Glossary of Terms

Contemporary

Contemporary interior design is an ever-evolving style that reflects current trends and innovations, blending various elements from other design styles, such as modern, minimalist, and industrial. It is known for its clean lines, open spaces, and a focus on comfort and simplicity. Unlike modern design, which is rooted in a specific time period, contemporary design is more fluid, constantly adapting to reflect the present moment. In contemporary interiors, neutral color palettes like whites, grays, and beiges dominate, often complemented by bold accent colors or textures to add depth and personality.

A key characteristic of contemporary design is the emphasis on open and airy spaces. Large windows, open floor plans, and an abundance of natural light are commonly used to create a feeling of spaciousness and connection to the outdoors. Contemporary interiors often feature sleek and sculptural furniture with clean, unadorned lines, while materials like glass, metal, and wood are used in innovative ways to give a space a fresh, modern edge. While minimalism is a common influence, contemporary design also allows for more flexibility, integrating organic shapes and softer textures to ensure the space remains inviting and comfortable.

Contemporary design values sustainability and eco-friendly materials, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. It often incorporates energy-efficient lighting, recycled materials, and sustainable fabrics to create a stylish yet responsible living space. With its focus on versatility and forward-thinking design, contemporary interiors are adaptable and suited for a wide range of settings, from urban lofts to suburban homes, appealing to those who value both form and function in their living spaces.


Contemporary News

Latest News

Take a Room-by-Room Approach to Renovations
... fiberboard is ideal for painted cabinetry because it provides a smooth surface for even coating and stands up to the temperatures and humidity commonly found in the kitchen. For a contemporary but classic look, try Wellborn Cabinet's Hartford door finished in Onyx paint and dressed with bronze pulls and moulding for an attractive look from floor to (almost) ceiling. To crea...
EQ3 Announces Expansion in the US Market
...also in late Summer of this year. These locations join EQ3's existing portfolio of retail shops in Emeryville and San Francisco, CA. The brand brings to the U.S. its signature contemporary designs, modern furniture and home décor for everyday life, reimagining the EQ3 retail shopping experience within each retail location in the process. "We are very excited to ...
Give Your Home a Modern Makeover
... Even if your home has seen a generation or two of living, creating a contemporary new look may not require a full-scale renovation. The key to creating a more modern feel is all in the details. Many of these elements can be tackled one by one so you can transform your home into the modern marvel you desire on a timeframe and budget that fits your lifestyle. If a...
6 Top Home Design Trends for 2019
...> Pretty and Calm As female buying-power continues to increase, spaces are being redesigned to fit the lifestyles of modern women who often appreciate both contemporary and traditional design. Biophilic elements mixed with pale-hued colors, luxurious touches and textured glass doors are all key features for Pretty and Calm design. To achieve this s...
Creating "Modern Chic" Wine Cellars with Glass & Acrylic
...of its Modern Wine Cellar collection – the Glass Enclosed Acrylic Cube Series. From small cellars, to large wine rooms, these racking units can bring a truly unique look to your contemporary wine storage. Being glass enclosed, the acrylic material inside provides a see-through experience for the entire project. This gives wine bottles that whimsical "floating" appearance. T...
Sneak Peak: Teaki Tiles Exhibits with World-Class Design Firm at BD|NY Design Fair
...eauty and heart-felt hospitality to any home, business or Hospitality Project. Teaki Tiles are built to last and leave a lasting impression. About Island Living: Island Living is a contemporary teak design company, based on Maui, that creates installations and décor for hospitality industry giants including Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacation Club, Westin, Sheraton, Fo...
Images Publishing Group features Sarah Barnard's Healthy Homes in INTERIORS: Inside the American Home
...rn family. Embracing an updated Victorian aesthetic, Barnard's Pacific Palisades Estate project involved an extensive restoration of original oak woodwork throughout. Adapted for contemporary living with a bespoke walnut kitchen, handmade ceramic tiles, and bronze hardware the home's focus is on craftsmanship and tactile pleasures. Barnard carefully considered the carving ...
4 Ways to Bring Classic Character to Your Kitchen
... In addition to knowing what elements to look for, it's important to consider how the components can be integrated to create a harmonious look. Consider updating antique elements with more contemporary touches to create a fresh, unexpected aesthetic. For example, pair a set of ultra-chic dining chairs with an old wooden dining table passed down through your family or upholster a sim...
Living in Color
... have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry." The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn Cabinet's latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, green and blue.
Living in Color
... have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry." The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn Cabinet's latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, green and blue.
