So Your Style Is: Contemporary

What's contemporary style? Strong lines, smooth forms, minimal accessories — with room for rule breaking

Lisa Frederick
Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications such as Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More »
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What it is: Technically, contemporary design is rooted in the moment (as in this moment, here and now — how's that for having to think on your feet?). But in broad terms, it represents an about-face from the conventions of traditional decor.

Less is more: smooth profiles instead of ornamentation, solid or subtly patterned fabrics in lieu of colorful prints, minimal accessories rather than big collections. While it doesn't have the overt warmth of older design styles, it won't cast a chill either.

You'll often hear the terms "contemporary" and "modern" tossed about interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same thing. Modern refers to a specific design movement that arose in the early 20th century and follows stricter guidelines; contemporary, by definition, is more fluid and tolerates a bit of rule-breaking. (Keep an eye out for a guide to modern style in the near future.)

Why it works: A strong emphasis on line and form — two essentials of good design — gives contemporary style its energy. These rooms are designed with abundant open space and natural light in mind, which makes them feel airy and expansive. Because there isn't any clutter, every piece has to count.

You'll love it if... At art museums, you gravitate to the abstract works. You have more than two books with the word Simplify in the title. Heavy curtains make you claustrophobic. Geometry class was the high point in your school day. You're tempted to stash most of your stuff in storage and redecorate all in white.

More 'So Your Style Is':
Traditional | Arts & Crafts | Hollywood Regency | Rustic | Old World | Cottage | French Country
Art Deco | Transitional | Midcentury Modern | Industrial | Eclectic | Coastal | Preppy
contemporary kitchen by Charlie Simmons - Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd.
by Charlie Simmons - Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd.
by Charlie Simmons - Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd.
Style Secret: Simple Lines

Repeat after us: lines, planes, angles. Now make it your mantra. Contemporary design is oriented along a strong horizontal-vertical axis, from architecture to furnishings. The structure of a space becomes an integral design component on its own.

But also consider... Does that mean everything in your home must have square corners? Of course not. Balance the look with a few curves; the key is to stay true to simple geometric forms: circles, orbs, cylinders, waves. Leave the scallops and curlicues to your more traditional friends.
Private Comment
modern bedroom by John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA
by John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA
by John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA
Style Secret: Sophisticated Neutrals

Cream, white, tan, beige, black — these are the bedrock upon which contemporary design lies. Monochromatic and tone-on-tone schemes allow the lines and shapes within a space to take center stage.

But also consider... Neutral is a pretty broad term. Choose a shade with undertones that add interest (the stony gray-blue shown here, for example). Try cream with a hint of pink, gray with a touch of green, or beige with some gold. If you want a jolt of brighter color, keep it judiciously focused: an accent wall, say, or a bold piece of furniture.

How to Make Your Neutral Palette Shine | Dare To Try a More Colorful Neutral
Private Comment
Style Secret: Open Space

Contemporary design celebrates what isn't there as much as what is. Empty space takes on an almost sculptural quality, carved out by the strong architecture. Because of their openness, contemporary interiors are especially well suited to large-scale furnishings, art and accents.

But also consider... Too much space with too little to anchor it makes a room feel lost and forlorn. Break furnishings into groupings to help divide up a large room. Chandeliers or pendant lighting can visually pull down a high, cavernous ceiling.
Private Comment
Style Secret: Unadorned Floors

If you're wild for the feel of bare feet on cool tile, you're in luck. Contemporary design eschews rugs and carpeting in favor of sleeker, harder surfaces: bamboo; blond woods such as maple or ash; stone; ceramic. Ebonized planks or dark-stained concrete can ground contemporary rooms (as long as you're prepared to make friends with your dust mop).

But also consider... That's not to say you can't have a rug in a contemporary home; it's just a matter of choosing the right one. You wouldn't necessarily want to throw down a fringed Oriental, but a geometric design or a textural weave might be just the ticket. Or experiment with a grid of carpet tiles. If you must have wall-to-wall carpeting, choose a solid color and a very low pile.
Private Comment
Style Secret: Serious Shine

Contemporary rooms are nothing if not polished, and that means high-gloss surfaces fit right in. Chrome, steel, lacquer, glass, plastic, tile and more all work in tandem to help bounce light around a space. Mix materials for contrast and depth.

But also consider... Too much reflectivity will make your eyeballs quiver. Break up the gleam with matte elements — check out the beautiful interplay of glossy and honed surfaces in this bath. Or temper shine with texture, such as ribbed glass or brushed nickel.
Private Comment
Style Secret: High-Impact Furniture

Contemporary furnishings have clean lines and striking profiles. You won't find a lot of skirts or slipcovers — even the most tailored versions can look too soft and full. Instead, focus on pieces that show a little leg.

