A contemporary home is one that reflects the current style, which in this case would be 21st century architecture and design. It's evolutionary, meaning it changes and grows as we do, constantly adapting to what's new, intriguing, and trending in the world of home design.
To put it simply, "modern" refers to a specific time period in American history and "contemporary" refers to the ever-changing trends in house design of today.
Contemporary style embraces minimalistic elements highlighting grays, beiges and shades of white. Sleek, thoughtful, hidden details emphasize an edited aesthetic. Contemporary style offers an 'everything in its place' interior featuring designs that are high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.
Contemporary kitchens are in high demand by homeowners because they reflect the current trend. They are eco-friendly, technologically advanced, and have a clean style. Contemporary kitchens mix modern design with minimalism with flat-front cabinetry, sleek fixtures, and wood accents.
Modern furniture works well in open space architecture and may be used to create minimalistic impact while still being part of the overall design. To mix modern and contemporary furniture, use pieces that have similar lines, wood tones or colors.
Contemporary architects work in several different styles, from postmodernism, high-tech architecture and new interpretations of traditional architecture to highly conceptual forms and designs, resembling sculpture on an enormous scale.
Contemporary interior design is known for sleek surfaces, crisp furnishings, and cutting-edge art. While the style has gotten a bad wrap in the past for being cold and impersonal, more and more modern spaces balance warmth and minimalism for a fresh and dazzling effect.
Combining traditional and modern furniture may seem like a challenging blend to perfect. However, when done correctly, the mixture creates a unique, multi-layered space. One of the perks of blending traditional and modern interior design styles is developing a personal style that you won't see in other homes.
Use Textures and layering aplenty
Mixing a strong and symmetrical display, such as framed pictures on a contemporary-coloured wall, can be the perfect contrast to weathered, vintage-style furnishings. Introducing natural textures, such as leather, faux-fur, wool and linen, will also help to create a more relaxed feel.
Materials and Finishes Can Also Be Mixed Mixing materials and finishes is another great way to add traditional and contemporary styles to the same design. The chandelier used in this space has a more traditional feel, but the modern touches add a modern twist in the form of an all-black metal finish.
The materials used in contemporary architecture are typically raw and natural materials like wood, concrete, metal, and glass. Simple and ordinary materials compared to the fancier and rarer materials like marble favored by more decorative architectural styles.
Design Influences
Most elements of contemporary architecture are borrowed from the modern architecture movement of the early and mid-twentieth century. This includes clean lines and neatness. However, contemporary architecture allows for free-flowing form, creativity, and extensive use of curved lines.
The Sydney Opera House is an example of contemporary architecture but it also an example of Expressionism—a style that features original or unique forms abstracted from nature. This is a great example of how contemporary architecture often overlaps with different architectural styles.
Mixed materials used for facades: Contemporary homes often create contrast by using a combination of different building materials for the facade. Homes may be made out of concrete, steel or glass and can have stone, wood or metal panels.
Embracing a timeless aesthetic, transitional style celebrates natural light and a relaxed feel with smooth, blending details that create warm yet modern [interiors]. If you think your style is somewhere between traditional and modern, consider transitional style for a warm but up-to-date look.
Modern design refers to an era that has passed, while contemporary design is all about the now and the future. The most popular modern design era is the mid-century modern era of the 1950s and 1960s.
Typically, contemporary cabinets are square with crisp corners, defined edges, and Shaker or flat faces. Quite literally, contemporary style is a style that lives “in the now.” Today, this means clean-cut, simplistic, smooth, and spacious design principles.