Origin of the style
Contemporary (“modern” in translation from English) originates from the 20th century and is born on the principles of minimalism and the description of constructivism. Small city apartments were decorated in a practical and modest manner, using both antique and factory-made furniture, combining both modern and classic decor items.
Eclecticism is also preserved in post-war apartments, using factory-made and affordable furniture that organizes the space and allows you to store a large number of things (slides and walls).
The photo shows a light-colored interior of a children’s room with a play area and a chalkboard to develop the child’s creative abilities.
Contemporary is still popular today, it combines practical furniture with rare interior items, the style will remain popular in the future due to its flexibility and the ability to apply modifications based on the current reality.
Distinctive features and color scheme
Contemporary is free from following the rules, maintaining a specific color balance. There is no need to buy sketch curtains and furniture. Spontaneous combination, modern decoration, comfort are the main principles of contemporary.
Features of the contemporary style:
- combination of convenience and simplicity;
- simple lines for furniture and equipment, smooth texture and monochromaticity;
- space free of walls;
- functionality of furniture;
- complementarity and the ability to replace decorative items;
- built-in walls, niches and shelves.
The photo shows a contemporary bedroom in white without a clutter of accessories, a monochromatic ceiling and walls visually smooth out the window niches.
Preference is given to a natural palette of colors, graphite, gray, white, and sand colors are used. Neutral shades act as a background for bright interior items and decor in the contemporary style.
Photos in the interior of the rooms
Kitchen
In a modern house, a contemporary kitchen is most often combined with a living room or hallway; in the interior of a kitchen in an apartment, preference is also given to combining rooms or minimal clutter with furniture.
A bar counter, an island set, zoning with a multi-level ceiling and flooring are used. Household appliances are built-in or have a simple form. The eclecticism of country with classics or minimalism is typical for the contemporary style.
The photo shows a contemporary style kitchen with additional lighting above the work surface and a 3D apron. The light palette is combined with a black accent color.
Living room
For a contemporary style living room, the most simple and functional furniture is selected, the lines are horizontal and there is no ostentatious luxury. Glass, plastic, metal and decorative stone are used for decoration. Against the background of neutral colors, there is always a color accent in the paintings or furniture. In a large hall, furniture is arranged in groups to save empty space.
Bedroom
In a bedroom in contemporary style, two neutral or monochrome colors are combined according to the principle of horizontal alternation, for example, the ceiling and floor are white, and the walls are gray. A modern bright wardrobe or sliding wardrobe with glass panels serves as an accent.
The photo shows a grey-beige contemporary bedroom with bamboo accent wall trim. The absence of bedside tables in the bedroom creates the effect of spaciousness.
Children’s room
In a contemporary style children’s room, natural materials and practical use of space play an important role, which is helped by a convenient toy storage system. The walls are painted using bright patterns, stencils and wall stickers.
Hallway
The contemporary hallway has additional LED lighting or spot lighting. Light tones of paint, false brick or decorative stone are used for the walls. As for furniture, you can install a wardrobe, a small bench. As accessories, it is better to limit yourself to a few paintings.
The photo shows a contemporary hallway in neutral colors with with an emphasis on voluminous lampshades, additional lighting and a combination of glossy and matte surfaces.
Bathroom
In the contemporary style, the bathroom is planned with the maximum creation of empty space. Compact installations and showers are used, plumbing occupies corners, and the washing machine is hidden in a niche or under the table. All communications are hidden under moisture-resistant panels. Most often, light shades are chosen for a contemporary bathroom.
Finishing
Walls
Contemporary is characterized by experiments with finishing and a combination of natural materials with modern ones. Plain wallpaper, companion wallpaper, liquid wallpaper are suitable for the wall. Acrylic paint, geometric patterns, stencils and stickers are appropriate in a contemporary interior. In the living room, you can combine decorative stone with plaster or non-woven wallpaper.
The photo shows an interior with a plant pattern on gray wallpaper in a contemporary bedroom. On the wall there is a square minimalist painting and a round wicker decor.
Floor
Practical floor coverings are suitable for the floor in a contemporary interior: laminate, linoleum, carpet, porcelain stoneware. The floor should be different in color from the walls and can match the ceiling.
Ceiling
Can be made of plasterboard, multi-level stretch, painted or smoothly plastered. Slatted panels are suitable for the kitchen.
The photo shows a plasterboard ceiling with LED backlighting and an unusual ceiling chandelier. The ceiling levels differ not in color, but in the play of light and shadow.
Features of furniture
In contemporary style, furniture is used in simple forms, it should be practical and affordable. Decorations, inserts and roundness will be superfluous.
Wooden furniture is made from inexpensive wood species or MDF. Neutral or black upholstery made from natural fabrics will do. Beds and chairs can be on small legs.
Features of textiles
Bedspreads, pillows, upholstery and curtains should match each other and not stand out from the uniform contemporary style.
Curtains hide uneven window frames, make the window wider, and enlarge the room. Thick curtains are combined with light organza or taffeta. In a dark room, translucent tulle will be enough. Plain curtains and lightweight fabrics are suitable for a small room, while curtains with prints and geometry can be chosen for a spacious room.
The photo shows a contemporary style children’s room with themed photo wallpaper and practical roman blinds, which guarantee darkening of the room.
Lighting and decor
Lighting
Lighting in this style can be multi-level (upper light from a chandelier, wall sconces and floor lighting) with automatic control. In the kitchen, additional lighting above the work table is important, and in the hallway, lower lighting looks unusual.
You can direct the lamp and set the flow of light using swivel lamps. Niches and openings are also illuminated in a contemporary interior. Dimmers or brightness regulators set the degree of illumination in the room at different times of the day.
Decor
Decor is used in contemporary style in very reasonable quantities, so as not to overload the interior. The accessory should be thought out in shape and color, not overload the room and look laconic. A modern abstract painting, smooth vases or figurines, fresh flowers will do.
The photo shows a bedroom with plain walls, decorative molding, flowers and ceiling lamps of a loft style design.
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