But also consider... An overdose of long-legged tables and chairs can make a space feel awkward and unsettled. A low-slung sofa, a simple ottoman or cylindrical end tables will offset the spindliness of their counterparts.
Private Comment
contemporary living room by Marie Burgos Design
by Marie Burgos Design
by Marie Burgos Design
Style Secret: Center-Stage Windows

Can you picture tasseled draperies or a balloon valance in this space? Neither can we. Windows in a contemporary milieu are usually abundant, and they're often left undressed to highlight their crisp lines and let natural light flood in.

But also consider... If privacy's an issue, or if you just don't like feeling that you're on display, integrate sleek window treatments that won't stop the eye: sheers or solid panels that blend into the wall color; narrow blinds; mesh shades. As long as they're done in a neutral solid or barely-there print, and kept very tailored, Roman shades are another possibility.
Private Comment
Style Secret: Minimal Accessories

Remember how we said "less is more?" Eschew eclectic groupings, fussy finds and bric-a-brac; keep accessories simple, few and well-chosen. In this pared-down arrangement, every piece adds drama without detracting from the streamlined feel.

But also consider... Collectors, take heart: You're not doomed to a series of garage sales. While this isn't the setting for the family Staffordshire, simple objects that feel of a piece — such as white porcelain vases or glass fishing-net floats — fall in step with the aesthetic. Arrange them in a tight, uniform manner that enhances the space rather than detracting from it. Bookshelves should be filled with hardbacks; paperbacks are better suited for traditional rooms.
Private Comment
Style Secret: Overscale Art

Walls in contemporary rooms don't usually have much in the way of adornment: no heavy moldings, no plate collections, no family photo groupings. So they're a perfect foil for large works of art that shine best amid gallery-style simplicity. Canvases should be framed very cleanly, if at all. Streamlined sculpture, black-and-white photography, glass and prints also work. And if you like your art a little edgy, it'll feel right at home.

But also consider... Art shouldn't compete with an accent wall or another attention-stealing focal point. Torn between one or the other? In our book, art wins.

Tell us: Does contemporary style light you up or leave you cold? How do you put your own stamp on this look? Share your thoughts below!

More:
Modern and Contemporary: What's the Difference?
How to Make Your Neutral Palette Shine
Private Comment
Browse more living room photos »

Comments

great post and right on. I would love to see this style discussed and defined in the landscape as well.
4 months ago ·
Several stunning examples, although it's not my taste. Do you have to be an exhibitionist to live with all those uncovered windows opposite a huge building? Yecch.
4 months ago ·
This is a very timely and helpful post! We are currently in the midst of a remodel, going from traditional to contemporary. It's reassuring that some of our ideas are spot on - all-glass/window walls, clean lines, minimal clutter, horizontal/vertical design elements, neutral palette, raised ceiling, sleek fireplace, etc. We've been very selective in our lighting and furniture to set the tone. Yet, I still love a few (operative word: few) of my traditional pieces (bow-front hall chest, art in decorative frames, family photos, large antique case clock, etc.). I'd love to hear suggestions on how I can incorporate them into our new and exciting contemporary living space.
4 months ago ·
Thanks all! Laurel, the uncovered look is not for me either, but I can see the appeal for folks who love it. Deedeelouise, you've raised an interesting question. I think as long as the more traditional pieces are kept to a minimum and the rest of the house is done in a very contemporary style, antiques, etc. can work. But you might be headed in a direction that's more transitional (sort of a middle ground between traditional and contemporary). This is what's so great about design: the ability to start with a well-established look but spin it on your own direction. Maybe you'll come up with a new name entirely to describe your style!
4 months ago ·
Thank you for this style series of ideabooks.
Like deedeelouise, I and my very reluctant husband have been in the over-three-years-now process of transforming our small tract house from a traditional home (made so by us) to a contemporary one. After endless hours of research and sifting through thousands of inspirational photos, I have discovered just how accurate your contemporary style description here is. (Although, I am another who is guilty of calling it modern. Mostly because, even though it has been addressed here at Houzz, the differences between these two styles remains a little fuzzy for me. I hope to gain more clarity from your upcoming ideabook on modern style.)
I have also discovered just how much more challenging creating a contemporary vs. a traditional space is. Every piece and every wall in every room has to be spot on to create a nice aesthetic. Trying to obtain this perfection is what has taken us so long to complete the transformation. Even hiring a designer last year to assist us, because we only had a $500 (5 hours) designer budget, didn't provide the results we had hoped for.
When creating a contemporary home, this style dictates the need for extra patience and extra $$$ to accomplish the desired results in a timely manner. And results, like those above, are stunning.
4 months ago ·
midmodfan says:
In my opinion, most people are overly concerned when it comes to "privacy". As long as the lights are off, you can't see much anyway. Of course, everybody wants privacy for the bedroom and the bath, but what is so private about a kitchen, or a family sitting around a dining table? It's not very interesting to watch the neighbors living their ordinary lives.

As for the difference between modern and contemporary - the way I understand it, modern is kind of 'static' and linked to a certain era (Eames chairs are modern), while a contemporary style, like fashion, changes all the time.

