In the correct “urban” interiors, it is difficult to allocate one style – the contemporary style in the interior usually serves as a background for interpretations of ethnic, neo-classical, pop art, and retro styles.
It doesn’t have obvious references to past historical eras and only reminds of them, it softens the lifelessness of functionalism, the sterility of minimalism, the industrialism of hi-tech, combining ultramodern trends with the spirit of the recent past, making interiors warmer, more soulful and more traditional.
The contemporary style in the interior of the apartment is functionality, comfort, and simplicity. What matters is not ostentatious brilliance, but comfort, not a specific subject, but space. The main sign of contemporary style – the interior is as simple as possible, calm, and unobtrusive.
You can read this article that describes some tips that help to make the design more functional.
The Italians call this style in design the “modern” style – for its commitment to new ideas and technologies.
The space should be free, do not load it with unnecessary items. Clear shapes, smooth surfaces, straight or softly rounded lines, neutral elements, few accessories – all these are signs of a contemporary style. Elegance is achieved not due to the decor, but due to the line. You can find here some elegant models that prove that this kind of design can enrich any space.
“No” to the framework – “yes” to freedom
There are no strict rules for design in contemporary style, there are only three pillars on which the right interior is based: harmony, comfort, and functionality.
To preserve a sense of freedom and spaciousness, built-in wardrobes and shelves are widely used, niches are designed, equipment is hidden behind sliding structures. Everything that holds the gaze is hidden behind doors that are invisible against the background of the walls. You see only laconic carefully-selected decor items.
Upholstered furniture, as a rule, in light colors without any decoration, geometric, low. Simple smooth forms prevail. Many furnishings are made of glass, plastic, acrylic, thin metal frames to create a feeling of weightlessness and spaciousness. Fabrics: cotton, linen with a concrete texture.
Contemporary style in the interior of the apartment implies restrained colors – black, white, shades of gray, beige, brown. They serve as an excellent background for accents that are unusual in form and texture (textiles, decor, paintings and posters).
Instead of a combination of bright colors, we get a combination of expressive textures. The interior of the apartment in a contemporary style is rich in tactile sensations: here you see glossy surfaces (glass, tile, marble, acrylic, chrome, steel, varnish)that are combined with matte materials (wood, stone, natural fabrics). Often interiors are built on a combination of tactile warm and cold.
The functionality of this style is associated with the need to place everything you need in a limited area of a city apartment.
Because of this – modules of standard sizes and geometry, storage systems, hidden and open drawers, shelves, racks. Typical furniture is more likely a background on which bright details look advantageous: lamps, paintings, photographs, vases, pillows, and rugs.
One of the trends in a contemporary style is the unification of space. The desire to get maximum space is expressed in the principles of open planning and visual zoning techniques. The boundaries between the functional areas are modular structures, furniture, changes in the level or floor covering ceiling heights. At the same time, maximum benefit is extracted from each design, ergonomics are calculated. Space should be free, not overloaded, but very personal and cozy.