It's all about offsetting those neutral colors and allowing your walls to have space.

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"What's in a name?" or so the time old question goes. Well, quite a lot, it turns out. That's why we're going to be taking a closer look at contemporary decor style and \nthe difference between contemporary and modern decor\n. Whilst conversationally, they might be used interchangeably, when it comes to interior design terminology, the two are very different. And it's not just in the name. The two styles can sometimes be confused. But can \nyou\n tell the difference?&nbsp;\n\nFrom the history behind the styles to the key characteristics of contemporary decor style, if you want to know what's what when it comes to one of our favorite decor trends, read on.\nWhat is contemporary decor style?\nIn short, contemporary decor style refers to what is happening in the decor world \nright now.\n Whilst modern decor refers to a specific school of design (more on that later). Contemporary decor is defined by clean lines, a sparring yet deliberate use of color, pairing old and new pieces together, and layering on the texture. All done within a simple yet sophisticated framework. It's cool, sleek, yet also lots of fun. Think curved chairs, statement light fixtures and eye-catching artwork.

The history behind contemporary decor style\nConfusing as it may sound, the modern decor trend has its roots firmly planted in the 19th century. Growing with the popularisation of the German Bauhaus school of design&mdash;famed for championing function over form, it favored industrial materials like concrete, glass, and steel and a minimalist aesthetic. Whilst contemporary decor style is heavily influenced by modern decor, it is very much its own decor style.&nbsp;\n\nAs the name might suggest, contemporary decor doesn't refer to a specific period. Instead, it borrows attributes from every decor style from modernist to minimalist, mid-century modern to art-deco style. In truth, it's still evolving, and is heavily influenced by what is going on right now and emerging trends. So its key characteristics can be difficult to pin down, but we're sharing some of its most recognizable ones to help you get the look at home.\nKey characteristics of contemporary decor style\n\nA neutral color palette&nbsp;\nThe backdrop for contemporary decor style is a warm and neutral color palette. This provides a clean and simple canvas for the pop of color in your artwork and furnishings. Think gentle \ngrays\n, subtle \nbeiges\n and \ngreiges\n, warming \nwhites\n and perhaps even a bit of \nblack\n in the form of crittal windows and doors, or even a statement \nBlack&nbsp;01\n staircase. Alongside this, you can incorporate accents of color through fabrics and furnishings or statement artwork to really make your decor pop.\nWarm wood accents&nbsp;\nFrom glossy walnut cabinets to enormous mango wood consoles, warm wood accents soften what can otherwise feel like a very glossy trend. They add some welcome warmth into a contemporary decor room. They&rsquo;re gorgeous in the kitchen too, if you want to go for a natural rather than painted cabinet finish. Take a look at our guide on \nthe best paint colors to pair with wood\n for some guidance on how to incorporate them into your decor scheme.

Organic silhouettes\nCurved shapes and organic silhouettes are yet another clue you&rsquo;re in a contemporary decor home. This can be anything from kidney-shaped coffee tables, inviting curved boucle sofas to statement art-deco inspired bubble chandeliers. It almost feels like a response to modern living. We all need a bit of a hug right now, and curved, organic-shaped silhouettes feel like they do just that. We&rsquo;re seeing more and more of this trend&mdash;furniture that aims to envelop&mdash;and we foresee it continuing to grow.

Oversized or statement artwork&nbsp;\nStatement artwork is a key component of contemporary decor style. Just take a look at \nVogue Williams&rsquo; stylish London home\n, filled with pieces she&rsquo;s collected over the years, and you&rsquo;ll get the idea. It can transform an otherwise minimalist room into a striking space.&nbsp;\n\nChoosing art for your home (especially if you&rsquo;re spending serious money on it) can seem like a daunting task. Think about the space and how the art will fit in it. andIs it going to be hanging in a hallway and the first thing you see when you walk in? Or above the bed and the last thing you look at as you go to bed? You might even lean your huge canvas on the wall and not hang it - this creates a real statement. The golden rule when it comes to choosing art is to go with what you love. You&rsquo;re going to be staring at it almost every day, so pick a piece that speaks to you.

