The best contemporary interiors. Contemporary style canons in the interior
The contemporary style originated in the middle of the twentieth century, but it is still relevant in the design of various premises (in houses, apartments and offices). Minimalism and simple Scandinavian interiors served as the basis for this design direction, and the architects of the Bauhaus school are considered its founders. Contemporary appeared as a response to the request of the post-war society, for which the splendor and luxury of Empire, Baroque and Rococo, with an overabundance of furniture, details, decor and ornaments were not relevant. Functionality, an abundance of light, comfort and coziness - what was required by society in the middle of the twentieth century, is necessary now, which makes contemporary, a favorite for modern people, with a fast pace of life and a large number of events in it.
By the term "contemporary" designers define modern interiors that do not fit into technical high-tech or laconic minimalism
Contemporary design principles are based on convenience and common sense
This interior design direction "is based on three pillars": convenience, simplicity, functionality.
The interior should not be oversaturated with numerous details.
Despite the fact that the requirements for a room made in this style do not fit into a clear framework, there are still some rules that should be followed.
- Simplicity of forms, brevity and restraint. Furniture, decoration, lighting fixtures, textiles in the interior - everything should be in moderation, all objects of simple shapes. The main principle: "Little means a lot" (the use of a small amount of furniture and objects leaves room for space, air and light).
- A large amount of light in the room, both artificial and natural (simple solutions are used for windows: single-layer curtains, fabric roller blinds or not decorated). Houses are designed with a large number of windows, with panoramic and dormer windows; in apartments, if possible, window openings are expanded.
- Functionality. A large number of storage systems, preferably hidden from view. All interior items have their own functional load, even decor elements are standardly used those that carry some meaning for the owners (for example, souvenirs from iconic travels).
- Zoning of premises. For zoning, light, the color of surfaces is used, podiums are arranged, zoning with the help of light, weightless structures (for example, racks) is allowed.
- Combined bathroom. Combining a bathroom and a toilet allows you to get a larger space, which is indispensable for this direction. A glass shower cabin without a pallet is more appropriate here than a bathroom bowl (its installation is acceptable in homes where the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe bathrooms can be impressive).
- The use of technology for embedding furniture and household appliances.
If you look closely, the contemporary features of the Scandinavian style, minimalism and constructivism
The style will definitely appeal to people who change the interior often.
The characteristic color scheme of the contemporary style
This modern interior design is characterized by neutral background colors (shades of gray, brown, sand, beige), which enable a person to take a break from the rhythm of big cities.
Natural shades of gray, sand or beige are used as a background.
So that the room is not boring and monotonous, monochrome background colors are diluted with accents in textiles, decor in bright colors:
- Red,
- blue,
- Orange,
- yellow,
- green.
Ornaments and patterns in such an interior are usually not used, but it is possible to use natural textures (stone, wood), or variations on the theme of the animal world (skins of a cow, zebra, leopard).
In the interior, decorated in the contemporary style, they use live plants (a real find for designers is a panel made of natural moss).
Live plants are great as accents.
Surface finishing methods
In the decoration, when creating a room in the contemporary style, natural and artificial simple textures are used, and their combination allows you to zone the premises.
Style loves pure colors, laconic forms and space
Floor coverings
To decorate the floor, use:
- laminate, carpet, parquet board, cork floor;
- floor tiles in combination with a warm floor (comfort is one of the main principles in interior design in this area);
- plain carpets, usually long-piled.
Treated natural board is excellent for the floor.
Expensive wood can be replaced with wood grain laminate
Walls
For registration, you can choose:
- painting or whitewashing;
- wallpaper;
- decorative plastering of surfaces;
- brick and stone finishing;
- combination of textures (stone, paint, wallpaper, stone and wood inserts).
Wall decoration does not imply bright colors and variegated patterns or drawings
Variety is allowed in the form of glossy, rough or wooden surfaces
Ceiling
When decorating the ceiling, it is better to give preference to flat white surfaces (painting or stretch ceiling technology). Plasterboard structures are used to embed backlighting; complex elements and shapes on the ceiling will not be appropriate.
Smooth ceiling painted with water-based paint
Natural wood suspended ceiling
The choice of furniture for the contemporary style
Important criteria when choosing furniture to create a modern interior (contemporary) is functionality and low cost, combined with attractive design and durability.
Modern furniture is successfully combined with decorative elements and materials of past eras.
When choosing furniture, it is not so much beauty that is important as functionality.