Ideas for an On-Trend Bathroom
...nd-alone vessels are once more back in vogue. Today's freestanding tubs offer tons of style to fit nearly any design motif. If the claw-foot style of yesteryear is your thing, there are plenty of contemporary takes on the look for an updated, traditional bathroom. There are also a wide range of sleek styles that look nothing like the classic version for a completely fresh, sophisticated ...
3 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2018
...nging the rectangular 3-by-6-inch shapes in patterns like herringbone or basket weave. This versatile tile can be used in both traditional kitchens and bathrooms as well as transitional or more contemporary spaces. Many manufacturers now include textured tile, featuring patterns that carry the look of wood grain; tiles are also available in three-dimensional textures addi...
5 top trends for your kitchen in 2018
...inish complements any kitchen and is also designed to conceal fingerprints and smudges. This smooth, low-gloss design option enhances any style kitchen, from modern to farmhouse, traditional to contemporary and every style in between. * Design elements everywhere. Long a place of functional purity, the kitchen is getting a dramatically artistic makeover in 2018. Designers fr...
The beauty of barn doors
...y homeowners hear the term 'barn door' and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look they're interested in," says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. "But contemporary barn doors offer many more aesthetic choices than their traditional image suggests. We've noticed a trend toward the use of solid, fine-milled hardwoods like walnut and cherry for s...
Room-by-Room Renovations-Small changes that add up to a big impact
... condition and you're just looking for an aesthetic change. Other small-scale options include swapping out the countertop and sink, changing the lighting fixtures and updating tired floors with contemporary wood or tile. Bathroom When plumbing is involved, project costs can skyrocket, but there are some relatively simple ways you can give your bathroom a fac...
3 Ways to Throwback Style
...ls and textures, this unique design style pays respect to the era of Car Hops, Airstream Travel Trailers and Lucille Ball. The key to making a throwback-styled design work for your contemporary needs is all in the modern elements. Think along the lines of illuminated drawers and cabinets and base pull-out wire baskets. These fun twists of technology paired with retro-style...
Material Matters
...ments any kitchen and is a favorite of enthusiastic cooks and designers alike. While stainless steel's neutral color and sleek looks work with a wide range of kitchen styles, it's most often found in contemporary, professional-style kitchens. This classic, durable material lives up to its name. Hot pans won't hurt it, and it's less likely than harder materials to damage delicate dishware that may ...
Renovations for the Ages - Antique upgrades for kitchen and bath
... comforts of modern living. Back-to-basics bathroom Indoor plumbing is arguably the greatest asset of the modern home, but there's no need to sacrifice contemporary function when you take a step back in time with your bathroom decor. A claw foot tub makes for a stunning focal point, and a stylish pedestal sink adds character a modern vanity simply ca...
Mix Up Something Eclectic
... will go where and what architectural details - such as windows and doors - need to be integrated into the plans. Determining how many and what kind of cabinets you need can be even more complex, and contemporary design can help open up plenty of options. In the past, cabinetry was fairly straightforward. Lower cabinets were topped with a counter, then a backsplash and a matching s...
4 design upgrades for a spring refresh
...at is sure to make an impact. Influenced by the most cosmopolitan cities around the world, the Pivotal single handle bath faucet serves as a beautiful centerpiece for the vanity. With clean lines and contemporary form, this collection is perfectly suited for all generations and all style preferences - from millennial to baby boomer. While simple in design, Pivotal makes a bold, modern statement wi...
Simply sleek: How to create today's top shower design
...e. The collection includes a variety of decorative walls, a joint system, in-wall storage, on-wall storage and seating in different styles, colors and finishes to create traditional, transitional and contemporary spaces that fit both the functionality and aesthetic needs of homeowners. Sleek shower designs may be hot, but experts predict this is one trend that is here to stay. By f...
Make a striking focal point the foundation of your spa-like bathroom
...ing more of them in 2017. Traditionally styled freestanding tubs were often claw-footed fixtures that meshed well with conventional design themes, but struggled to fit into the sleek, contemporary lines associated with a spa-like setting. Strikingly modern freestanding tubs offer expanded design flexibility as a focal point in today's spa-inspired bathroom settings. Options like th...
Stainless Steel is Trending Outdoors
... Stainless steel has been a staple in luxurious, contemporary kitchens all over the world for years. While it's most often used indoors, this durable, low-maintenance, design-forward material is making its way outdoors.  Deck railings, outdoor kitchen cabinetry and solar-powered lighting are among the many examples of products using stainless steel to create exter...
5 residential design trends in hardwood
... inches. "Wider floorboards can make a space look larger and more modern," says Melissa Morgan of M Interiors in San Antonio, Texas, who has used the generously proportioned planks in traditional and contemporary homes. "With fewer seams, these floors can be treated like a canvas: ebonized oak or walnut for a sleek, dark look; light woods like ash or maple for a chic, urban vibe; weathered-gray to...
