Contemporary interior design can be hard to nail down because it draws on many different design periods, including modernism, Art Deco, and minimalism. Modern styles can even draw on the industrial, retro, and bohemian periods. The style combines features from these design styles without significantly focusing on one type. This article explores the contemporary home style, what that means, what elements to look for, and specific guidance and suggestions for each room in your home.

The simpler the idea, the harder it can be to define. In the same way, it may be tricky to understand the subtle nuances of contemporary design, and then execute them in your personal space. Understanding what is contemporary style can inspire those of you looking to refresh your space and wanting to know how to decorate in a contemporary home style.

“Contemporary” is defined as belonging to or occurring in the present. Thus, contemporary styles are always in fashion because they belong to the here and now. Contemporary styles follow what is popular and trending at the moment while also incorporating timeless and classic techniques that have an ageless feel to them. Contemporary design highlights:

• Neutral shades
• Form: clean lines, both curved and straight
• Minimal and unadorned yet thoughtful pieces
• Natural textures
• Lighting

It is okay not to have a complete grasp of contemporary design because this design style is often subtly changing. Below we discuss these highlights to provide a broader understanding of the contemporary design style.

Neutral shades are the first hallmarks of contemporary design. Tans or beige, whites, grays, and blacks should make up the majority of your palette. Patterns and bold solids may be used but should be done sparingly and usually as an accent. Read our article to learn more about contemporary color and modern color theory, including trending colors for 2024.

Form in design commonly refers to shape. The contemporary design focuses on form just as much as function and features clean, sleek lines and organic silhouettes. Where modern design focuses exclusively on clean, straight lines, contemporary design mixes both straight and elegantly curved lines throughout the room, such as in architectural elements, furniture, lighting, and decor. Strong visible lines are present in contemporary design concepts, and structural elements are highlighted.

Space plays a vital role in contemporary style. In a contemporary room, less is more, and space is embraced throughout the room. Pay attention to the high ceilings, bare windows, and reserved wall decor in the photos of contemporary-style home interiors throughout the article.

Contemporary-style furniture follows tenets of contemporary design. Upholstered furnishings are generally in reserved or muted color schemes and are solid hues, like beige, white, gray, or soft blue. Contemporary decorators use natural materials, unadorned surfaces, and neutral, textured, natural fabrics such as:

• Wool
• Cotton
• Linen
• Silk
• Jute

Contemporary furniture pieces make a statement. They are conversation starters, unique and tasteful while remaining reserved and organic in their form. Furnishings have clean lines or rounded edges. They are sturdy and robust and avoid frilly adornments, such as tassels, trim, fringe, or ruffles. For more inspiration, browse San Francisco Design’s modern furniture and home furnishings catalog.

Contemporary design is thoughtfully understated. Decor and art are used sparingly, but the pieces that are used make a statement, are meaningful, and catch the eye. Patterns are reserved for throws, pillows, and rugs for a bit of pop. Don’t overdo it, and remember that in the contemporary design world, less is more.

Lighting is the final important element in contemporary style. Natural and layered lighting is very important in a contemporary style home interior, and thus windows are often left uncovered or with minimal covering. Let in as much natural light as possible, then use ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting to fill in the rest of the room and highlight specific areas or pieces.

Light fixtures should follow contemporary style and be largely unadorned yet shapely fixtures that work well with the clean and curving lines around the room. Metal fixtures in brass, chrome, and iron are a popular choice for contemporary home decor.

There are many reasons that contemporary style is worth investing in, but three stand out:

Contemporary style will last for years. Contemporary style is much more timeless than trendy, and it is understated enough that it will not easily go out of style.

Contemporary design creates an oasis of calm in a chaotic world. The contemporary style is relaxing. The color palette is soothing, and the room is spacious and uncluttered, making your home a sanctuary for you and your loved ones.

Contemporary design is easily adaptable. It works well with many architectural styles and rooms and can be easily applied in an older home or a new build.

San Francisco Design offers complete interior decorating services to turn your contemporary design dream into reality for your entire home or room by room.

The best way to establish a clean, calm, and understated tone is to design a contemporary style entryway. Make it simple and uncluttered. Upon entering your home, visitors will not feel overwhelmed and instead may have their attention drawn to a statement piece that you chose to display or a unique yet simple piece of furniture that can double for storage. Introduce a long, leather ottoman or bench for a simple seating option that won’t make the space feel crowded.

