How to Make Contemporary Style Shine in Your Home
Discover what defines contemporary style and why furniture plays the leading role. From form to function, explore the key features that make contemporary pieces stand out—and how to blend them effortlessly with other design styles.
CONTEMPORARY STYLE
Solo Home Decor
4/17/20255 min read
How to Make Contemporary Style Shine in Your Home
What Is Contemporary Interior Design?
Contemporary interior design is all about how we live right now. It captures the spirit of today—our trends, values, and lifestyle preferences—while embracing comfort, clean aesthetics, and functional beauty.
The style began gaining traction in the 1970s, following the influence of mid-century modern, postmodernism, and even touches of Art Deco. At first, it blended whatever was “in” at the time, but over the years, contemporary design carved out its own identity—a look that balances modern simplicity with artistic freedom.
Today, it’s not tied to a decade. It’s fresh, flexible, and constantly evolving.
A Quick Look:
What Makes Contemporary Style?
Color Palette: A neutral color palette—including whites, grays, taupes, and blacks—serves as the foundation, often layered with bold accents like navy, olive, mustard, or terracotta.
Materials: Smooth finishes take center stage—glass, stone, light-toned wood, lacquered surfaces, and metal are common.
Decor Elements: Think minimal but expressive—abstract wall art, indoor plants, layered rugs, clean-lined mirrors, and ceramic décor add subtle personality.
Lighting & Natural Light: One of the unsung heroes of contemporary style is light—both artificial and natural. Large windows, open layouts, and minimal window treatments let sunlight pour in, creating a space that feels bright, open, and serene. Statement lighting, like arched floor lamps or sculptural pendants, elevates the look even more.
In a contemporary home, furniture is where the style really shines.
These pieces don’t shout for attention—they fit effortlessly. The focus is on understated elegance, but not at the cost of comfort or personality.
Why Furniture
Is the Heart of Contemporary Design
What Makes Contemporary Furniture Stand Out
Clean, crisp lines—often softened with gentle curves
Low-profile silhouettes that feel sleek and grounded
Upholstery in neutral tones, featuring rich textures like bouclé, linen, or leather
Slim or recessed bases, sometimes with metal or wood legs that create a light, “floating” effect
Hidden storage or multifunctional features that support modern lifestyles
One of the most appealing aspects of modern contemporary furniture is its ability to feel both current and timeless. These pieces combine modern structure with contemporary softness—think clean silhouettes, cozy textures, and thoughtful details like modular layouts or hidden compartments. The result? Furniture that supports your lifestyle while elevating your space.
If you're looking for something tactile yet bold, a well-designed contemporary leather sofa or a plush contemporary sofa adds just the right amount of richness and structure. Both can serve as timeless statement pieces that anchor your living room with comfort and sophistication.
Whether it’s a custom leather-wrapped bench or a clean-lined sectional, the right furniture piece can elevate your space from ordinary to polished.
For the bedroom, a sleek contemporary bed frame brings the same sense of calm elegance—often featuring low profiles, upholstered textures, or minimalist wood finishes that blend comfort with clean design.
Contemporary Style Loves to Mix
One of the best things about contemporary design? It plays well with others.
You can blend in other styles without disrupting the overall flow:
Craving cozy? Add a few transitional pieces like a wood coffee table or a rolled-arm chair.
Love retro vibes? Pull in mid-century modern accents with walnut finishes or tapered legs.
Want more texture? A touch of boho like rattan baskets or woven wall hangings adds warmth.
Prefer something luxe? Try glam or industrial touches with matte black or brushed gold lighting.
Just remember: let your contemporary base remain calm and clean, then layer in personality with accent pieces.
Final Touches That Elevate the Space
Contemporary design is about simplicity—but never boring. To give your space that high-end polish, consider:
Statement lighting – go for sculptural or oversized pieces that double as art
Texture-rich furniture – leather, velvet, or boucle add depth
Gallery-style wall art – bold, oversized, or arranged in clean grids
Accent tables in materials like marble, stone, or matte black metal
Custom-matching furniture for a seamless, thoughtful finish
These final details bring balance to the room and make everything feel intentional.
Modern vs. Contemporary: What’s the Real Difference?
The topic of contemporary vs modern design often causes confusion—they do share similarities, but they’re not the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Modern Design
Inspired by the early to mid-20th century
Emphasizes minimalism and function
Uses natural materials like wood, leather, and stone
Prefers straight lines, geometric shapes, and low-profile furniture
Prioritizes neutral tones and a less-is-more aesthetic
Big on natural light and open spaces
Contemporary Design
Reflects what’s current and trending
Open to different materials, styles, and textures
Still minimalist, but more fluid and expressive
Welcomes curves, asymmetry, and organic shapes
Embraces sustainability and innovative materials
Mixes elements like glass, carved wood, metal, and soft fabrics in unexpected ways
So while modern is more historical and structured, contemporary is fresh, evolving, and open to interpretation.
Want to Explore Custom Contemporary Furniture?
At Solo Home Decor, we specialize in custom-made furniture that fits your home, your taste, and your lifestyle. Whether it’s a sectional wrapped in Italian leather, a custom chaise, or a full dining set, our handcrafted pieces are made locally in Los Angeles—using over 1,000 fabrics and premium materials.
Your home should feel like you. Let’s make it stunning.
Which Style Fits You?
Contemporary:
Clean lines, smooth textures, and often a neutral palette. Think simplicity with a sculptural twist — ideal for modern home decor lovers or anyone wanting a custom chair that complements a sleek bench cushion indoor setup.
Mid-Century Modern:
Tapered legs, boxy shapes, and vintage-inspired charm. These sofas — like a long sofa bench or custom couch — add character and balance to both new and classic interiors.
Traditional
Rolled arms, carved legs, and timeless silhouettes. A dining sofa bench in velvet or a traditional leather bench sofa is perfect for spaces that embrace warmth, texture, and formal elegance.
Transitional
A mix of old and new. These designs blend the structure of traditional pieces with the softness and ease of modern living — especially when styled as one of the best customizable sectional sofas or best custom sectional sofas with plush seating and neutral tones.
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