Trend alert: Wood planks warm up ceilings and walls
...t also on the ceilings and walls of many stylish houses, whether newly built or freshly renovated. "Timber beams and wood paneling have always played important roles in historical and contemporary residential design, and continue to do so," says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.hardwoodinfo.com. "But in addition to these classic applications, we've ...
The many moods of modern design
...ity and manufacturing. Thoughtful details such as three distinctive handle options and textural knurling accents throughout the collection denote stunning craftsmanship with an industrial feel. Bold contemporary Bold contemporary is an eye-catching twist on modern design. Coupled with a neutral backdrop, contemporary design details - such as pops of color or geometric shapes - bring a space to l...
4 hot bathroom design trends that don't have to cost a bundle
...l of remodeling professionals, the vast majority agreed that "transitional" was the most-requested style in bathroom settings. Transitional design allows you to blend elements of both traditional and contemporary styles. The result is a comfortable blend of sophistication and simplicity that is easy to create with only a modest investment. An example is the urban depiction of the Townsend widespr...
Practical remodeling tips for modern multi-generational families
...a closet or area beneath a stairway, and new vitreous china, floor-mounted bowls feature contemporary styling that complements modern bathroom designs. When creating a new kitchen, choosing above-floor plumbing for sinks means you don’t have to be limited to areas where in-wall pi...
Home improvement: What's old is new again
...ndow. These touches go a long way to convey the look of another era in a newer home. Mixing eras with furniture Antiques and classic period pieces mix well with more contemporary furnishings to create an eclectic style in a newer home. Mid-century modern elements — from architecture to furniture — weave their way into home décor again this season, proving their st...
Superior design, superior functionality
..., unique shelving materials such as galvanized iron or reclaimed wood can transform the kitchen into an industrially-inspired space, while floating shelves in white oak or black walnut provide a more contemporary note. Technology that simplifies From appliances to faucets, kitchen tools are becoming increasingly high-tech. Intuitive appl...
The many moods of modern design
.... Thoughtful details such as three distinctive handle options and textural knurling accents throughout the collection denote stunning craftsmanship with an industrial feel. Bold contemporary Bold contemporary is an eye-catching twist on modern design. Coupled with a neutral backdrop, contemporary design details - such as pops of color or geometric shapes ...
On-Trend Transformations/Get the hottest looks with a bathroom makeover
... and finishes. If a remodel is in your plans, consider these in-the-now design trends to help create a bathroom retreat that blends your individual style with everyday luxury. Contemporary style Whether it's a desire to capture the classic Zen spa style at home or simply a growing penchant for modern interiors, the bathroom is no exception for those who gravi...
5 Pops of Pattern to Instantly Upgrade Interiors
...rior design and on the fashion runways. Merging traditional shapes such as zigzags and diamonds with various color treatments adds a modern feel to deep-rooted tradition, creating a meeting point for contemporary and universal. The lively repetition of eye-catching, sharp lines is ideal for spaces that draw attention in one direction and evoke a strong sense of place. Using earth tones and natural...
5 DIY Kitchen Renovation Inspirations
...right, clean appearance that is calming and welcoming. The color also beautifully compliments stainless steel appliances, while contrasting cabinets and doors can add a level of dimension, bringing a contemporary design full circle. It's all in the details Small changes can have a big impact on the overall look of any kitchen. Try pairing your sleek appliances with warm finishes and statemen...
Keep Clutter at Bay/Useful items to keep your home elegantly organized
..., double and triple dispensers, as well as a shower basket and squeegee - are crafted with crystal-like elements and completed with rust-proof metal features. A beautiful storage solution inspired by contemporary perfume bottles, LINEA is the definition of modern luxury. See how you can accessorize your bath with elegance at dispenser.com/linea. Take Pride in Your Pantry Add style in the pant...
A Kitchen Designer Tells All - Five tried-and-true tips for rocking your kitchen remodel
...d they show up too early? If sticking to a budget is critical, yet a reference says, "Well, he came in way over budget, but he did such an amazing job," this isn't the guy for you. Traditional vs. contemporary You may find yourself gravitating toward a kitchen style that will look foreign in your current house. By adding unexpected elements, you can incorporate more contemporary finishes in a ...
Revitalize Forgotten Furniture with a Simple DIY Transformation
...a creative and budget-friendly way to transform unused items into personal treasures. Refinishing old tables, chairs and other wooden items can instill new life, making these pieces functional and contemporary once more. Whether you're repurposing a piece entirely, or simply updating the look, there are a few things to keep in mind: * Color: Do you have a specific room in mind to use your sele...