Mid-century modern furnishings&nbsp;\nWhilst contemporary decor style borrows from lots of different schools of design, one of the most instantly recognizable is mid-century modern furnishings. Think Le Corbusier chairs, laidback leather loungers or classic Barcelona-style chairs. Take a look at our deep dive into \nmid-century modern decor and furniture\n for some inspiration and to get to know the trend.\n\nA light-filled space\nFloor to ceiling sliding doors are synonymous with the contemporary decor style. Obviously, not every room can incorporate these, but if you are going for a contemporary aesthetic, keep your windows bare. A great look in a kitchen or living room, creating contrast with industrial style black frames. You can also add light and make a room appear bigger with large, strategically placed mirrors.

Combining metal and rustic materials&nbsp;\nPairing sleek steel with rattan furnishings is an integral characteristic of contemporary decor style. A great example of this is the instantly recognizable Marcel Breuer's Cesca side chair. You can also pair steel with glass, in the form of coffee tables or dining tables for an instantly sleek look or oversized leather sofas with a chunky yet sleek marble coffee table (piled high with your favorite coffee table books, naturally).

Now you know your contemporary decor style from your modern decor, why not take a look at these \n6 contemporary bedroom ideas\n to bring a bit of that current style into a home near you. 

Although colloquially,&nbsp; the terms &lsquo;modern&rsquo; and &lsquo;contemporary&rsquo; can be used interchangeably, when it comes to interior design they refer to two design styles from very different periods. Whilst modern decor has its roots in the 19th century, contemporary decor refers to what is happening in the world of interiors today. It&rsquo;s a warm and fresh take on the more restrained modern decor style, with some fun and colorful flourishes that create a curated space and showcase your individual style&#8203;&#8203;&mdash;a great look for the living room.\n\nEnsure you know your modern from your contemporary design and take a read of our blog on \nthe difference between modern and contemporary decor style\n. Like what you see? Get inspired by these 6 contemporary living room ideas to get the look in your home.\n\nContemporary living room idea: neutral color palette with pops of color\nWhilst you can use pops of color through choice artwork or furnishings, the backdrop for your contemporary style living room should be a warm and \nneutral color palette\n. Not only does is create a relaxed and soothing environment&mdash;perfect for a living room&mdash;it provides a blank canvas for your artwork and furnishings. Think barely there \ngreys\n, \nbeiges\n and \ngreiges\n with warming \nwhites\n on your woodwork. You can create contrast with \nblack\n accents, for example, black picture frames or a statement \nBlack&nbsp; 01\n staircase. You can also incorporate neutral hues through a liberal use of natural materials. Parquet flooring looks right at home in a contemporary style home whist terrazzo tiles or Murano glass will add a pop of color.\n\n\nShop living room paint colors\n

Contemporary living room idea: a mix of straight lines and curves\nA playful mix of straight lines and curves is a distinctive feature of contemporary design today. Try juxtaposing a rectangular coffee table with an enveloping Saarinen womb chair. Or replacing a traditionally linear sofa with a curved boucl&eacute; one. And it doesn&rsquo;t just stop at the furnishings. Orb lighting is a big favourite right now as are Ultrafragola (wavy border) mirrors and bobbin chairs. Not only does this contrast of straight lines and curves look gorgeous, but there&rsquo;s an argument that gentle, curved furnishings create a more inclusive and inviting space. Again, ideal for your living room.

Contemporary living room idea: statement artwork\nA key component of the contemporary decor trend is statement artwork. This is where you can get a little experimental with your color palette. Go with your gut. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s about finding those up and coming artists that you love and buying art that you look at and smile,&rdquo; says Vogue Williams, when she showed us around her \nart-filled London home\n. &#8203;&#8203;Whether you go for a curated gallery wall or use one piece to inform your decor, contemporary decor is all about statement artwork.

Contemporary living room idea: signs of new designs\nContemporary style is all about what&rsquo;s going on in the decor world right \nnow&nbsp;\nso it only makes sense that within your decor choices there would be signs of new designs. From an eye-catching Camaleonda sofa to multi-functional furnishings (the coffee table that doubles up as storage) it&rsquo;s difficult to keep up with the ways our interiors and furnishings are changing. Contemporary decor is also adopting more eco-friendly decor solutions, like rugs made out of recycled bottles&mdash;a great option in your contemporary decor living room.

Contemporary living room idea: statement light fitting\nYour contemporary decor living room is a place where your light fittings can shine. What about an orb chandelier or an art deco colored glass chandelier? These seemingly grand light fittings make a serious decor statement without crowding or cluttering the room. If you really want to make them pop, why not think about \npainting your ceiling\n, for an unexpected design twist.

