CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR DESIGN – BETWEEN MODERN AND MINIMALIST

Different people give different answers to the question “what is contemporary interior design”. Most people confuse contemporary design with modern or minimalist. The truth is that contemporary interior design is the only ever-changing design style, permanently connected to the present and forward-looking, always adapting to emerging trends and new design movements.

What Contemporary interior design means

Contemporary interior design ideas began to appear even before the end of the new millennium. The contemporary style took shape starting with 1970s, at the same time as post-modernism.

With influences such as Art Deco, Futurism and Deconstructivism, contemporary style is often seen as a mix of styles, without a specific aesthetic, each day bringing a new twist on current trends. Contemporary interior design style is a bridge between modern and minimalism, with a more neutral color palette that highlights the architecture of a space.

Contemporary design elements

The contemporary style of interior design is versatile, which means there is a lot of room for experimentation and spontaneity. However, there are a few key elements that make this design style stand out from the rest:

• blend of neutral and vibrant colors
• mix of different textures and materials
• simple geometric shapes and clear lines
• merge of industrial and natural elements
• decorative lighting (candelabras, suspended fixtures), as well as indirect light (spotlights, LED strips, etc.)
• large, open spaces with a hint of minimalism

Spaces furnished in contemporary style are not, however, as empty as true minimalist interiors. Contemporary designers use minimalism as a way to highlight the key elements of a space, but are more liberal when it comes to decorative objects, variations in texture and different colors in a room.

Contemporary design vs. Modern design

Contemporary interior design style favors wide and open layouts to create a sense of space in a home, as well as modern and industrial design styles. Contemporary style homes also have large windows to let in as much natural light as possible. Unlike contemporary interiors, which are much more fluid and ever-changing, modern homes incorporate specific qualities and elements, often derived from or inspired by the mid-century modern movement of the 1940s and 1950s.

Contemporary design vs. Scandinavian design

The goal of the Scandinavian design style is to create an environment that promotes contentment and simple happiness, with a focus on simple and functional elements. Similar to the contemporary design style, Scandinavian interiors use natural materials, minimalist decor and large, open spaces. However, Scandinavian design features almost exclusively light and neutral colors, while contemporary design has bright and contrasting color palettes.

Contemporary design vs. Rustic design

The two interior design styles are similar in their use of natural materials as a means of breaking the monotony of a space. But rustic interiors focus on rugged, natural and raw elements to create a space that exudes refined roughness, while contemporary-style rooms have modern, polished wood furniture that exudes a more luxurious feel.

Found in residential, office or commercial spaces, contemporary interior design is the chameleon of interior design styles, constantly changing and adapting and extremely versatile. While it has its key elements, such as contrasting color palettes and geometric shapes, this style doesn’t really set any boundaries. All it takes is creativity and the support of an interior designer who can bring life to any construction.