Create Your Own Bathroom Retreat
...binet, Inc.'s Elegant Bath Collection provides the perfect selection of bathroom vanities and furniture pieces for everyone's personal style in a variety of materials and finishes. From formal to contemporary, it is easy to find beautiful cabinetry for your bathroom. As far as aesthetics, cabinetry sets the mood for the room. Bathrooms can take on a warm environment and showcase a beautifully ...
Save on Splurge-Worthy Home Styles
...te a stucco surface that adds genuine texture you can see and feel. Touchable textiles The use of diverse fabrics is an age-old method of introducing variety and polish to a well-decorated space. Contemporary designers are looking to opulent options such as rich leather, suede and fur to create a high-end ambiance. You can enjoy the look without the expense by opting for synthetic versions of ...
DIY Ideas for Every Room/Simple steps to update and organize
...usively at The Home Depot. With a full back panel, these six- or nine-cube organizers are offered in two distinct looks. Choose the style that complements your decor, from traditional Mahogany to the contemporary styling of Weathered Teak. Work Space Improve your efficiency with the proper tools for the job. The Home Depot Premium Cubes are also a great addition for those who want to add slee...
Revitalize Forgotten Furniture with a Simple DIY Transformation
...a creative and budget-friendly way to transform unused items into personal treasures. Refinishing old tables, chairs and other wooden items can instill new life, making these pieces functional and contemporary once more. Whether you're repurposing a piece entirely, or simply updating the look, there are a few things to keep in mind: * Color: Do you have a specific room in mind to use your sele...
Create Budding Home Updates
...terparts when glamming up interiors. Boasting an incredibly realistic look and feel, faux flowers are available in many varieties and colors. So, no matter what type of décor appeals to you - from contemporary to colonial - you can find the perfect petals to match your look and style. Here are tips for using artificial flowers in your home: * When shopping, choose the best you can afford wi...
Go with the flow to add flexibility to your home
...(BPT) - Talk to any contemporary architect, remodeler, interior designer or homeowner, and you'll find one of the hot topics these days is "flow." Gone are the days of floor plans burdened by closed-off, claustrophobic rooms, each designed around specific functions.- "Today's new homes and home remodeling projects embrace far more open designs, allowing for unprecedented levels of flexibility. ...
Surprising, affordable upgrades can give your home a whole new look
...me and sets the tone for the entire house. Modifying a staircase can open up a floor plan and increase usable square footage. It can also help you redefine the theme of your decor from traditional to contemporary or even modern. For example, replacing old wooden balusters with iron can help you create a cohesive look with other metallic design elements in the home, such as doorknobs or faucets. ...
Ten lucky home decor trends for 2013
... company offers color matching, customers can match their repositionable wallpaper to an existing paint color, updated decor or the new Pantone color palette. Cooking up smart ideas Next year's contemporary kitchen will include European frameless laminate cabinetry, multi-tasking appliances, hands-free faucets, and increased smartphone and tablet functionality, according to Jamie Gold, a cer...
Creating the perfect master suite retreat
...rned with finding matching wood pieces. Different and unique items add to the rustic appeal. Pine, oak or mahogany furniture items all have their place in laid-back English country style. Coastal contemporary There's a reason why tropical beaches are considered the fundamental escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The rush of the ocean and the feel of sand between your toes c...
What's Your Style? Fresh decorating ideas for your home.
...elect a signature scent with one of the true-to-life fragrances from the new Glade Expressions Collection. The new fragrances combine classic scents with an exotic twist, and they're available in two contemporary designs to complement any room's décor. Personal Style Tips Rancic recommends taking cues from the things you love to add elements that express your personality: Feel connected ...
Spring into 2012 with the hottest colors for your home
...ry that you'll need to break the bank - simply updating the shades of your walls can create the feel of an entire new home without the cost of buying one. And you'll enjoy starting the year in fresh, contemporary surroundings. "Our world has become increasingly complicated and fast-paced in recent years, to the point that many people are now taking steps back to re-evaluate their lifestyles an...
Make Your Home Cleaner and Greener
...pping HEPA filter. Change the filter regularly to keep it working efficiently. Furniture and window coverings Curtains and upholstery can trap dust, dust mites and pollen. - Blinds are a good, contemporary-looking alternative to drapes, but must be dusted occasionally. - Vacuum upholstered furniture - under the cushions, too. For more tips on getting a cleaner, greener home, visit www...