For me, a mixture between modern and contemporary plus some (very few) quirky things is perfect.
4 months ago ·
Midmodfan, you're right on with the modern/contemporary split. And Denise, glad to be of help! Good luck with your remodel. Please post pictures down the road.
4 months ago ·
caryns says:
OK I always thought this was my style but now that I see how "exposed" it is, I don't think this is what I need. Possibly my style is more cottage, although that always seemed cluttered to me. Thanks for the article.
4 months ago ·
Hi Caryns - You can definitely have a cottage look without the clutter. It's more about graceful lines, airy colors, textural interest and finishes that have a little patina to them. You might also like transitional style, which is less formal than traditional but warmer than contemporary. More style guides to come in this series, so keep an eye out for the one that resonates with you. Or you may have a hybrid that's all your own!
4 months ago ·
92viadi says:
Thank you for this excellent and succinct guide. We are in the midst of a whole house remodel taking our home from a mixed style (mostly traditional) to what our architect calls "warm contemporary". Like deedeelouise, we have some special family pieces that will appear antique in this mix, but we neither want to part with them nor store them. I second the request for a guide on judiciously mixing those few special pieces in.
4 months ago ·
My personal style is "contemporary traditional"- or maybe I'm just eclectic...I don't know...I just like everything. But, while these ultra contemporary styles make for gorgeous pics, this style doesn't translate well here in the cold northeast for most people. The key to contemporary or modern is adding TEXTURE.
4 months ago ·
I'm a "Classic Contemporary" kind of person. I like the subtle tones, because then I can add splashes of color with pillows and flowers and such, and I can rotate whatever color I'm in the mood for without changing everything about my home. I like things to be simple and clean, and be able to be fun and bright when and where I want. :)
4 months ago ·
nasafemme says:
Since my decorating style (or lack thereof) has been described as "spartan", contemporary totally appeals to me.
4 months ago ·
Good points and great feedback! 92viadi, I'm making notes on your request for an idea book about mixing antiques into contemporary interiors. In the meantime, check out these links for inspiration: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/670830/list/Houzz-Tour--Modern-Meets-Traditional-in-Eclectic-Loft and http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1050795/list/Design-2012--Not-Your-Grandma-s-Antiques .
4 months ago ·
geo55 says:
I still hold out for traditional, although it seems these days I am in the minority!
I also love cottage and romantic looks and English country and french styles.
4 months ago ·
4 months ago ·
My first glance usually makes me go ooo and ahh, but if I lived with contemporary, it would be a matter of only a few days when I'd be trying to escape. It's far too cold, linear, geometric, unadorned and minimalistic to feed my traditional style.
3 months ago ·
I HAVE TO SAY, I TRULY ENJOYED ALL THE DESIGNS! LOVE THIS SITE! THANK YOU.
3 months ago ·
dfbo says:
Enjoyed the discussion of four decorating styles. Houzz has been so helpful.

I love the traditional, but also enjoy the clean crisp lines of contemporary. In my traditional taupe living - dining room, we have glass dining table, contemporary media furniture. Recently added silk drapery panels in living room, but left the dining room window naked. My kitchen, I guess is also a blend of the two styles since the cabinets are maple with traditional style doors. I'm happy with the light feeling that maple brings. I think we have a nice compromise of the two styles. My greatest challenge is to edit the amount of seating in the living room.
3 months ago ·
freebetty says:
Thoses examples will help us to decorate our house. Thanks for your help. The red wall is amazing.
3 months ago ·
freebetty says:
Here part of our challenge. Colors?
3 months ago ·
Thanks for your great comments, everyone! Nicarc - wow, some great architecture going on in your pics. What about a smoky blue like the one in the second photo from the top? I'm going to throw this to other readers as well. What do you all think?
3 months ago ·
blossom61 says:
What I'D like to see more of is that awesome mix of old and new so common in the victorian neighborhoods of central Ohio. Whenever I go on old house tours in Columbus I find houses with THAT LOOK and think 'This is what I want.' It's way sexier than sterile modernity or that our-house-is-a-museum-of-the-past look so many go for in old houses. It's a cool mix I NEVER see in the media but would love to. I have yet to see any books, magazines, or websites that cater to this unique look and I need help pulling off this look in my own 1910 house.
3 months ago ·
Great article! I am working with a not-so-contemporary house (small 1954 cinder block in California) and I want to "honor the blocks" by remodeling and decorating in a contemporary style. This was really helpful to keeping my focus.
3 months ago ·
Blossom, can you post a few pics? I'd love to see more of the look you describe.
3 months ago ·
I like the "idea" of contemporary decor/design, with its uncluttered & streamlined vibe. But so often what I see are stark, serious and forlorn interiors devoid of any sense of fun, warmth or "live-ability". I think a contemporary space can be created that exudes warmth and personality, and still be polished, streamlined and simple by effective use of texture, the right palette and a little soul. And thanks for mentioning negative space - it's an important component of ANY design philosophy.
2 months ago ·
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