I thought "contemporary" was a 'fresh' look using up-to-date materials and fabrics. I thought "modern" was the cold and sterile look.

No-Fuss and sophisticated…… Like how i made 2 words one? ;-)

Cutting edge!

Fluidity and open spaces where the frontiers between the functions are blurred, reflecting the democratic process of our society.

I wouldn't call contemporary 'a style' at all, because contemporary changes over time.

trendy

Clean, smooth and flowing lines

Minimalist

modern and upbeat

simple and white

Sleek and clean.

Contemporary "contemporary" doesn't have to be all white, or white at all. Colors, including (perhaps especially) softer neutral ones, give it the warmth that people often find lacking. I'm all for texture, too.

clean, functional

Sleek, elegant.

Good contemporary design has a strong visual impact with the least amount of items needed to achieve the look. Less is more!

Sterile and uninviting. I do like the table, and think the kitchen would have warmth if the chairs complimented the table. The chairs shown remind me of something you have to sit in to wait for your car, or at the DMV.

Not Me

Clean, sleek.

Stylish

Stark. Cold.

Calming

Restful and Serene. Unlike the atrocities seen mostly in America with dark walls and horrific giant furniture.

Just love America bashing, so freaking unnecessary.....give it a rest.

Contemporary is not modern: It doesn't mean minimal, or sleek or stark, or any of those things. It's not even postmodern, though it can be. Contemporary can be eclectic, using choice elements of whatever the person wants, to create a unified whole. ie. modern farmhouse. Contemporary isn't fully determined, but it seems a contemporary home will have some defined elements, such as a more open floorplan. A contemporary home more often than not will not have wainscoting, mouldings, but it will have exposed beams on its high ceilings.

Contemporary to me is cold and uninviting.

Debbi, you nailed it! Your photos are beautiful, and the room is modern, and gives the feeling of a warm hug.

The term contemporary design is actually quite subjective. Depending on the topic at hand, the word contemporary can mean different things to different people. Often confused with modern style, when thinking of contemporary in relation to decor, some see it as harsh and cold, whereas others are excited by the energy that the clean lines create. As with all decor styling, whether it is your home, your place of work, an office or a shop, being represented by a contemporary decor can speak volumes and set peoples expectations...
The actual definition of contemporary is
1.
existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time

Emmeline asked us "What materials, colours, items define 'now'?" So I guess, Maida, she was asking along the lines of the actual definition you listed. That is such a HUGE question, thought that way. Potentially more interesting though.

Jean! I was making reference to some of the other peoples comments not Emmeline's.

Sexy, but livable

Maida, I wasn't being critical of you; I understood what you said and I agree with you. I used your definition of "contemporary" to point out what Emmeline's original question was. We would get very different (and interesting) comments in this thread if everyone was defining "now" instead of "contemporary." I'm sorry what I said came out the wrong way.

Lol! Jean I wasn't being critical of you either. I thought you misunderstood my comments. The world of text communication can be misunderstood. Apologies to you :) have a lovely day.

Thank you Susan - I take credit for the kitchen, the construction of removing walls and the floor and wall colors.... the furnishings were my clients.... she has wonderful taste and is not afraid to take a chance.....The colors we choose were what was being seen in places like Target, Home Goods, Pottery Barn and shops like those in our area - greys, beiges with pops of turquoise as an accent colors ( or yellow or orange ).... I think it still is current this year as well.....

Pure

indefinable

Eclectic

Uncomfortable. Maybe it's an overgeneralization, but for me it conjures up hard plastic chairs, backless stools, and sofas that are uninviting for naps. Also lots of chrome and stainless and glass, nearly all of which I dislike.

I think too many posters are confusing modern with contemporary. Contemporary simply means up to date or "of the day".

Thank you, Depo SD! Ugh, this makes it so hard when searching for things, I love modern but hate contemporary.

Modern-ish. Not quite as modern as "modern."

I agree with Midmodfan. Contemporary just means 'of the moment', it's not really a style, its just current

Describe current decor in two words.

Clean lines .

trending ;)

Trying to think what's trending these days..the color gray, tile that looks like wood floor and those Ikat/Chevron rugs. So, if we see in 20 years a house that is painted all in gray with wood looking tiles and ikat/chevron rugs and probably drapes, we know when the house was designed:) I like gray, btw, and it wasn't done because of the trend,,7 years ago not sure it was trendy:)

Based on the picture by the OP, contemporary is cold, sterile, lifeless and uncomfortable. I would much rather live in a jungle with an array of colors and textures than in Siberia where there was one green leaf still clinging to a branch that serves as a 'pop' of color.

I'm with Margo; trendy.

Yes.....trendy.

Innovative, inconsistent.