Contemporary kitchen styles should be simple and clean. Look for storage options to decrease countertop clutter as much as possible. Adhere to clean and curving lines in light fixtures, cabinets, furniture, and appliances. Light fixtures and bar stools, in particular, can bring in curved lines. Try introducing sleek, rounded metal pendants over an island or bar stools with softer edges. Balance minimalism and warmth with natural stone backsplashes and countertops, or use a natural, muted green, blue, or gray for cabinets. Sleek metal appliances paired with natural materials and tones can provide an elegant contrast.

The living room is the gathering room in your home. Keep it comfortable yet stylish with high-quality furniture in timeless styles. Remember to use natural lighting as much as possible; remove heavy drapes or outdated window treatments. Add ambient and accent light fixtures where needed for soft, dispersed light. Furniture pieces should make a statement, providing clean or curved lines and simple yet elegant style. Use an oversized sectional to fill the space, yet keep it balanced with a pair of matching chairs. Include greenery to soften the space and introduce an organic element. You can accent the room further through the use of unique textures and throws, pillows, and rugs in a small but defined color palette.

In the dining room, contemporary style is all about lines, symmetry and structure. Focus on a unique dining table made with glass, stone, or wood and slim chairs that don’t distract from the table’s prominence. An elegant, modern chandelier and oversized piece of art are all you need to complete the space without introducing competitive features.

Contemporary style bedrooms are a simple yet elegant affair. Avoid bedskirts, multiple pillows, overstuffed armchairs, and floral designs. Instead, focus on soft, layered, natural fibers and symmetry in nightstands and other bedroom furniture. A contemporary bedframe can be a signature piece that ties the room together and adds to the feeling of elegant simplicity of a primary suite. Browse our collection of contemporary bedroom furniture for more inspiration.

Contemporary style bathrooms are one of the most popular spaces that homeowners wish to update. Contemporary bathrooms focus on space and emphasize cool hues, sharp lines, and updated materials to create a unique and breathtaking room.

San Francisco Design focuses primarily on contemporary furniture styles. Each of our unique pieces meshes seamlessly into any modern home. If you are decorating a contemporary home, take some inspiration from the examples listed in this article or discover more to love in our online store.

If you want to see our beautiful furniture pieces in person, stop by one of our locations in Salt Lake City or Park City. Our talented team of designers is ready to help pick the perfect piece of furniture for your contemporary design at each location.

When you buy furniture from San Francisco Design, you know you are purchasing an incredibly well-made and unique item of furniture. You can customize the fabric and color of many of our pieces to fit into your space. With each furniture purchase, you will receive a free design consultation. We also offer full-service design consultation if you want to start with a fresh and complete interior design plan.

If you don’t want to leave your living room but still crave an entirely new design, check out our e-design feature. This process allows you to design an interior space entirely online. It’s perfect for those who are not in Utah but would still like to utilize our design services. At San Francisco Design, we help you with all your interior design needs. Contact us today to get started.

As much as we love a specific decor or trend, it’s sure to go out of style eventually. After all, style isn’t eternal. No matter how much you’ve invested in decorating your home, things are sure to start looking dated over the course of time. Even normal wear and tear on your house can make it feel in need of a little revitalization. If you’re wanting to learn how to update a dated house, review our list of things that make your home look tired and what you can do to help it feel new again. (Then, check out this list that has plenty of other “dated” trends to look out for.)

Things That Make Your Home Look Dated

If your home is feeling a little “flat,” don’t worry — it may not need a complete overhaul. There could just be a few things here and there that are making it feel dated. Below is a list of items and features that are notorious for making your home look dated, along with some tips for decorating an old house to look modern:

Window Treatments

There’s a seemingly endless amount of window treatments out there, so it may be challenging to know what to choose to make your house look more modern. Maybe you’re wondering, are vertical blinds dated? Most likely, any vertical blinds in a house make it look a little drab. Other things that you’ll find in a dated living room are heavy fabric curtains, out-of-date fabric designs, broken or discolored blinds, and fringed trim. Consider replacing any heavy materials with lightweight, natural fabrics like linen. Opt for sleek roller shades or modern wood blinds for window treatments. 

