While many think of "modern" interiors as cold and uncomfortable, contemporary design style provides a more comfortable version of the modern aesthetic. Contemporary design is an excellent place to begin if you're interested in finding inspiration for minimalist but welcoming décor. To use this design style in your own home, here are some ideas to help:
Contemporary colors
Color is key to achieving contemporary design in your own space. The main colors used in contemporary design are white, black and neutrals. However, it's important to add in bolder colors through details like accessories, wall décor and textiles. Paint your walls in a basic neutral to give you the freedom of a comfortable but open canvas. Black accents can ground the space and give it depth while maintaining the balance between neutrals and brighter colors lets you stretch your creativity.
Contemporary style furniture
Contemporary furniture is bold but simple. Opt for pieces lacking decoration and embellishment. Choose angular lines and edges rather than curves for your furniture, and be careful not to clutter a space. Less is more in modern interiors, and contemporary design is no exception. This concept applies to patterns and décor as well as your furniture: avoid florals and fringe and stick to structural, basic silhouettes.
Lighting & art
Track and recessed lighting are excellent ways to light a contemporary space. Consider installing indirect lighting in these or other methods to bathe the space in light without glare. You can use spotlights to highlight specific art pieces or other wall décor if you want to encourage focus. However, keeping your light bright but indirect will keep the more contemporary feeling of open simplicity. For finishes and materials, choose natural wood, matte black or metal. If framing art, keep the frames subtle so as to not overshadow the art itself.
These are just a few ways to bring contemporary design into your own home. Use them as a starting point and create a contemporary space unique to your taste and needs.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