The most popular furniture in such interiors:
- Modular upholstered furniture. The sofa from modules can be easily transformed into armchairs or a bed.
- Furniture transformer. For example, a coffee table that can be transformed into a dining room, modular wardrobes with a pull-out / folding table, or a main bed with an additional one sliding out of the podium.
- Built in furniture. Wardrobes, podiums.
- Chests of drawers, shelves, couches.
Upholstered furniture is often selected in background shades, soft and unobtrusive, but it is possible to make the sofa a bright accent (emerald, marsal, yellow or blue).
Furniture that takes up little space and at the same time performs several functions is welcome
Cabinet furniture, kitchen sets, tables, beds can be made of wood, glass, plastic, stone, MDF and their combinations.
The subtleties of kitchen design
The ideal kitchen is hi-tech, functional and easy to clean, so the contemporary style is the best fit for the decoration of this room.
Characteristic features of contemporary cuisine:
- Combining a kitchen area with a dining area or combining a kitchen with a living room. This technique allows you to get more space, but you can zone it with the help of a podium, on which a dining area can be located, separate lighting of zones or different finishing materials (or a combination of these techniques).
- Kitchen sets with smooth fronts and hidden fittings.
- Island type set with built-in table top.
- Bar counter.
- Kitchen equipment with built-in appliances.
- The use of a large number of light sources (ceiling, lamps above the dining area, bar counter, work surface, decorative lighting of the headset itself).
- Kitchen apron decoration (with glass panels).
The blue facades of the kitchen set look beautiful against the background of brickwork
It is important to competently think over the functional filling of the cabinets and ensure the step-by-step accessibility of all areas of the kitchen for cooking (storing food, preparing and preparing food), to save time for cooking.
All kitchen utensils are within walking distance, which is convenient and reduces cooking time
Features of the arrangement of the bathroom
The interior of the bathroom in the contemporary style is characterized by its calm range of colors, textures that are not standard for this room (wood or a metal wall would be appropriate here), built-in glass showers, hanging toilet bowls and bidets, and built-in furniture. Using non-standard textures for decoration, you should not give up the more familiar and very practical ceramic or porcelain stoneware tiles for finishing (gray, sand, brown, granite tones), sinks and natural stone bathtubs.
The bathroom combines sophistication and modernity
Unusual plumbing can become a feature of the bathroom interior.
Faucets or accessories such as towel warmers, hand dryers or toilet paper holders can be accentuated in chrome steel or colored. Numerous hygiene products in these bathrooms are hidden from view in various built-in storage systems.
Contemporary living room design
The living room in the contemporary style looks very advantageous; for the arrangement of this room, the following recommendations must be observed:
- Equip a cozy seating area with a large and comfortable sofa, an electric or modern bio fireplace (installed in apartments and houses), a fireplace gun (since installation in apartments is problematic, they are suitable for house interiors, have an attractive appearance and can warm up in cold winter).
- A large number of light sources to create different environments in the room.
- As furniture for the hall, use modular cabinets, consisting of open shelves (on which you can place books, souvenirs and photo frames), and closed cabinets (where you can, for example, hide a TV).
- Decor. Photos on the walls, paintings without frames, modern painting will look good in the hall. You can also decorate the living room with colored pillows and houseplants.
- Large, or better panoramic windows. If possible, it is worth expanding the window openings as much as possible, a room with a small window or without windows will not correspond to the chosen style.
Contemporary style is space and a lot of light. The best option is panoramic windows without curtains.
Simple window decor
The interior made in the contemporary style has no place for heavy curtains, lambrequins and multi-layered fabric compositions. Most often, windows are either simply left open, or, if necessary, are decorated with fabric roller blinds, blinds, Roman blinds, curtains made of simple fabrics (linen, viscose, cotton, mixed fabrics).
Panoramic windows in the interior of the bedroom
It is interesting to beat the window with the help of a wide window sill, which will be an excellent place to relax. Such a window sill will perfectly replace a table, and in the space under it you can organize boxes and shelves for storage - an alternative to a study in small apartments.
Contemporary interior design in contemporary style
The contemporary style in the interior has many admirers all over the world, and combines the functionality of housing, which is so necessary for a modern person, with home comfort, there is a place for details and cute little things, in contrast to traditional minimalism or ultra-modern high-tech.
It is necessary to create an integral interior composition of stylish furnishing elements that perform well-defined functions.
