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Contemporary Design Style 101

Contemporary Design Style 101

Contemporary design is a style of design that emphasizes the materials, trends, and aesthetics of our modern era. Because of this focus on modernity, contemporary interior design tends to shift and change a lot faster than more traditional and more strictly defined schools of design. Because of this, what counts as contemporary design in 2023, or 2002, or 2046, will necessarily be unique and different.

Contemporary Interior Design

Contemporary house design tends to focus on a few different characteristics, including:

  • A clean aesthetic accentuated by well-defined, straight lines and minimal use of shapes and forms.
  • The use of neutral color schemes that include grays, whites, blacks, and earth tones (with the occasional use of bold accent colors)
  • Open floor plans with a lot empty space permitting easy flow and movement
  • Big windows with few obstructions that let in a lot of natural light
  • The use of modern, artificial materials, like glass, concrete, polished wood, and steel

While modern contemporary interior design is always changing, these elements have tended to remain constant over the last few years. You may also want to keep in mind that, while these elements have a few things in common with modern design (a subject we covered in last year’s article about the modern design style), contemporary design is a distinct style.

Contemporary Bedroom Design

In a contemporary bedroom, the bed itself will often be the focal point for the eyes. The idea is to make the bed look as comfortable as it feels, filled with plush, high-quality, and luxurious bedding.

Fez 2.5x5 Subway Tile
Fez 2.5x5 SubwayTile

At the same time, ample natural lighting should fill the space during the day but be capable of being blocked out at night. Built-in storage - often under the bed - is a must, if only to maintain the easy flow and open spaces demanded by contemporary design;

These days, many people are also implementing Internet-of-Things and smart devices, like smart lights, integrated sound and media systems, and built-in charging stations.

Contemporary Kitchen Design

Contemporary kitchen design is all about functionality. It should be easy to move around in the space and even easier to get what you need as you prepare, cook, serve, and eat food. This requires you to eliminate any elements of decor that don’t serve a necessary function and will just get in the way.


COREtec Stone 18x36 Vinyl Tile

You’ll want to accentuate flat surfaces by removing unneeded grips and handles on cabinets and drawers. Consider installing elegant and simple flooring (like Avalon’s Essence Subway Tile). And, finally, ensure that your appliances (like your fridge and stove) can be matched with a neutral color palette.

Contemporary Bathroom Design

Bathrooms are natural allies of contemporary design. Their hard construction materials, tiled floors, and gleaming white surfaces lend themselves perfectly to the clean and simple lines of contemporary design. But there are a few ways you can go above and beyond when planning your next install, renovation, or upgrade.

Bardiglion 8" Hex Porcelain Tile
Bardiglio 8" Hex Porcelain Tile

Consider wall-mounted faucets, vessel sinks, and angular designs made of brushed nickel or chrome. These selections add modernity and sleekness to the room. You may also wish to add walk-in showers with frameless glass enclosures, or even a freestanding soaking tub, for an additional touch of elegance. Lastly, a large, frameless mirror adds a ton to the contemporary feel of the room.

Keeping up to date with Contemporary Design Trends

One of the difficulties of keeping up with contemporary design lies with how quickly it changes. But there are plenty of resources you can use to stay up-to-date, including Architectural Digest. Also, you can always drop us a line here at Avalon and we’ll happily answer any questions you might have. Until next time!

Brick, NJ

540 Rt. 70 West
Brick, NJ 08723
(732) 899-4477

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Avalon, NJ

2209 Dune Drive
Avalon, New Jersey 08202
Phone: (609) 961-4200

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Deptford, NJ

1420 Almonesson Road
Deptford NJ 08096
(856) 812-6120

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Cherry Hill, NJ

2030 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

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ProPartner Supply Counter

115 Fork Road
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
(609) 867-7360

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King of Prussia, PA

316 S. Henderson Road
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 233-3100

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Langhorne, PA

2343 East Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047
(267) 580-412

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Manahawkin, NJ

651 Route 72 East
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
(609) 978-9700

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Manalapan, NJ

29 U.S. 9
Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
(732) 812-6500

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Ocean City, NJ

1158 Asbury Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 525-0400

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Ocean Township, NJ

1500 State Route 35 S.
Ocean Township, NJ 07712
(732) 380-5640

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Philadelphia, PA

48 Snyder Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 236-1600

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Rio Grande, NJ

1111 Rte. 47 South
Rio Grande, NJ 08242
(609) 465-3051

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Shrewsbury, NJ

89 Newman Springs Road E
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
(848) 300-4400

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Toms River, NJ

2323 Route 37
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 929-8300

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Warrington, PA

644 Easton Road
Warrington, PA 18976
(215) 491-3700

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Wilmington, DE

5510 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 757-7500

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Mays Landing - Grand Opening August 31

4215 Black Horse Pike, Suite 220
Mays Landing, New Jersey 08330
(609) 641-2700

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