close_game
close_game

Contemporary home decor: 4 key characteristics that intersect style and comfort

Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Check out these 4 hallmarks of contemporary home decor from a range of styles to create highly personalised interiors that reflect your individual taste

1 / 6
The terms ‘contemporary’ and ‘modern’ are often used interchangeably however, in the world of home decor and furniture design, they are not the same. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Varun Poddar, Founder of VOX India, explained, “Modernism’ in design refers to the movement that began at the start of the 20th century. It brought to an end the extravagant styles that existed before – replacing heavy textures, wood tones and carvings with minimalist features and open spaces and focused on maximizing functionality. The use of straight lines in furniture is another key characteristic of this school of design. The ‘contemporary’ style on the other hand, as the name suggests, refers to trends that are prevalent at the present. As such, ‘contemporary’ design has been in a state of constant evolution since its beginnings in the late 1970’s. In contrast to the static ‘modern’ style, contemporary home decor incorporates elements from a variety of eras and styles into an overall minimalist theme. Versatility and adaptability are the hallmarks of contemporary home decor, enabling homeowners to mix and match from a range of styles to create highly personalised interiors that reflect their individual taste.” He highlighted a few key characteristics of the contemporary style: (Photo by flipNook on Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

The terms ‘contemporary’ and ‘modern’ are often used interchangeably however, in the world of home decor and furniture design, they are not the same. In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Varun Poddar, Founder of VOX India, explained, “Modernism’ in design refers to the movement that began at the start of the 20th century. It brought to an end the extravagant styles that existed before – replacing heavy textures, wood tones and carvings with minimalist features and open spaces and focused on maximizing functionality. The use of straight lines in furniture is another key characteristic of this school of design. The ‘contemporary’ style on the other hand, as the name suggests, refers to trends that are prevalent at the present. As such, ‘contemporary’ design has been in a state of constant evolution since its beginnings in the late 1970’s. In contrast to the static ‘modern’ style, contemporary home decor incorporates elements from a variety of eras and styles into an overall minimalist theme. Versatility and adaptability are the hallmarks of contemporary home decor, enabling homeowners to mix and match from a range of styles to create highly personalised interiors that reflect their individual taste.” He highlighted a few key characteristics of the contemporary style: (Photo by flipNook on Unsplash)

2 / 6
1. Minimal Furnishing: Space itself is virtually a decorative feature in the contemporary style, and minimal furnishing is essential to achieve this. Simple and clean-cut furniture designs, with clean lines and smooth surfaces are ideal. The innovative Infratop ceiling system is a practical and hassle-free way of giving ceilings and roofs an aesthetic finish. The result is bright, airy rooms that convey openness and enable statement furnishings and other features of the room to stand out. (Photo by Pixabay) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

1. Minimal Furnishing: Space itself is virtually a decorative feature in the contemporary style, and minimal furnishing is essential to achieve this. Simple and clean-cut furniture designs, with clean lines and smooth surfaces are ideal. The innovative Infratop ceiling system is a practical and hassle-free way of giving ceilings and roofs an aesthetic finish. The result is bright, airy rooms that convey openness and enable statement furnishings and other features of the room to stand out. (Photo by Pixabay)

3 / 6
2. Contrasting Elements: Asymmetrical designs and striking contrasts are far more at home in the contemporary style than they are in the modernist tradition. Bringing together varied finishes and textures creates a visually striking look that helps bridge the gap between the natural and the manmade, and creates a timeless, welcoming atmosphere. Juxtaposing bold, statement pieces with minimalist furniture adds further character and depth to the space.(Unsplash/R ARCHITECTURE) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

2. Contrasting Elements: Asymmetrical designs and striking contrasts are far more at home in the contemporary style than they are in the modernist tradition. Bringing together varied finishes and textures creates a visually striking look that helps bridge the gap between the natural and the manmade, and creates a timeless, welcoming atmosphere. Juxtaposing bold, statement pieces with minimalist furniture adds further character and depth to the space.(Unsplash/R ARCHITECTURE)

