Get simple tips to make your home a contemporary house. Find out how to pick colors, choose furniture, and add art to get that modern look.
So you're thinking about making your home look like one of those stylish contemporary houses you've seen on TV or flipped through in magazines? You've come to the right spot! This complete guide is designed to help you understand what a contemporary house is and how to get that look. We'll talk about the key parts of contemporary design, such as the importance of straight lines, simple colors, and not having too much stuff. By the end, you'll know just how to take your space from whatever it is now to a truly contemporary home.
Contemporary design is all about the latest trends and what people love. Imagine it like the newest fashion or the hit song everyone can't stop singing. When you apply this to a contemporary home, it means your home will show off the freshest styles. This design style isn't stuck in the past; it's constantly changing, just like the top charts in music. A contemporary home today might look a bit different next year. The fun part is that you update your home to keep up with the times. This is great for people who like change and want their home to feel alive and new. So, if you want your home to be like the cool, fashionable person at a party, modern design is the way to go.
Many folks get confused between contemporary design and modern design, thinking they mean the same thing. But they're different. Modern design refers to a specific style that became popular around the 1950s and has stayed the same since then. On the other hand, contemporary design is constantly changing to fit what's popular right now. So, if you want a home that stays up-to-date with the latest trends, a contemporary home is what you're looking for.
Let's talk about the big things that make a home look like a contemporary house.
For instance, my buddy Tim made a simple change to his living room to give it a contemporary home feel. He swapped out his old coffee table, which had many curves, for a new one with straight edges. This small change really updated the look of his space. Now, his living room fits right in with modern design trends. It shows that even one piece of furniture can make a big difference in getting that contemporary home look.
Contemporary design likes to keep things simple when it comes to colors. Most of the time, you'll see a contemporary home using colors like white, black, and gray. Why? Because these colors are easy on the eyes and make everything look neat and clean. You won't find a lot of wild or bright colors in a contemporary home because that would make things look busy and complicated. Sticking to primary colors helps to create a calm and tidy feel. So, if you want that fresh and up-to-date look, choosing these colors is a great step towards a modern design in your home.
In a contemporary home, less is more when it comes to filling a room with things. The goal is more open space because it makes the room feel bigger and cleaner. Imagine walking into a room filled with too many chairs, tables, and decorations. It would feel crowded. Now, think about my neighbor Lisa's living room. She took out half the furniture and decorations she used to have. The result? Her space now breathes a modern design vibe and feels more open, just like you'd expect in a contemporary home.
If you're aiming for a contemporary house, you'll want to stick to simple colors. White, black, and gray are the go-to choices because they always look good and make a place feel fresh and modern. For example, my cousin Emily recently painted her living room walls gray, got a black sofa, and added white cushions. The room immediately took on a modern design feel. Before, she had a mix of bright colors, and the room felt a bit busy. Now, it's clear she's aiming for a contemporary home look, and the simpler colors make the room shine.
When going for a contemporary home look, you might still want to add a splash of color. The trick is to keep it simple. Stick to your base colors of white, black, and gray, but add one or two more colors. For example, my friend Jack added a blue vase and a couple of green plants to his primarily gray and white living room. The extra colors didn't detract from the modern design; they added a nice touch. The room still felt clean and stylish but also more lively. If you add too many colors, it can get messy and stray from the contemporary house style you're aiming for. So keep the extra colors to a minimum, and you'll keep that fresh, up-to-date look.
When it comes to furniture in a contemporary house, the key is to stick with straight lines. You don't want anything too fancy or with many curves and decorations. Simple, straight-edged furniture fits better with the contemporary design style. Take my sister Sarah, for example. She replaced her old, ornate coffee table with a new one with a simple, rectangular shape. The new table fits right in and makes her living room look more like a contemporary house. The old table had too many details and just didn't go well with the clean, straight lines that a contemporary design calls for.
Choosing simple furniture for your contemporary house doesn't mean you have to give up comfort. You can still have soft and cozy pieces, like sofas and chairs with plush cushions. The key is to avoid cushions or fabrics with busy patterns that might make things look cluttered. My friend Mark, for example, chose a sleek gray sofa for his living room but added some soft, white cushions. The cushions are simple in design but big on comfort, making his space both cozy and in line with modern design. So, you can keep things comfy while still getting that clean, contemporary house look.
A big part of what makes a contemporary house look so up-to-date is using newer materials. Traditional stuff like wood is less common in modern design. Instead, materials like glass and metal are more popular because they give a fresh, modern feel. Take my Uncle Bob, for instance. He used to have wooden shelves in his living room, but he swapped them out for glass ones. Right away, his living room started looking more like a contemporary house. The glass shelves made the room look lighter and more modern, just like you'd expect in a home with a contemporary design.
When choosing art for a contemporary house, it's best to keep it simple. You don't want art that has a ton of colors or complicated designs. Instead, pick pieces that use just one or two colors that already exist in your room. For example, my coworker Karen has a living room with gray walls and a black sofa. She added a painting that's primarily black and gray. This simple choice of art complements her contemporary design and helps the room look even more like a contemporary house. So, sticking with a few colors in your art can make a big difference in keeping your space modern and fresh.
Even small things can help your home feel more like a contemporary design space. You don't always have to make big changes. Adding a neat clock or some nice-smelling candles can make a big difference. Take my friend Tina, for example. She already had a good start making her home look like a contemporary house, but then she added a sleek, black wall clock to her living room. That small addition tied everything together and helped her home feel even more in line with contemporary design.
To make your home look like a contemporary house, you can:
And that's it! You've got the tips to make your home a contemporary house. Keep it simple, choose easy colors, and don't go overboard. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, like adding a sleek clock or soft cushions. If you use new materials like glass or metal, you'll add that fresh touch that's so important in contemporary design. Also, keep your art choices aligned with the room's colors for that unified look. And remember, comfort doesn't have to be sacrificed; you can have soft, cozy pieces that still fit the style. Follow these steps, and you'll live in a contemporary house with a contemporary design feel in no time.
Not necessarily. Even small changes, like adding a sleek clock or switching to metal shelves, can help your home fit the contemporary design style.
Choose art that has one or two colors already in your room. Simple is better when it comes to art in a contemporary house.
Yes, but keep it simple. Add one or two more colors besides the base colors to maintain the contemporary design look.
New materials like glass or metal can help your home look more modern and fit the contemporary design style.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for up-to-date real estate industry trends, news, and insights.
Saved