For contemporary style, fancy-shaped lamps are appropriate.
The use of simple materials in decoration allows you to quickly modify an annoying home (simply by repainting the walls), which in the current rhythm of life is a big plus, as well as the use of affordable raw materials for furniture (MDF, plastic, glass, linen, cotton).
An abundance of light, neutral colors, natural materials and living plants in the interior make it possible to fully relax in your own house or apartment, to work fruitfully in the office.
Video: secrets of contemporary style
Photo of contemporary interiors
I open my blog with an article about an interior style that is very popular in the world - contemporary. I myself love this style, and most of my interior projects have been done in it. Photos of the interior of my completed design project of 2014 will serve as illustrations for the article.
In Russia, many people call contemporary in another way: "modern style in the interior." This is partly correct, because the definition of "contemporary" (from the English contemporary - "modern") is applied to everything new in today's design.
Contemporary interiors cannot be classified as traditional styles citing historical eras. Rather, they meet modern requirements for comfort, simplicity, functionality, and affordability. Italians call it "modern" for its commitment to new ideas and technologies.
The main features of the contemporary style:
- convenience, simplicity, functionality and availability;
- ease of layout, interchangeability of interior items;
- proportional lines, elements of various ethnic and classical forms;
- built-in wardrobes, various racks and shelves, mass-produced furniture.
Contemporary interiors are always eclectic. Indeed, in fact, all modern design is a harmonious union of various trends and fashion trends. Contemporary often perfectly combines minimalism, new classics, art deco, country; eco-decor elements are wonderfully combined with futuristic high-tech furniture and luxurious works of modern art; against the background of expensive ultra-modern materials, individual pieces of furniture from Ikea look great. In modern design, there are no rules and frameworks, there is only harmony, functionality and comfort.
Color spectrum
The basic palette in the contemporary style is neutral colors: black, white, shades of gray, beige, brown. Neutral colors create the ideal basis for bright accents - unusual in shape, texture and color of furniture, textiles, decor, paintings and posters.
The walls are usually painted in light colors or covered with plain wallpaper without a pattern. An option is possible when the wall is painted in a complex color in order to emphasize light pictures with such a background.
Floor - tiles in light colors or wood in natural colors.
Simple lines and shapes
Smooth shapes and clean lines are one of the main features of the contemporary interior. It is reflected in the clear geometry of ceilings and walls, in the simple decoration of windows, in furniture and decor in laconic forms.
Free space
Less is more. This classic principle of minimalism is reflected in the contemporary style. A maximum of air, natural light and free space is an indispensable condition for such an interior.
Maximum functionality
To preserve the feeling of freedom and spaciousness, built-in wardrobes, shelving are widely used, niches are designed, equipment is hidden behind sliding structures. Everything that catches the eye is hidden behind doors that are invisible against the background of the walls. In sight - only laconic, carefully selected decor items.
Combination of textures
Glossy surfaces (glass, tiles, marble, acrylic, chrome, steel, varnish) are combined with matte materials (wood, stone, natural fabrics). Smooth surfaces combine with voluminous, artificial materials with natural ones.
Natural materials
Contemporary style incorporates all the latest trends in modern interiors, and eco-design is one of its key features. Natural wood, stone, marble are widely used in wall and floor decoration, furniture and decor. Natural fabrics (linen, cotton, wool, silk) perfectly complement the elements made of ultra-modern artificial materials. Sea pebbles, rattan, skins and fur, raw stone and wood - everything that takes us back to the origins of nature fits perfectly into the contemporary interior.
Contemporary furniture
Smooth geometric shapes and simple lines. Upholstered furniture, as a rule, of light colors without any pretentious decoration, low, smoothed shape. Armchairs, chairs, poufs - rich colors to create accents in a neutral interior.
Many furnishings are made of glass, plastic, acrylic to create a feeling of weightlessness and spaciousness. It is possible to combine furniture of different styles, while maintaining the basic principles of the style.
Everyone will find something familiar and comfortable just for themselves in the contemporary style. Love yourself and value your comfort. Do not save on a specialist, trust your comfort to professionals, friends!
To make dreams of a perfect and modern kitchen a reality, you don't need to hire crowds of specialists or spend a lot of time looking for perfect and inexpensive solutions for decorating your kitchen interior. The simplest and most elegant is the contemporary style.
The uniqueness of the contemporary style lies in the competent combination of practicality, convenience and simplicity.
