Contemporary  (from English contemporary - modern) - interior design style of the late 20th - early 21st century. Democratic and restrained, the contemporary interior differs both from historical stylizations replete with details and from outrageous ultra-modern trends. It is often called the style of bachelors, but it can also be called the style of common sense, since its main features are convenience, simplicity, and functionality. Not ostentatious brilliance, but comfort, not an object, but space is the focus of modern contemporary style.

 

From the history of style

Life changes quickly, and despite the fact that the contemporary appeared relatively recently, it already has its own history. Its appearance was predetermined by the ideas of the constructivists, who introduced the principles of functionality and ergonomics into the development of interiors and furniture. Scandinavian design, with its commitment to simple forms and the idea of mass production of furniture accessible to the general population, also had a great influence on the development of style. Contemporary won its audience back in the 60s, when multifunctional sectional furniture began to appear in the apartments of the townspeople. No matter how much the notorious “walls” are ridiculed, they do not disappear from the interiors of modern apartments, but are only transformed, taking into account modern technologies and comfort requirements, into more convenient storage systems. Increasing wealth in the late 20th century sparked interest in historical "luxury" styles. But contemporary still holds the palm. In the hustle and bustle of a big city, a modern person needs simplicity and comfort more, convenience and coziness turned out to be more in demand than brilliance and luxury.

 

The main features of the style

Contemporary is simple, calm and unobtrusive. Its purpose is to create a functional living space, not loaded with unnecessary objects and pretentious details, modern and at the same time cozy. It is characterized by clarity of the overall design, laconism of planning decisions, simplicity of design, harmony and integrity of the interior. Clear forms, smooth surfaces, straight or softly rounded lines, neutrality of elements, few accessories - all these are signs of contemporary style.

materials

Metal, glass, stone, modern artificial materials are widely used in contemporary interiors. Textiles are designed to soften some of the "coldness" of such an arrangement: curtains, sofa cushions, fluffy rugs with a geometric or "animal" pattern make the interior warmer and more homely. Fabrics are mostly natural with a pronounced structure: wool, cotton, linen, jute.

Color spectrum

Contemporary is characterized by a muted color palette, characterized by a large number of white, cream, gray, brown tones. The neutral range does not make the interior boring - it serves as a background against which, for example, furniture in saturated colors can look especially advantageous. Bright color accents that create a positive mood are added to the interior with the help of textiles and accessories.

Interior elements and accessories

Despite restraint, contemporary does not prohibit the use of accessories in interior decoration. On the contrary, it is they, these cute trinkets, that give individuality and homeliness to this generally neutral style. However, there should be few accessories, they are either of artistic value or are associated with some personal preferences of the owners. One of the important elements of the contemporary interior is lighting, most often hidden. Illuminated niches, walls and individual objects create a feeling of lightness and participate in shaping the space. The contemporary interior gravitates towards large forms, therefore, for example, large containers of simple shapes are used for indoor plants. And small photographs and graphics in dark matte frames are placed on the walls so that they look like a single whole.

Furniture

Simple, comfortable and furniture is perhaps the most important component of the contemporary style. Cabinet furniture is sectional, transforming, modular with smooth surfaces, clear lines and geometrically regular shapes. Built-in wardrobes and furniture walls are widely used. Upholstered furniture, on the contrary, has streamlined contours. This combination of straight and smooth lines is a style feature that allows you to smooth out the restraint and efficiency of a modern interior, give it soft comfort and warmth of home comfort.

 

Floor, walls and ceiling

The floor is smooth and shiny. Wood, laminate, linoleum, sometimes small carpets are used as flooring. Flooring often serves as an element of space zoning. The ceiling and walls are light, without a pattern, and if wallpaper is used, then only plain.

Windows and doors

A simple door leaf and modern plastic windows with a simple decor fit perfectly into the contemporary interior.

Who is this style for?

Due to its neutrality, contemporary is equally suitable for apartments and offices, and despite it, it has great potential for creating original interiors. For those who are sensitive to the trends of the times, the flexibility and versatility of the interior can quickly respond, following the changes in interior fashion, but without being completely influenced by it and without starting a long and exhausting repair. A zebra skin instead of a carpet on the floor, animal-colored sofa cushions - and the contemporary turns into a fashionable safari glam. Bamboo blinds, a paper lantern and a dry branch in a low vase - and the interior acquires the exotic charm of the country of the rising sun, while remaining quite modern and European, comfortable and functional.