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The Contemporary Design Style

Sometimes people confuse modern design with contemporary design. Contemporary design is all about now and the future, while modern sits in the early to mid-20th century. In today's homes, contemporary styles are welcoming, comfortable, and attractive. It is defined by its simplicity, use of texture, and using the interior to showcase the space rather than what is inside.

Contemporary Style Architecture

Contemporary architecture focuses on the utilization of space. The style aims at merging the outdoors with the inside of the property. Rooms are more open, encouraging modern-day use and modern living. The buildings have creative and innovative designs. The structures are aesthetically attractive, making the natural surroundings part of the design.

Contemporary design architecture tends to be more innovative; it has the following elements:

  • Flat overhanging roofs that are eye-catching and provide shade to adjacent structures.

  • Bright open interiors that bring natural light to the rooms.

  • Uses unique and innovative materials for construction.

  • Geometric simplicity is the rule when it comes to contemporary designs.

  • The overhanging roofs and the glass walls make the architectural style merge with nature.

Contemporary Materials

Once you have the right basics in contemporary design style, choose what you need to use to make your building or home more attractive. In this style, you require both organic and innovative materials. 

  • Use light-colored woods like birch and maple plus nickel, chrome, stainless steel, and clear glass for your furniture.

  • Use granite, limestone, and marble for your walls, floors, and kitchen surfaces.

  • Solid wood and wood panels to be used on the floor or walls.

  • Use fabrics like linen, cotton, silk, and wool to give your structure a beautiful texture.

Contemporary Colors and Finishes

Contemporary design should be eye-catching both in the interior and the exterior. In terms of finish, you need to prioritize what makes you comfortable. Choose comfortable furniture and remember contemporary designs are classy. Focusing on color and finishes makes the interior sleek and fresh. To make the design more pleasant and attractive, embrace the use of the following:

  • Use black for grounding.

  • Use wood, tiles, or vinyl for a bare, smooth floor.

  • Use carpet on the floor for warmth.

  • Neutrals are to be used in areas with bright and bold colors.

  • Use neutral trims if the walls and windows are painted in pastels.

Contemporary Furniture and Decor

Having a home or a simple commercial building, with fine texture and clean tiles is essential in contemporary design. Your furniture should make a bold statement and at the same time be simple and attractive. Decorating in this style requires metal, stone, and clear glass. Focus on the following elements:

  • Black, white, and neutral tones are used on upholstered furniture.

  • Add textural appeal to your furniture using natural fibers from wool, linen, silk, cotton, and jute.

  • Pillows with clean geometric shapes add texture and color to your furniture.

  • Two-tone prints work well, for example, zebra print on a black leather chair.

Contemporary Lighting

Contemporary-style lighting has simple lines and curves with minimal noisy textures. The style of lighting uses grayscale tones and pops of color applied occasionally. Enough lighting in the interior and exterior of the contemporary design makes it look more pleasant and attractive. Lighting creates freedom of movement within the space.

  • Install cove lights in renovations or new construction.

  • Use glass and metal elements.

  • Include versatile pendants in the rooms.

At Urban Ambiance, we offer preferred customer service on lighting design styles. Ensure you contact us to get professional advice on contemporary lighting design styles.