Contemporary living room idea: curated choice of accessories\nYou want your contemporary decor living room to look lived in without it looking cluttered. You can achieve this with a curated collection of accessories. Be discerning about your ornamental pieces and remember less is still more with contemporary decor. Infuse the room with your personality by adding a few quirky details like a statement vase or pot plants (take a look at \nour guide on choosing the best indoor plants based on your decor style\n). Alternatively, turn up the color volume with a couple of clashing print cushions on a muted sofa.&nbsp;

Like the sound of these contemporary living room ideas? Take a read all about&nbsp;\ncontemporary decor style,\n its history and more of its defining characteristics.

They mean the same thing, right? Colloquially, yes. But when it comes to decor terms, no. In the interior design dictionary, the two refer to distinct styles from different periods. So, if you&rsquo;re wondering what \nmodern decor style&nbsp;\nis and how it differs from \ncontemporary decor style\n, we&rsquo;re taking a closer look at two of our favourite design trends.\nDifferences between modern and contemporary decor\nNot only are their names a little confusing, but modern and contemporary decor share similar influences and several key characteristics. From the importance of natural light to the liberal use of industrial-style materials, as well as a neutral color palette and minimalist, clutter-free living. That's why we're going to be focusing on their \ndifferences\n, so you can tell your modern from your contemporary decor, once and for all.\nDifference between modern and contemporary decor: age\nModern decor refers to a specific period in the late 19th century to mid 20th century. Influenced by the German Bauhaus school of design, it followed this simple mantra: "form follows function". On the other hand, contemporary decor refers to what is going on in the decor world right \nnow\n. Though influenced by modern decor, it's more difficult to pin down as its style continues to evolve with contemporary tastes. However, there is a focus on technological advances and practicality, along with eco-friendly materials and living.\nDifference between modern and contemporary decor: color palette\nWhilst both contemporary and modern decor are better suited to \nneutral colour palettes\n, the modern decor trend errs on the side of being a little more earthy and industrial, leaning towards the \ngreys\n and \nbeiges\n.\nWhereas contemporary decor can be a bit more playful, experimenting with \ngentle pinks\n, \nwarm greiges\n or even the \nlight blue hues\n of the \nnew neutrals\n. You could even use \nwallpaper\n in a contemporary decor home.\nDifference between modern and contemporary decor: material focus\nThe modern decor trend was quick to adopt new post-war materials like acrylic, chrome, sheet glass, and concrete. Both modern and contemporary decor apply liberal use of all of these. However, contemporary decor utilises new, more eco-friendly materials in keeping with the current times. You might find pieces made from recycled plastics or more environmentally friendly bamboo, cork or clay.

Difference between modern and contemporary decor: architectural\nModern decor is all about straight lines, be they horizontal or vertical. This is no more apparent than in modern architecture. London's Trellick Tower, with its long axis, is a perfect example of this. On the other hand, contemporary decor tends to be more fluid and curved, like Hyde Park's Serpentine Gallery in London. These architectural styles trickle down into our decor, and whether through organically shaped furniture or fixtures, they can be incorporated into your home.

Difference between modern and contemporary decor: art\nThe modern decor trend was hugely influenced by the art of its time. Painter's like Piet Mondrian, known for his considered and linear work featuring splashes of block color&mdash;a key characteristic of modern decor. In these logic-driven spaces, a modern decor home might feature one oversized piece of artwork to define the space. In comparison, contemporary decor is more focused on expressing your unique style through your art choices.&nbsp;

Difference between modern and contemporary decor: ornaments\nModern decor shuns any unnecessary window dressings, whilst contemporary decor allows a few to add your style and character to a room. In keeping with the opening of world travel during the rise of contemporary decor, these ornaments are often influenced by global styles. For example, Italian Murano glass vases, South-East Asian rattan embellishments and Turkish kilim cushions would all look right at home in a contemporary decor home.\n\nJust take a look at our blog on how our \ninterior design trends are influenced by other countries\n to find out more.

Difference between modern and contemporary decor: lighting\nBoth modern and contemporary decor celebrates natural light. Whilst the modern decor trend made the most of new technologies allowing for large sheets of glass, contemporary decor takes influence from more recent trends, like \nbiophilic design\n. When it comes to artificial lighting, modern decor lighting tends to be more modest and task-related whereas contemporary light fittings like to shine. They're big, artsy, and a design feature in themselves. Think large hanging orb lights or modern, statement chandeliers.