The master suite: a haven within your home
...ern collection. Inspired colors from Dutch Boy's innovative Color Simplicity System include Boardwalk Blue, Composed Bloom, Spruce Hollow and Range Brown. Another palette working its way into the contemporary master suite is one that revolves around technology - which also reflects the modern amenities that are incorporated into these living spaces. In Dutch Boy's "Abyss" trend for 2011, soft ...
Kids room decor that's easy to replace when their tastes change
...rooms, linens can make a significant design statement. They're also a flexible, cost-effective way to change a room's look. Replacing the toddler-themed linens on your tween's bed with something more contemporary for her age group, may allow you to keep the walls, carpeting and furnishings as they are. Even if you invest in high-end sheets and a comforter, the overall cost of linens will be far le...
Easy Ways to Transform a Room
...ete makeover. A few simple changes can transform a tired room into a fresh space in no time. Give your windows better treatment. * Replace heavy draperies - which can look outdated - with a more contemporary alternative. Faux wood, honeycomb blinds, roman or vertical shades - there are a lot of options to dress up your windows. Many online companies will send you samples so you can see how th...
Top 10 home decor trends for 2011
...ding to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, who will introduce several new under-cabinet systems and landscape products with an ultra-efficient technology next year. For a casual, contemporary twist, Dross also suggests hanging chandeliers in new areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, and embracing today's art glass applications, which are much more chic and casual than...
Besa’s Darci Creates A Wider Vision For Vanity Lighting
...e Opal handcrafted glass. The flattened cylinder-shaped glass, open at both ends, has a low-profile look that sits just off the wall. It offers useful light with refined beauty that fits naturally in contemporary vanity settings. The design also coordinates with Besa’s larger Darci wall sconces. Darci vanity luminaires are available with GU-24 lampholders. 13W Quad-style self-ballasted CFL lam...
Cold weather offers perfect opportunity to work on these projects
...ernize your home's feel with new window treatments, lighting or flooring. New flooring will add both color and character to a room, and is easy to install during any season. Lumber Liquidators offers contemporary and timeless patterns for hardwood floors like Dream Home Plymouth Plank or Bellawood Brazilian Redwood, which can be installed year round. Because winter may limit a homeowner's abil...
LEED Stop on Eugene Tour of Homes Features Hakatai
...EED for Homes rating system. Set high above 80 acres of forestland in Southwest Eugene, the rugged stone mosaics were a natural fit for the home and the glass mosaics iridescent finish the perfect contemporary accent. CQ Interior Design discovered the antiquated feel from the stone in Emperia balanced with the iridiscent glass mosaics smooth, water-like surface texture in the design phases. Mes...
LATICRETE Donates Top of the Line Grout to MOSAICO-Houston for Fundraiser
...ediums design, create and submit empty bowls as a symbol to remind us of how many among us go without proper nutrition and healthy meals each day. At the annual event hosted by the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the bowls are sold and the funds raised are used to provide nutritious meals for the less fortunate in the Houston area. Sharon Plummer (Plum Art Mosaics) and Roxana Nizza (Niz...
Top 10 home decor trends for 2011
...ding to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, who will introduce several new under-cabinet systems and landscape products with an ultra-efficient technology next year. For a casual, contemporary twist, Dross also suggests hanging chandeliers in new areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, and embracing today's art glass applications, which are much more chic and casual than...
HomerWood floors offer a blend of the handcrafted and the contemporary in new patterns and finishes
...HomerWood Hardwood Flooring extends its selection of unique visuals with new Herringbone Cut Planks and UV-Oil Naturals options that enhance the exquisite styling of its premium hardwood floors. A hardwood floor pattern defines the look of any space, and the new Herringbone design gives a room a distinct and sophisticated look. In Herringbone, the hardwood floor strips are laid in a diagonal ...
Easy Care and Fresh Colors Abound in Karastan’s 2010 Tufted Introductions
...DALTON, GA, February 19, 2010—Karastan’s new tufted introductions bring gardens indoors, create oases of calm and color and infuse classic designs with contemporary spirit. They all emphasize fresh, easy-to-live-with palettes and easy care—the perfect combination for the busy family. Classic Chic A classic design with a contemporary flair, Classic Chic is an oversized hounds-tooth pattern load...
A New Breeze of Color for Karastan’s Classic Weaves and New Wovens with Casual Flair
...e Wools of New Zealand Brand wool for durability, easy care and comfort. They all have a free and breezy spirit that is both casual yet sophisticated. Agave Reflections Agave Reflections offers a contemporary, updated palette in one of Karastan’s all-time classic weaves. This subtle herringbone pattern has the visual characteristics of a natural sisal weave in a tailored carpet. Woven of premi...