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 elevate 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

Create Your Contemporary Space

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.