Designed to accommodate the relaxed and social nature of today’s households, contemporary living rooms exude warmth and coziness.
The phrases “modern” and “current” are frequently confused with one another and used in the same context; nonetheless, there is a distinct conceptual distinction between the two.
In the eyes of interior designers and architects, a contemporary interior refers to styles that reflect the period beginning in the late 20th century and continuing into the present day.
In contrast, a modern interior can be traced back to modernism and the mid-century modern architecture and design of the 20th century.
- To everyone else, however, the term “modern” refers to interiors that have a sense of being current, appealing, and fresh at the same time and are suitable for living in.
- The design of contemporary living rooms often draws inspiration from aesthetics and design trends of the past, reimagining established norms to produce rooms that are less characterized by a particular style than by a sensibility.
- The past’s stuffy and formal living rooms have given way to more relaxed and casual living spaces that include features such as ultra-comfortable seating, an emphasis on natural light.
- These living spaces are a far cry from the past living rooms, which were built for relaxed family time and casual entertaining.
- The adage “less is more” serves as the guiding idea behind the layout of a contemporary living room.
As a result, the overall design should only include the most essential and practical pieces of furniture to achieve a clutter-free environment.
The following are eight different aspects of design that can be incorporated into your living room in such a way as to give it a more contemporary appearance.
Think About Using an Open-Plan Layout
When you have an open floor design, you have the flexibility to use the negative space efficiently.
Having a design strategy that is complementary to one another can help the area appear more cohesive.
- Consider employing a uniform color palette throughout the dining and living areas, for instance, to give the impression that the two rooms are one continuous space.
- One of the best features of a design with an open floor plan is that it gives the impression that there is more room than there is.
Allow In The Light From Outside
Because they lend an appearance of openness and brightness to the area, natural light and fresh air are crucial elements in the design of a contemporary living room.
Large glass windows, French doors, sliding glass doors, and glass walls with floor-to-ceiling glazing are all excellent options for bringing in sufficient natural light and creating a seamless transition between the indoors and outside.
- By selecting the appropriate blinds, you can control the light entering the room.
- It would be best to consider using a neutral color palette when decorating a small space.
- When decorating a tiny area, it is recommended that you use a neutral color palette, with white, beige, or muted gray.
- This is because lighter colors reflect light, creating the illusion that a room is larger than it is.
- Suppose a muted color scheme looks too repetitive.
- In that case, you may break up the monotony by including splashes of color in accent walls or by incorporating colorful accents into the soft furnishings, such as pillows, rugs, artwork, etc.
Make sure that all the colors go well together and create a sense of harmony across the room.
Buy Sleek Furniture
Pick out pieces of furniture that are not only stylish but also cozy. The upholstery may be made of leather or natural fibers, each of which may have a distinct feel.
If you want your living room to have a modern appearance, you should steer clear of excessive furniture and choose pieces depending on the dimensions of the space. This will help you avoid clutter.
- Choose those made from natural materials.
- Warmth can be added to a room with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or stone, which are environmentally friendly.
- Your living room can achieve a contemporary and inviting design by incorporating these elements into the wall accents, flooring, and furniture.
Have Storage Built Right In
Pick up pieces of furniture with their storage compartments if you want to avoid a cluttered living room.
These can be used to store anything that does not require being visible or that is not utilized daily.
A bookshelf, a TV stand with drawers, and a couch with hidden storage are some ways to ensure that there isn’t an excessive amount of items lying outside.
Include some metallic finishes in it.
- Polished metallic finishes such as chrome and SS (stainless steel) can be used in mirror frames, wall decorations, pendant lights, steel tables, and other elements of the space to produce a high-end, contemporary aesthetic.
- These coatings may also be applied to the door knobs, cabinet handles, and picture frames to achieve a more uniform appearance.
Showcase the Barest Necessary Accessories
Instead of filling the area with numerous smaller paintings and other wall accessories, you should highlight a substantial work of modern abstract art on one of the walls.
Ascent the space in the living room with modern accent furniture and plants, both of which bring a sense of warmth to the room.
Top 24 Ideas for a Contemporary Living Room
1. Employ Just One Vivid Color as an Accent.
The majority of contemporary designs have soft, neutral color palettes.
Still, by including a calming color found in nature, such as any shade of green, it is possible to invigorate the room without fundamentally altering the feel.
- The modern living room design features a single bright color accent in the form of a huge green sofa that stands out against the otherwise monochromatic space.
- Balance is brought to the area with the addition of a few subtle green touches that are dispersed around.
2. Exhibit works of contemporary art
The client’s collection of contemporary art is displayed beautifully in this brand-new living room designed and furnished Interiors in Portland, Maine.
- Using white walls
- Windows that are left unadorned
- Vintage modern furniture
- An antique fireplace creates
- An atmosphere reminiscent of bygone ages
While maintaining a modern and up-to-date appearance.
3. Opt for the Monochrome Version
Although rooms decorated in black and white are timeless and can be adapted to almost any design style, a limited color palette can make a room feel more contemporary, depending on the furniture and accessories used.
A black sectional sofa and sculptural decor lend an enduringly contemporary vibe to living room design.
4. Take Another Look at Wood Slat Walls
Warmth is added to this living room, designed by an interior designer through a contemporary interpretation of the traditional wood slat walls characteristic of mid century modern architecture.
Another tribute to the midcentury design aesthetic that continues to feel as contemporary today as it did in the 20th century is modern furniture in tones of orange and turquoise.
5. Use Natural Accents
This white and gray living room has a cozy modern feel with its enormous sectional, wood accents, and styled natural accents like the round framed preserved moss wall hanging.
6. Opt for Decorations That Are Eternal
Interiors created a contemporary living space with a sense of the present but is still classic enough to last for many years.