Paint & Wallpaper

Chips, scuffs, and marks on the wall can quickly make your house look tired. Outdated paint colors from years ago — like a heavy beige or maroon — can instantly date your house. While certain wallpaper from years ago probably looked great at first, it might look tired and dated now. If you have wallpaper borders along the top or bottom of your walls, consider removing them. Wallpaper can easily date a house, as patterns come and go quickly. A fresh coat of paint and wallpaper removal can do wonders for keeping your home looking fresh. If you’d like new wallpaper, consider a modern, fresh style that will look great for years to come.

Furniture

Furniture trends come and go throughout the years. Pretty soon you might realize that your favorite sofa is looking a little old. When it comes to furniture that makes your home look dated, low-quality pieces that lose their shape, or furniture in trendy prints and colors such as oversized paisley or a drab brown, don’t offer the best impression for your room. To give your space an instant lift, choose high-quality furniture with clean lines. Avoid buying trendy, oversized prints, as they won’t offer lasting value for your purchase. Modern, contemporary, or traditional furniture are always great, timeless choices for updating rooms.

Lighting

Shiny brass and gold lighting fixtures from years ago can make your room look a bit old. Frosted light fixtures often age a room, as well. If you’re finding yourself with outdated fixtures or standard lighting from when the house was first built, it might be time for a lighting refresh. Tone down harsh overhead lighting by adding some clear pendants. Remove flush mount light fixtures that offer little character and replace them with chandeliers or stylish, new ceiling lights. Also, consider adding a couple of lamps at eye level; this creates lighting dimension and adds warmth and coziness.

Wall Decor

When it comes to wall decor, less is more. Today’s trends lean more toward minimal, clean wall decor. If your walls are a little more cluttered, it can make the room feel tired, out-of-date, and small.  Instead, add some large-scale art in simple, modern frames to make the room feel more updated. Floating shelves with a few pieces of your favorite art or a couple of loved books reduce clutter and keep things organized.

Cabinets

Rustic and Tuscan-style kitchens are a thing of the past. While brown isn’t necessarily an outdated color, too much brown, taupe, and golden yellow definitely make your kitchen feel old. Choose cooler tones in the kitchen for a peaceful, calming vibe. Dark green makes a great accent color whereas white, gray, and other neutrals are a safe choice for cabinets, wall color, and countertops.

Worn hardware and cabinet knobs can also quickly reveal a kitchen’s age very quickly. When considering new cabinets, think of keeping the kitchen bright and airy with just the right mix of wood and metal accents. Updating or even painting the cabinets can greatly impact a room. Mixing metals with the finishes is a great way to add some depth to your kitchen and cabinets. Try a stainless steel sink with aged copper cabinet hardware for a classic combination. 

How to Update a Dated House

If you’ve looked around and realized your space is a bit more dated than you’d like, there are a few small, simple changes you can make to get things looking new again. 

Tackle one room at a time

It might feel overwhelming to start the process of updating things. If this is the case for you, try tackling one room at a time. When you focus on revamping just one room, there are fewer decisions to make, and you can spend your time focusing on what you’d like to change. You may find that updating your house is easier when you approach it in manageable sections.

Turn to modern design

While modern or Scandinavian-style design is popular at the moment, it has also stood the test of time. It’s a design style that will look fresh for years to come. With its clean lines, minimalism, and monochromatic color palette, modern and Scandinavian-inspired furnishings are a smart investment for your home. Should you want to change the style in the future, you can add pieces here and there to update the style without feeling like you have to start from scratch. For these reasons, a modern design style is a great option for many people.

Hire the experts at San Francisco Design

Updating a house isn’t always an easy task. If you’re starting down the path of changing your outdated house, consider hiring an interior designer. When you hire an interior designer, they can manage the project quickly and efficiently. They bring fresh eyes and new ideas to the space that you might not have considered. Interior designers can help your project come to life and ensure you will have a functional, beautiful space. The experts at San Francisco Design can tackle any updating projects you’ve got up your sleeve.

How to Make an Old Room Look New? Partner with San Francisco Design

When you partner with San Francisco Design, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the process of updating your house. Our talented design team takes the time to get to know you, your design style, and your needs. No matter if your project is large or small, we will work alongside you to design a beautiful space that you love. 

Stop by our Salt Lake City or Park City showrooms and you’ll see that we have some of the most beautiful pieces of furniture in the state. Our modern and contemporary furniture can be incorporated into almost any design style. Each high-end piece of furniture that we carry is carefully crafted to last for decades. You’ll be amazed at how much you can customize by choosing leather, fabric, or specific colors. 

