsequently, a refurbished bed in a soft French colour and matching side tables and an accent wall with a grey toned marble textured wallpaper, this room has an ideal aesthetic.
How can I use it in my own home?
- Maximise natural light: Floor to ceiling and french windows are a popular design choice as natural light is a must for this design.
- Neutral colours: Go beyond white walls and opt for beige, off-white and pastel colours for soft furnishings.
- Accessories: Avoid a flat and dull design with a touch of industrial designs like mirror panels, glass accents and metallic detailing.
- Texture and patterns: Opt for accents walls with geometric patterns, wooden panelling or basic wall trims.
- Clean lines: If you’re looking to incorporate the most valuable principle of contemporary design, declutter your space and maintain a clean design with functional furniture.
Confused between different design styles? Take a look at Modern vs Contemporary: Unravel the Enigma.
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