Contemporary design is often confused with or described interchangeably as modern design. Although some elements of modern design carry through into contemporary design, the two styles have their differences.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the definition of contemporary design, how it is different from modern design, how contemporary design relates to a few other styles, and contemporary design characteristics.

Definition of Contemporary

The dictionary defines contemporary as (1) living or occurring at the same time or (2) belonging to or occurring in the present. Simply put, contemporary, at its core, refers to things “of the moment.”

How is Contemporary Design Different from Modern Design?

Many people use the words “modern” and “contemporary” interchangeably when referring to design; however, this is not accurate. Modern design refers to design of the mid-1900s. Characteristics such as natural materials, expansive neutrals with pops of color, and clean, low lines are all part of modern décor.

Contemporary refers to décor that is current. Even designs that were contemporary in the 2000s may no longer be considered contemporary but rather vintage. In five or ten years from now, contemporary design will have a different look and feel than today. Where modern design has a specific look and feel, contemporary design is ever-changing due in part to the availability of (new) materials and pieces.

How does Contemporary Design Relate to Other Styles?

Because contemporary design is always evolving, it easily relates to other styles. A space of almost any interior design style can have contemporary elements.

Contemporary + Modern

Modern contemporary interior design incorporates modern elements and pieces. To make these spaces truly contemporary, however, the modern pieces (e.g., low sofa, shag rug) are mixed with other non-modern elements (e.g., concrete floor, graffiti-type wall mural).

Contemporary + Traditional

Traditional furnishings take on a contemporary look and feel when they are combined with lighter elements. For example, blonde wood, an ombre rug, and a light grey color bring a decidedly contemporary vibe to this traditional-inspired sofa seating with its curves and tufting.

Contemporary + Eclectic

Eclectic styles incorporate doses of contemporary design because their mix-and-not-match attitude is embraced in the world of contemporary décor. Combine a vintage mid-century sofa with an Ikea coffee table and a Moroccan rug for an example of this concept. And singular pieces can be both eclectic and contemporary simultaneously, like this freshened-up retro rocker.

Contemporary + Rustic

A wood-heavy design can be brought into a contemporary design realm with a few strategic inclusions, such as plenty of clean straight lines (which juxtapose, and show off, the wood grain beautifully) and cozy layers in neutral colors.

Contemporary Design Characteristics

Of course, the dynamic nature of contemporary design makes this section time-locked. But today, we’ll do our best to showcase some contemporary design characteristics.

Neutral, masculine color palette

Feminine elements don’t take root in contemporary design; rather, the overall effect is muted, mature, and masculine. A contemporary color palette features gray, black, and brown in varying shades.

Sleek, clean lines

A contemporary design style is grounded; nothing here feels over the top. Super decorative items are omitted in favor of cleanliness in contemporary forms, which include low, simple sofas.

Colorful and/or oversized art

Softer art may be mixed into a contemporary art gallery wall, but what creates a contemporary feel is the inclusion of oversized, often colorful, pieces or a geometric wallpaper backdrop that READS as oversized art.

Clever storage solutions

Contemporary design is all about smart, hidden, and/or unexpected storage solutions. This includes architectural storage solutions, such as behind or inside of walls, as well as furniture-based storage, such as the drawers camouflaged in the sculptural elements on these side tables.

Tailored, or nonexistent, skirts

A simple, clean aesthetic when it comes to fabrics bespeaks contemporary design – keep the ruffles and excess fabric at bay. This tailored black bed frame wrap is a completely contemporary touch.

Color blocking in Contemporary Design

A color that makes a space look and feel fresh, new, and inviting is part of a contemporary scheme. Color blocking is a common way to carry this out via a contemporary space’s accents, such as painting the ends of a rustic wooden table with white blocks of color.

Black and reflective accents

Chrome or nickel finishes, glass and mirrors, and ebony wood are all contemporary design accents. A glass coffee table, for example, is a perfect complement to a low-slung, simple black sofa in a contemporary space. A monochromatic black kitchen with variations of shine is also uber-contemporary.

Cozy, comfortable layers

Residing somewhere between the minimalism that’s found in modern interiors and the often-excessive elements of traditional, cottage, and other styles is contemporary layering.

Patterns

Classic and geometric pattern plays an important role in contemporary design today. This colorful low seat and ottoman set, for example, incorporates a subtle contemporary vibe with its diagonal striped weave.

A work-in-progress

As you know by now, contemporary home decor is ever-evolving. It shifts over time, but it is never “finished.” Below is an example of living room contemporary interior design.

What Contemporary Design Is Not

Before we set out to quantify certain design elements that are not contemporary, there’s a caveat: Each of these discussion points can actually be part of contemporary design. While this seems like an oxymoron, it actually makes sense because of the ever-evolving scope of contemporary design. So, the points below may or may not appear in contemporary spaces, and their presence or absence does not in and of itself qualify the space’s contemporaryness.

Contemporary Design Doesn’t Feature Bright Colors

Whereas modern design thrives on neutral expanses with pops of bold color, contemporary design uses this less. Tones and shades of similar hues are more likely to be found in contemporary design, such as the brown and grey neutrals of this dining area – large wooden table with brown leather chairs.

Contemporary Design Aesthetics aren’t Feminine

Sleek, it definitely is. Casual and inviting, sure. Even light and airy at times. But contemporary design draws the line when it comes to feminine design elements.

Not all Contemporary Designs are Minimalistic

While contemporary interiors thrive on a foundation of clean lines, the contemporary design itself does not require minimalism. For example, the organic basket weave around this hanging chair makes for warm, textural, and interesting contemporary décor.

Contemporary Design isn’t Static

As you are aware by now, contemporary design is anything but static. Although it’s quite comfortable in its own skin (if you have contemporary tastes, you like what you like right now, regardless of reference to past design), universal contemporary design is ever-evolving, sometimes slowly and sometimes not.

Contemporary interiors show themselves in calm and collected maturity of presentness, with nothing glaringly reminiscent or futuristic.