- It is a crowd-pleasing, neutral-toned environment that was designed for modern families.
- It features white walls, graphic black accents, basic furnishings, lofty pitched ceilings, abundant natural light, and a traditional layout that centers around the fireplace.
7. Don’t Overcomplicate Things
In contemporary interiors, natural materials and organic components are frequently used to create a sense of comfort and offer a retreat from the tumult of current events and the stresses of everyday life.
This tranquil living room in Southern California, features smooth surfaces, soft hues, wood accents, and treetop vistas, all of which contribute to the area’s calming and restful atmosphere.
8. Give the Brick a White Paint Job
This living room was given a modern makeover by painting the brick fireplace in a solid white color.
- At the same time, the room avoided giving off whitewashed pseudo rustic farmhouse sensations.
- When the winter holidays arrive and people gather around the fireplace with their friends and family, the spacious hearth can be used as an additional seating area or as a place to showcase decorative items and books.
9. Superimpose the Work of Art
Above a long sectional sofa that is in keeping with the room’s neutral tones and adds some modern style to the spacious interior,
The two large-scale pieces of simple, unframed abstract black-and-white art. These art pieces are abstract and feature black and white colors.
- This unstructured method of hanging artwork on the wall generates a laid-back yet stylish ambience.
- It is simpler to compose and hang than a gallery wall, and it gives off a calm and contemporary air while also making a statement and filling the empty space above the enormous sofa.
10. Mix Patterns
This compact New York City apartment living room designed by Studio London Co. exudes a pop art sensibility thanks to the daring use of pattern on the zigzag wallpapered walls and the geometric Beni Ourain carpet.
An otherwise unremarkable railroad-style apartment living room is given a jolt of vitality by adding bright gold finishes and colorful accents.
11. Preserve the Character of the Mid-Century
This living room, designed and located in a house built in 1956 in Mountain View, California, feels just as contemporary as it did all those years ago, even though Interiors gave it a respectful update.
- Using a light coat of white Paint to highlight the period ceiling beams, creating an indoor-outdoor feel with a wall of sliding glass doors.
- And using pale neutrals mixed with earthy tones and mid century decor touches throughout creates a comfortable and livable space that is ideal for a contemporary family.
12. Supersize Your Floor Lamp
With white brick walls, overstuffed seating, a rustic coffee table, and a large sculptural floor lamp fixture that is both useful and fascinating, this living room design exudes an air of casual chic while being approachable.
13. Cast a Shadow on the Ceiling
This living room creative takes a moodier and more whimsical approach, with an ombre ceiling that varies from dark navy to light blue-gray.
Many contemporary interiors feature plain white walls.
- The space has the atmosphere of a contemporary
- Comfortable lounge thanks to elements such as an overstuffed sectional
- Soft carpeting
- Natural window treatments to diffuse the natural light
- Graphic black-and-white accents and images.
14. Think Pink
A modern geometric pendant light, a mix of wall art, and a vintage modern armchair add layers of style to this small Scandinavian living room design.
A pink couch accentuates the modern Nordic charm in this space with a plump and enveloping profile, which gives the space a large dose of modern Nordic charm.
15. Make sure you have a place to work from home.
For the ever-increasing number of people who have desk jobs, a home office has become an absolute necessity in this day and age.
Studio London Co. is responsible for designing this New York City apartment’s living room, which features a cozy home office tucked away at the end of the couch, close to the window.
- It features a modern white lacquered desk and office chair with the same gold elements featured throughout the rest of the space.
- This area provides a place to get down to business during business hours, but it blends into the background after hours.
16. Imbue It With Some Toasty Undertones
In today’s contemporary homes, the living room is as much about health and wellness as it is about aesthetics.
This living room interior offers both features, including contemporary furnishings with comfortable and warm accents made of wood and natural textiles that create a cozy home base that is ideal for unwinding and recharging.
17. Cover the Walls in Upholstery
This living room design features an overall color scheme of black and soft white, contrasted with gem-toned velvet tufted wall nooks-turned-banquettes to create an elegant contemporary area suitable for hosting guests.
18. Include Some Natural Elements
This bright and cheery living room design combines organic end tables and a sculptural white lacquer coffee table with white walls, wood floors, and fabrics in colors of dark green and blue to create an easy modern combination that is family-friendly and elegant.
19. Cover the Walls in Black Paint
A dramatic and calming backdrop in this dark and moody living room.
The room features a colorful sofa, a whimsical white feather floor lamp, an oversized ottoman coffee table, and accents such as Moroccan leather poufs, black-and-white photographs, and plants.
20. Accent with Woven Elements
This bright, airy living room design interiors features white walls, straightforward built-ins, and woven elements that range from functional to whimsical to offer coziness and a playful contemporary edge.
21. Make use of vivid colors.
Design the brick walls and ceiling beams in this living room.
Still, the space was given a contemporary makeover by adding colorful upholstered seating in contrasting tones of mustard and turquoise, as well as pendant lighting, which provided a sense of balance and made the space feel updated and fresh.
22. Give It Some Texture
A textured feature wall helps deflect the eye from the wall-mounted television and gives a contemporary touch to this high-rise living room.
This room’s diverse collection of items comes from various time periods and design styles.
23. Rearrange and Recombine
Interiors did this renovation of a mid century modern home.
It highlights the home’s original characteristics, such as a huge stone fireplace, while incorporating a variety of contemporary furnishings, artwork, and lighting to keep the space current.
24. Go Coastal
An interior designer gave this living room on Nantucket a contemporary black-and-white take on coastal design.
It features a massive black sectional sofa, a deconstructed striped rug, dark wood accents and organic sCChapes that contrast with white shiplap walls.