4 / 6
3. Warm Colours: ‘Soft’ contemporary furnishings incorporate traditional materials, with ‘warm’ materials such as hardwood preferred over ‘cold’ materials such as metal. Rich wooden hues help create a cosier environment and enable the space to better harmonize with nature. Despite effectively serving as the ‘fifth wall’ of your home, ceilings have often been overlooked when it comes to interior design and renovation projects. However, homeowners and architects are increasingly beginning to pay more attention to ceilings, for both their aesthetic value, as well as a range of practical benefits that enhance the quality of life. And soffit ceilings have emerged as an attractive option in recent years, bringing to bear the right balance of functionality and beauty. Wooden colours evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.(Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

3. Warm Colours: ‘Soft’ contemporary furnishings incorporate traditional materials, with ‘warm’ materials such as hardwood preferred over ‘cold’ materials such as metal. Rich wooden hues help create a cosier environment and enable the space to better harmonize with nature. Despite effectively serving as the ‘fifth wall’ of your home, ceilings have often been overlooked when it comes to interior design and renovation projects. However, homeowners and architects are increasingly beginning to pay more attention to ceilings, for both their aesthetic value, as well as a range of practical benefits that enhance the quality of life. And soffit ceilings have emerged as an attractive option in recent years, bringing to bear the right balance of functionality and beauty. Wooden colours evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.(Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash)

5 / 6
4. Functionality and Comfort: Contemporary home decor places a significant premium on functionality and comfort. Stylish furniture with ergonomic designs – including lumbar support, cushioned seating and adjustable headrests – ensures that aesthetic appeal is not at the expense of comfort and wellbeing. Storage spaces within coffee tables and other furniture pieces not only elevate convenience, but also help ensure clutter-free interiors. (Freepik) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

4. Functionality and Comfort: Contemporary home decor places a significant premium on functionality and comfort. Stylish furniture with ergonomic designs – including lumbar support, cushioned seating and adjustable headrests – ensures that aesthetic appeal is not at the expense of comfort and wellbeing. Storage spaces within coffee tables and other furniture pieces not only elevate convenience, but also help ensure clutter-free interiors. (Freepik)

6 / 6
Varun Poddar concluded, “If you want to bring a contemporary flair to your interiors, it is best to start with a neutral colour palette. This will enable the few bold, statement pieces or artworks to stand out but it’s not just the aesthetic appeal of these panels that makes them so special, it’s how they make you feel when you walk into the space. The facade system and false ceiling are often overlooked when designing a space, but these panels, grab your attention the moment you walk in. There is something spectacular and elegant about them that is hard to replicate with other materials. Furniture with sleek lines and smooth textures will imbue the space with a clean uncluttered look. Maximising the presence of natural light within rooms will highlight the open spaces and illuminate all the gleaming surfaces. Embracing contemporary design principles allows for the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality within your interiors – providing interior decorators and homeowners a plethora of options to create spaces that are beautiful, uplifting and comfortable.”(Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Jan 03, 2024 07:00 AM IST

Varun Poddar concluded, “If you want to bring a contemporary flair to your interiors, it is best to start with a neutral colour palette. This will enable the few bold, statement pieces or artworks to stand out but it’s not just the aesthetic appeal of these panels that makes them so special, it’s how they make you feel when you walk into the space. The facade system and false ceiling are often overlooked when designing a space, but these panels, grab your attention the moment you walk in. There is something spectacular and elegant about them that is hard to replicate with other materials. Furniture with sleek lines and smooth textures will imbue the space with a clean uncluttered look. Maximising the presence of natural light within rooms will highlight the open spaces and illuminate all the gleaming surfaces. Embracing contemporary design principles allows for the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality within your interiors – providing interior decorators and homeowners a plethora of options to create spaces that are beautiful, uplifting and comfortable.”(Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash)

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On