When you order furniture from San Franciso Design, you will receive a free two-hour design consultation for your house. We’ll give you suggestions on what you can update specifically in your house and how you can simply change things around to give your home a refresh. You can also opt for a full-service interior design to tackle large projects. Come see us and learn how we can help you refresh your space.

We love trendy designs as much as the next person. After all, there’s something refreshing about bringing some new and popular design elements into your home. Whether it’s a throw pillow or a completely redesigned kitchen, trendy designs you see on Pinterest or in high-end magazines are part of what makes interior design fun.

However, trends by definition are short-lived. Fun while they last, they often go out of style as quickly as they came. This means giving into trendy designs could make your home a revolving door of new aesthetics. That constant cycle is not only exhausting to keep up with but quite expensive in the long run.

For homeowners looking for quality of design over quantity, timeless design offers a break from the rat race of interior design trends. When you opt for high-quality and classic furniture or timeless decor, you can create a space that lasts for years without feeling dated. For your forever home, timeless design can truly be your best friend. But how do you figure out what’s enduring and what’s not? Keep reading to learn more about our Salt Lake City interior designers’ take on evergreen styles for your home.

How Long Do Home Decor Trends Last?

What’s the shelf life of a style like a modern farmhouse or mid-century modern? How about colorful ikat prints or marble countertops? Those are difficult questions to answer. Generally, the simpler a trend is, the longer it can last. Busy, highly detailed trends are more recognizable and therefore fade out of style faster. Think of intricately veined granite countertops or textured sponge painting  — both recently had their moment for a decade or so, but we’re doomed to go out of style because of their bold, recognizable looks.

In fact, researchers in Denmark have discovered that today, trends stick around for an even shorter length of time than they did years or decades ago. That’s because with our abundance of digital content, design concepts become oversaturated quickly and new ideas can spread with lightning speed.

Keeping up with trends is a constant game — and with today’s rapid trend lifecycle, you’ll have to refresh your look even more often than before.

What Makes Design Timeless?

There’s one solution to never-ending trends; timeless design is an aesthetic that have been used for years and yet still feels beautiful, functional, and desirable.

Depending on the specific interior design piece you’re searching for, timeless design can take different shapes. For instance, when it comes to wall color, white is a safe but sophisticated option. White is always in style and never fails to feel fresh and crisp as the backdrop for your space.

Here are a few examples of how to find timeless decor or furniture for your home, no matter what you’re looking for:

Coffee Tables

Simplistic coffee tables offer the most staying power when it comes to timeless design. Look for clean lines, uncomplicated shapes, and timeless materials like glass, iron, medium-toned wood — or a natural stone like marble.

Hardwood Floors

Tile and carpet have a tendency to become dated fairly quickly because manufacturers often change the color, texture, and material for these flooring options. Hardwood floors, however, have been timeless design staples of interior spaces since all the back to America’s colonial days. Real hardwood floors in light or medium-toned stains never look dated and form a simple, functional, and naturally beautiful foundation for the rest of your interior.

Light Fixtures

Don’t overlook timeless light fixtures in your space; they can be a dead giveaway of dated design. Choose simple chandeliers to replace tired flush mount fixtures or old ceiling fans, or consider installing recessed lighting for a well-lit space that lets the furniture and decor make the statement.

What are Some Examples of Timeless Furniture Design?

Timeless furniture design includes styles that have been popular for more than one time period or decade. This can include a wide range of styles from Colonial or Victorian to French Country or Art Deco. But for many homeowners, the attainable yet enduring style that fits our modern homes often includes the following looks:

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Designed in the 1950s and 1960s, mid-century modern is an interior style that has grown even more popular in the last 10 to 20 years. Based on the vintage, classic looks popularized more than 50 years ago, mid-century modern is here to stay. The adaptability of this style makes it easy to fit into any style of home. And its clean lines, simple color scheme, and rich wood tones make it simple enough to avoid the quick trend burnout.

Modern Minimalist Furniture

With applications in interior design, fashion, architecture, and even lifestyle movements, minimalism is a concept known far and wide. Popularized in the middle to later half of the 20th century, minimalism is a concept that still feels ultra-modern today. By stripping furniture down to its most simple form, minimalism keeps your space simple — a hallmark of timeless design.

