The contemporary style is one of the most popular trends in today’s interiors. At some point, you can compare its popularity to that of football betting at 22Bet Uzbekistan. Let’s explore what makes it special and how you can bring it into your own apartment.
How Did the Contemporary Style Emerge?
In the second half of the 20th century, the rise of standardized housing developments shaped new approaches to interior design. While people previously favored Scandinavian style, constructivism, minimalism, and Art Nouveau, contemporary style emerged as a blend of these directions. It’s a style of borrowing and compromise, often chosen to make small spaces more beautiful and cozy.
Key Characteristics of Contemporary Interior Design
Here are the essential features:
- Calm, unobtrusive aesthetics
- Clean layouts and functional space planning
- Simple and minimalistic décor
- Every item must serve a purpose
- Neutral and soft color palette: whites, greys, blacks paired with beige, brown, and blue
- Clear zoning of spaces
- Focus on minimalism and comfort with only essential furniture
- Subtle Scandinavian influence in furniture with clean lines
- Elegance through clear shapes, minimal accessories, and smooth surfaces
- Built-in storage and modular furniture to create a sense of airiness
- Sliding panels to hide clutter, appliances, and storage niches
Colors and Materials in Contemporary Style
The base palette centers around white, grey, and beige tones. These calm hues help relax the nervous system, relieve fatigue, and set a serene mood. Although neutral, this style isn’t boring — it allows for a few bold accents.
Color strategy ideas:
- Background colors: Use grey, sand, beige, or white for walls, ceilings, and floors
- Furniture colors: Match the tones of the room or add contrast with brown, dark blue, graphite, or white
- Accents: Deep colors like navy, mustard, lilac, or bottle green
- Fresh touches: Add yellow, turquoise, or soft pink
Material choices:
Mix and match both natural and synthetic materials. Think of raw wood, natural fabrics, stone, combined with glass, chrome-finished metals, lacquered surfaces, and plastic.
Surface Finishing Options for a Contemporary Look
Floors:
Ideal options include parquet, polished wood, or laminate — suitable for every room, even the kitchen and bathroom. Heated floors pair well with ceramic tiles. Though less common, poured floors are also a bold choice.
Ceilings:
Matte or glossy stretch ceilings are typical. You can also opt for drywall with built-in lighting. If your ceiling is perfectly flat, a simple white or beige paint will do.
Walls:
Neutral wallpapers with subtle patterns, textured plaster with relief, or calm-colored paints are common. A mix of materials like wood with plaster, wallpaper with wood, or stone with plaster also works well.
Open layouts are ideal for this style. Combine the kitchen with the living room, or connect the balcony to a room to create more space and freedom for design ideas. Zoning helps manage larger areas efficiently.
Choosing Furniture for Contemporary Interiors
One major challenge with typical apartment layouts is limited space. That’s why functionality is key. Choose furniture that enhances ergonomics and makes the most of small areas.
Tips:
- Opt for practical, multifunctional pieces like sofas, bar counters, or modular units
- Highlight kitchen zones with raised floors or lowered ceilings
- Use lighting and texture to define different zones
Contemporary furniture is designed to be both attractive and practical. Made from affordable materials, it’s accessible to most people. Look for soft, neutral-colored pieces without ornate detailing. Popular options include:
- Beds with storage
- Sliding-door wardrobes
- Dressers
- Fold-out sofas and armchairs
- Modular storage systems
The Role of Décor and Accessories
It’s not just the furniture or materials that define the space. Carefully chosen décor enhances the atmosphere without overwhelming it.
- Add subtle elements like textiles, artwork, large potted plants
- Avoid visual clutter — accessories should complement the space
- Decorative pillows, small vases, and candles should follow the overall color scheme
- Use compact rugs, wooden tables, or small bookshelves to create warmth
Skip bulky furniture and heavy curtains. Light tulle, roman blinds, or shutters are better suited for this style.
Lighting in a Contemporary Apartment
Lighting is essential for setting the mood and enhancing functionality. Use a mix of chandeliers, floor lamps, wall sconces, and ceiling spotlights.
- Choose fixtures with clean or geometric shapes
- Consider materials like glass, metal, or fabric for lampshades
- Use lighting to zone the space — install LEDs in niches, shelves, or around ceilings and floors
- Fixtures don’t need to match exactly — select lights based on function and placement
Contemporary Style Room by Room
Living Room:
The heart of the home. Stick with a neutral palette, but feel free to add personality with a unique chandelier, bold sofa, or colorful pillows. Just don’t overdo the décor.
Kitchen:
Best when combined with the living room. Use light walls, sleek cabinets, and minimalist countertops. Bright chairs or a feature wall can add visual interest.
Bedroom:
Ideal in beige or light grey. A large sliding-door wardrobe with mirrors adds storage while visually expanding the room.
Bathroom:
Minimalist design with compact fixtures and a shower instead of a bathtub. Chrome or frosted glass accessories like soap dishes and towel hooks complete the look.
Hallway:
Needs proper lighting — especially in dark corners. Avoid bulky furniture and keep the layout practical and streamlined.
Children’s Room:
Use light, pastel shades to promote calm. Include storage systems to teach tidiness. Add playful elements like a colorful chair, rug, or framed drawings on the wall.
Final Tips
- Choose standard-sized furniture with simple geometry
- Integrate appliances in the kitchen
- Combine the bathroom and toilet for space efficiency
- Replace the bathtub with a shower if possible
- Keep appliances, fixtures, and lighting minimal and sleek
- Many contemporary apartments now feature smart home systems
Contemporary style offers a practical, stylish solution for modern living. With its focus on simplicity, comfort, and function, it’s perfect for transforming even the smallest apartment into a cozy, elegant space.
