9 Contemporary Interior Design Tips You Haven't Heard Before

A contemporary living room designed by Audrey Scheck

Cate Black Photography

Not traditional yet far from modern, contemporary interior design can feel like the best of all words. Audrey Scheck of Audrey Scheck Design tells me, “While modern design refers to a specific time period, contemporary design is a more loose term designing both current and future design trends. Contemporary design evolves as interior design trends come and go.”

Current contemporary spaces have an easy, warm feel to them. Far from formulaic, they can be eclectic or even fun. Whether you’re currently designing a contemporary space or just refreshing an old one, here are nine contemporary design tips shared by expert interior designers.

Choose Curved Lines

Scheck tells me curved lines can truly enhance a contemporary space. “From rounded corners on furniture to arched mirrors and doorways, curves bring so much dimension to a space. Incorporating curves helps to balance a space by breaking up angles and hard lines.”

A curved archway

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There are lots of ways to add curved lines to a room. Choose a curvy sofa or chair. Even a curvy bookcase, mirror, or artwork can create visual interest.

Skip The White And Go With Creamy Neutrals

White can look very modern and stark, so choose a creamy neutral if you want space to have a more contemporary aesthetic.

Neutrals look great in contemporary homes

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“Consumers are leaning into creamy neutral tones which are versatile enough to make a space feel calm and neutral while also being warm and inviting,” says Scheck. “A neutral base allows for even more flexibility to introduce color through fun accents like artwork, textiles, and decorative accents.”

Add A Statement Rug

If a contemporary room feels as if it’s missing something, that would probably benefit from a statement rug. “Utilizing a statement rug in a space helps define a room, especially in open-concept homes,” explains Scheck. “To maximize the ground covering, we often layer a smaller accent rug over a natural fiber rug such as jute or sisal. This not only helps to fill the space but also brings in additional layers and textures.”

In addition to texture, rugs are also a great way to add color to a neutral space.

Bringing The Outdoors Inside Feels Like A Breath Of Fresh Air

Bringing outdoor elements indoors and blending both spaces has been on-trend for a while now. Adriana Hoyos, designer of Shoma Bay, which is a condominium project in Miami—is a big proponent of this design choice. “A captivating dialogue is established by seamlessly connecting the outdoor and indoor environments, giving birth to a truly functional, dynamic, and energetic living experience. Merging the organic beauty of the natural world with the comforts of indoor living transforms spaces and brings serenity, relaxation and creativity,” she says.

A great example of this is that the Owner’s Lounge at Shoma Bay is designed to connect with the Zen Garden. On a smaller scale, even something as simple as bringing plants inside can transform a contemporary space.

Install Herringbone Flooring In A Single Direction

Skip the slats. Herringbone flooring is charming and chic, but also versatile. Because this type of flooring has a vintage vibe and isn’t quite everywhere yet—it really gets noticed.

Herringbone floors in a Scandinavian style space

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Anja Pavlin, Associate Director for Nova suggests installing this type of flooring in a single direction. “It creates a contemporary underfoot pattern and gives the illusion of more space. Plus, the combination of a traditional hand-crafted look with a contemporary exterior makes for an interesting contrast,” she says.

Opt For Natural Stone And White Woods

While man-made materials can sometimes be less expensive, natural is always better in a contemporary home.

A kitchen with a natural stone countertop

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“Natural stones, white woods, and elegant metals are the foundation of contemporary design. These materials are warm and inviting and help to connect residents to their surroundings and welcome guests and visitors,” says Pavilin. “Taking cues from nature and the outdoors as well as a minimalist-infused Scandinavian design, these elements foster a calming and elevated atmosphere.”

Elevate A Room With A Monochromatic Color Scheme

The monochromatic look has been in style for quite a while now and it doesn’t look like this trend is going away any time soon.

A monochromatic living room

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It’s a great way to really make a statement and doesn’t require a massive budget. Andrea DeRosa, cofounder and principal designer of Avenue Interior Design tells me, “Accessorize in one color. Shape, size and texture should vary according to interest, but keeping accessories and artwork in a similar color creates a very contemporary interior.”

Mix And Match

Or go the opposite direction by mixing and matching. This is a favorite choice of Melissa Urdang Body of Melissa and Miller Interiors. “The key, for us, is to mix and match. We love to incorporate modern pieces, but we never like sacrificing the warmth, or the way the room makes you feel. Sometimes, modern can feel cold and impersonal. We solve that by mixing fabric textures, finishes, and materials in the spaces so that the rooms feel inviting.”

Look To The Past For Furniture And Decor

One of the best elements of contemporary interior design is that you can easily use pieces from different eras. Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors tells me, “It may sound counterintuitive, but when decorating in a contemporary style, I look to the past. So many designers and artists in Italy, France, and Germany created ahead-of-its-time furnishings and decor in the middle of the last century.”

While you can scour local antique shops and estate sales, you can also easily source online. Adam likes 1st Dibs and South Loop Loft.