How to Use Contemporary Design in Any Room

If “less is more” is your personal mantra or you can’t even have a seat on the couch without straightening things up on your way there, contemporary design might just be your home decor soulmate.

What is contemporary design?

Contemporary interior design highlights simplicity and openness, while leaving room to play and adapt. By keeping permanent pieces like furniture and walls understated and neutral, accent pieces, artwork, and other accessories can be edited and swapped out as seasons or tastes change. For those that like to modify their home decor often, it’s an ideal choice.

If you’re inspired by this 20th century style as much as we are, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how simple it is to achieve in almost any room.

Dining area

Simple furniture silhouettes are a must. With our Laura Wood Dining Table and classic shaker style chairs in the forefront, accent pieces like a jute rug and pampas grass table decor allow this dining space to feel earthy and organic.

Photo: @raising.tiny.disciples

Bedroom

When decorating a contemporary home, rooms should focus more heavily on space rather than things. But that doesn’t mean they have to lack personality. The aesthetic should be flexible enough to let you convey your personal style. In this bedroom, feminine touches like pastel bedding and delicate artwork are easily incorporated against the natural finish of our Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame.

Photo: @brittneydeyoung

Living room

Although our Benton Sofa is mid-century at its core, when wrapped in soft grey velvet, placed against a bright white shiplap wall, and surrounded by greenery, it easily completes a contemporary space. A hint of eclectic flair is achieved here (once again) thanks to swappable accessories like a patterned area rug and embroidered pillows.

Photo: @themarysarge

Playroom

Don’t be fooled—a contemporary room doesn’t have to be devoid of color. Especially in a kids’ space. To really let their favorite hues and characters pop in the playroom, paint the walls in a softer version of their favorite shade. Look for furniture that is functional, comfortable, and durable, like the Ricardo Sofa. And with a good foundation, you can easily transition the room to a more grown-up space when the kiddos are older.

Photo: @montgofarmhouse

Breakfast nook

Your home, your rules. Fusing one style with another is never off the table (pun intended). In this cozy corner turned breakfast nook, a clawfoot table and ornamental rug bring traditional finesse into the mix, while a neutral and simple Jackie Sofa and plenty of natural light give the space a more contemporary presence.

Photo: @greerbrewer

Not a fan of the contemporary aesthetic? Check out our 5 Interior Design Styles and How to Pull Them off at Home article for more bedroom and living room decorating ideas.