And that&rsquo;s it. We hope you&rsquo;ve got a better understanding of the differences between modern and contemporary decor and how you can style them in your home.

\nContemporary decor style\n refers to what is happening in the world of interiors \nright now.\n It&rsquo;s sophisticated yet effortless, with a touch of minimalism&mdash;and (though there are similarities) not to be confused with \nmodern decor style\n. Its emphasis on clean and sleek style means the contemporary look is a perfect fit for the kitchen. So, if you&rsquo;d like to try on the contemporary style for size, take a look at these trendy contemporary decor kitchen ideas.\nContemporary kitchen idea: neutral walls with pops of color\nThe foundation for a contemporary decor \npaint\n palette is a soothing and \nneutral color palette\n. Kitchens can be rushed and hurried spaces, so use this to create a warm and neutralising base&mdash;think calming \ngreys\n, \nbeiges\n and \ngreiges\n to oaty \nwhites\n for the walls &mdash;from which to experiment with pops of color. You can create contrast and a little visual drama with black accents or colorful cabinets. For example, what about pairing \nblack\n lower cabinets with light, neutral shoulder level ones. Alternatively, you could pair light, ash wood carpentry with colored handles for a splash of color where you least expect it.\nContemporary living room idea: signs of new designs\nContemporary decor is constantly moving with the times and the styles. In a contemporary decor kitchen appliances like your dishwasher, fridge and freezer are ideally disguised as cabinets. Go for a minimalist design with a flat-front in light wood or a dark lacquered finish, whilst countertops are square-edged, often in metal, marble, or tempered glass. The beauty of contemporary design is the experimentation it affords. Add an arty edge with contemporary ornaments, artwork, or curved seating.

Contemporary bedroom idea: a sleek kitchen island\nIf the kitchen is the heart of the home then the kitchen island is its oxygen supply. This is no more true than with contemporary decor. Defined by clean and sleek lines, nothing will create this impression more effectively than a large marble or terrazzo kitchen island. Or even stainless steel for a bit of an industrial edge. Whatever you go for, if you&rsquo;re doing a full kitchen renovation, a kitchen island should be at the top of your list. Not only do they look effortlessly smart, they create a sense of flow in a room that relies on not only style but functionality too.

Contemporary bedroom idea: embrace space and minimalism\nWhich brings us to our next point: embracing space and minimalism. More so than any other room in the house, our kitchens come with a whole load of \nstuff.&nbsp;\nKeep clutter at bay by embracing space and a sense of minimalism. Storage and lots of it will be invaluable for hiding the clutter whilst architectural features like large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors or skylights will create a sense of space and bring the outdoors, and lots of natural light with it, in.

Contemporary living room idea: curated open shelving\nWhilst accessories should be kept to a minimum, display a curated collection of glassware or ceramics with \nopen shelving\n. Not only is this a great way to add some color with choice Murano glasses or a statement vase, but it&rsquo;s practical too. You can soften then space with some potted plants or get inspired by these \neco-friendly home decor ideas\n and ditch the plastic with Kilner jar storage.

Contemporary bedroom idea: statement lighting\nThough it can be, a contemporary decor kitchen isn&rsquo;t the go-to room in the house to display your art collection (save this for your contemporary decor living room). So, make sure your kitchen light fitting is a work of art in itself. It&rsquo;s the perfect chance to create a bit of drama without feeling overly ornamental. We love the Bauhaus-inspired orb chandeliers or what about taking inspiration from these \n5 pendant lighting styles\n above that sleek kitchen island?&nbsp;

Like what you see? Find out how to get the contemporary look throughout your home with these \n6 chic contemporary style bedroom ideas.\n Or test your decor knowledge and discover \nthe difference between contemporary and modern decor\n once and for all. 

Allow your walls to sing with this light and bright color palette carefully curated by our team of color specialists. This palette will let natural light to bounce around the room and create the perfect backdrop for statement artwork and furnishings.

Contemporary: light and airy

Contemporary

Contemporary: calm and relaxing

Contemporary: cozy and warm

Contemporary: energizing and refreshing

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Getting started

Interior trends: what is contemporary decor style?

6 chic contemporary style living room ideas

What is the difference between modern and contemporary decor style?

6 contemporary style kitchen decor ideas

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