Scandinavian Furniture

First emerging from the northern European nations of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, Scandinavian design (or “Nordic” design) is well-known for its practicality and simple but elegant style. In fact, a principle of Scandinavian design is to bring harmony to your home and design things made to last. This tenet of Scandinavian design makes it a practical option for timeless design.

What are 5 Questions to Guide Your Search for Timeless Home Furnishings?

If timeless design sounds like the look you’re after, now you just need to find the right pieces that fit the bill. Here are a few helpful questions you can ask when shopping to determine if a piece is trendy or enduring.

• How long has this been around? Asking yourself this question tells you the age of the look or piece. Something like a houndstooth pattern has been around for 200+ years in both interior and fashion design. That’s a safe bet that while it may be more popular at the moment, it also has proven staying power.

• Was this used 10, 20, or 30 years ago? Is it being used right now, too? Look back at interior design magazines or books from years past. What’s being used there which still feels fresh or new to you today? That’s a great way to determine which pieces will stand the test of time.

• Is this a high-quality, well-made item that will last? Timeless design should be able to last in your home for years — that’s the main appeal of this type of look. But to last that long, it must be well-made, with superior materials and craftsmanship. Splurging for a quality piece is well worth the investment when you know it won’t be trendy and short-lived.

• Is this something I love? Something maybe classic but, if you don’t love it, it doesn’t deserve a spot in your home. There are too many options when it comes to interior design to settle for something you don’t love!

• Have high-end interior designers used something similar? Look to interior designers to see what they’re using today or what they used 10 years ago. Interior designers are experts in home style and can do much of the hard work for you by identifying cohesive color schemes, functional furniture arrangements, and timeless home decor that never goes out of style.

Invest in Beautiful, Classic Design with Help from San Francisco Design

Timeless design, when done right, feels effortless. But attaining that effortless look still takes work! To gain tasteful perspective or hand the design reigns off entirely, connect with our Salt Lake City interior designers. We can help you create a timeless look for your room redesign, remodel project, or new home. Whatever looks you love, we can find a way to make them less trendy and more personal to you and your home. Contact us today.

TRENDING CONTEMPORARY COLOR PALETTES FOR YOUR HOME

This year’s interior design trends have already proven to be what we need post-2020. Modern and contemporary designers focus on making the home a sanctuary from the rest of the world. Color psychology suggests that the paint colors of your home impact your mood. So, what feelings do you hope to experience every time you walk into the room after a long work day? With an emphasis on creating a calming space for peace and healing, these contemporary color palettes will cultivate the right environment for you. After all, a dream home isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how it makes you feel.

WARM NEUTRALS + BLUSH PINK

This contemporary color palette is designed to create a warm and inviting aura. Featuring shades of white and taupe with yellow and pink undertones, guests will feel right at home. Those spaces that have always been reserved for a classic white shade are now being introduced to the latest addition to the palette—blush pink. Adding light, neutral colors adds depth to the room and compliments nearly any shade of decor.

We also recommend pairing these colors with dark furniture pieces for a bold accent color. This stark contrast will energize your space and increase depth.

Textured Earth Tones

Following closely behind the neutrals trend is a palette of earth tones with a contemporary twist — and it’s all about texture. Adding texture over these natural tones instantly inspires the “wanderlust” in all of us with its echos to classic European interiors. There is also something to be said about selecting colors found in nature. Find a sense of calm and connection as you welcome this contemporary color and texture design into your modern home. We suggest selecting furniture that features a light, natural wood design to complement the deeper earth tones.

Green Tones

Welcome some color into your home with shades of green this year. This contemporary design paint color is versatile and accommodates those who love and fear color. We suggest light and neutral sage green if you prefer neutral tones but want a little extra color. For those looking for a bold or loud color palette, we recommend choosing a brighter shade of green, adding a complementary color like pink or red-orange to the mix, or even a combination of both. This color can accomplish everything from light airy palettes to dark and daring ones.

Add warm neutral furniture pieces to tie the room together with a refined, classic look.

GET MORE DESIGN TIPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO DESIGN

If you’re looking for more interior design trends & tips, you’re in luck! San Francisco Design is proud to have the leading interior designers in Utah, who are ready to help you get started on your next project. Whether you’re looking to update your home’s color scheme or invest in new, high-end modern furniture, we have what you need. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today!