contemporary interior design modern

What is contemporary interior design?

 Contemporary interior design refers to the style choices of the present day. It first appeared in the 1970s and expands on the sleek, minimalist forms of Modern (1940s - 1970s) decor. This design style blends the fuss-free, minimal style with new silhouettes, replacing the streamlined angular shapes found in modern decor with organic, curved shapes.

There are many types of contemporary decor that run parallel to one another, ranging from brutalist to nature-inspired, bohemian interiors. Across all offshoot styles, contemporary decor is characterised by clean lines, openness, rounded shapes, and a delicate balance between function and aesthetics.  

Contemporary interior design is not static and continually integrates new and emerging trends. It draws inspiration from art, culture, and politics, all of which contribute to the style choices of this design style.

Contemporary Decor and Social Media

Social media has a significant influence on visual trends, and interior design is no exception. To perform well on social media, furniture and decor items need to feature attention-grabbing silhouettes and accents that instantly captivate viewers. For example, soft furniture pieces like sofas have taken on a pop-art appearance, often in unconventional oblong shapes with softened edges. These silhouettes are visually striking, even on a phone screen.

Contemporary Decor and Eco-friendly Design

Design styles often reflect the concerns, values, and ideas of the time period they are created in. Today, many are concerned with sustainability and the impact of human activity on the environment. Consequently, contemporary interiors often integrate natural or sustainable elements. Linen, marble, and stone are popular choices, along with eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood, metal, MDF, and cotton. These may be combined with manmade materials to create an earthy yet futuristic feel.

Contemporary Decor Ideas

Silhouettes

One of the main differences between modern and contemporary interior design is the use of rounded, asymmetrical silhouettes. Contemporary interiors embrace unconventional and sweeping shapes, such as curved sofas with shelf ends or kidney bean-shaped tables.

Some furnishings are designed to stand out with exciting shapes and textures, while others are meant to be minimal and blend into the background. For instance, wardrobes often retain simple rectangular silhouettes or are built into the wall for a streamlined appearance. 

Colours

Contemporary interiors don't have a fixed colour scheme, and palette trends change every year. However, there are certain colours that are often favoured, such as cool tones and earthy hues:

  • Steel grey
  • White
  • Deep blue
  • Lavender
  • Sand
  • Stone
  • Terracotta
  • Forest green
  • Sage green
  • Peach
  • Chambray blue
  • Dusty pink
  • Dark brown
  • Ivory

Materials

Metal

Metals like steel and aluminium are commonly used to create strong and attractive structures for furniture pieces. They can be coated with various finishes to create matte, shiny, and colour-toned effects. Shiny gold and silver finishes are popular for providing a sleek and polished look.

Glass

Glass complements the reflective surfaces of metals and doesn’t command much attention due to its see-through nature, allowing for additional surface areas without cluttering the space. 

Plastic

Plastic is versatile and affordable, making it easy to mould into the trendy curved shapes of contemporary designs. It's also easy to clean, making it a low-maintenance option for furniture like dining tables and chairs. 

Multi-density fibreboard

Multi-density fibreboard (MDF) is a popular material for coffee tables, wardrobes, drawers, and more. It's cost-effective and strong, making more unusual designs accessible at a lower price point. It's also often a more sustainable alternative to other woods. 

Wood

Darker woods with rich, deep tones such as oak, walnut, and mahogany are popular choices. Lighter woods like pine are also used for a brighter look or for affordability.

Marble

Marble is a popular choice for tables, countertops, and tiles due to its subtle and uncluttered appearance. Faux marble is a favoured option for creating a similar appearance at a lower cost. 

Overall, contemporary interior design is characterised by its minimal and uncluttered elements and constant evolution. It departs from Modern decor's rigid, straight shapes by introducing curved and sloping silhouettes. The visual aspects of this style are often influenced by new and emerging art, culture, and politics. As the most current and innovative design style, it's ideal for creating a space with a modern and fresh feel.

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