It can be used as a neutral background for your own interpretation of various styles. With minimal use of decorative elements, this style is distinguished by verified proportions and linearity in the layout. To create an individual kitchen interior based on the contemporary style, combine with elements of ethnic style or exotic elements. New elements will help turn your kitchen into an ideal place in the house, where you will not only cook, but gather with the whole family to discuss your dreams, desires and solve pressing problems.
The basis of the contemporary style is the correct selection of furniture and kitchen appliances. To create this style, it is necessary to use built-in appliances, and the furniture should be integrated, compact, with transformation elements.
At first glance, the contemporary style may seem impersonal and cold. The lack of unnecessary details in the decor is compensated by the elegant lines. Inexpensive, comfortable furniture, albeit mass-produced, and the absence of expensive accessories give the kitchen an aesthetic look, full of simple shapes and soft lines.
All basic elements of the kitchen interior must be practical and functional. The kitchen should contain items and equipment that you really need. New purchases and devices, additional functionalities must meet this requirement. All sorts of excesses, lush or pretentious decor elements will look out of place in a contemporary kitchen.
Style features - maximum minimalism
Since the contemporary style is based on linearity, it does not accept chaos and disorder. When choosing furniture, the best option would be to choose a headset in a simple but sophisticated style.
The simpler the design, the more ideal the selected kitchen furniture will look.
Also, do not forget about the functionality of the headset. Drawers should be compact, but have many drawers, storage boxes. In order to match the image of a functional and spacious kitchen, all products, objects, devices and auxiliary equipment must be hidden from prying eyes.
Related article: Beautiful decor for the kitchen with your own hands (+50 photos)
Opt for IKEA furniture. It is such furniture that assumes the presence of various pull-out shelves, panels and transformer surfaces. Sliding structures and modular systems can be rebuilt and transformed as desired. This will transform the kitchen into a comfortable and ergonomic multifunctional space.
As for large household appliances, they should be as functional as possible, and the external design should be a little impersonal and correspond to the general color scheme.
If you are unable to find equipment in the same color tone, opt for built-in appliances. The refrigerator can be hidden in a cupboard, and the oven in a floor cabinet or placed in a special compartment on the wall.
Neutral tones and space
To create the right atmosphere in the kitchen, use neutral tones. For interior decoration, use muted colors, preferably in pastel colors. To make the room more lively and individual, it is necessary to combine a neutral kitchen design with bright elements in the design - to make contrasting accents. These can be cutlery in bright colors, or chair covers.
At the same time, the interior of the kitchen should be harmonious. If you used dark shades of gray for the walls, then use light green or orange for bright accents. Warm dark shades can be combined with royal purple or burgundy.
Looking through catalogs with contemporary style kitchen interiors, you will notice the presence of various geometric solutions that do not violate the overall linearity of the interior, but bring a touch of originality. In the photo, you can also see various color variations in the design of modular sections, when elements of a furniture set are used as a bright accent - cabinet doors, fittings or a geometric pattern.
It is very important to consider all the points when designing a kitchen. The choice of cornice and curtains for the kitchen should not be taken lightly. Window decoration is an important design element of the entire room. If you have not yet decided what will play the role of contrast in the kitchen, try using curtains for this.
Bright Roman shades will not only hide from excessively bright sunlight. They will harmoniously fit into the overall design and can play the role of bright contrast.
Another option for decorating a kitchen can be bright lighting. For this, you can use LED strips. Place them along the edge of your work surface or underneath hanging cabinets. In the evening, you can enjoy the color transformation of the kitchen, which will bring variety to the monotonous life.
Division into zones - maximum functionality
To achieve maximum space, even in a tiny kitchen, you need a clear zoning of the room. To delimit zones, you can use furniture or decorative partitions.
The material for the partitions is ideally matte plexiglass.
The blurred surface, the absence of glare and safety in operation will ideally fit into the main style parameters of the kitchen. Such a partition will not take up a lot of space, its transparency will allow the light to be evenly distributed throughout the kitchen. And the physical features of plexiglass - strength and resistance to mechanical damage, will add a touch of safety to the overall picture.
Related article: Beige and brown interior: the advantages and disadvantages of a beige kitchen
You can also use Japanese panel curtains for kitchen zoning. They can be used both as partitions and as an additional element of the interior. Filament curtains, as another option for partitions, will add lightness and airiness to the kitchen.
The absence of borders and the mobility of filament curtains will add spaciousness to the overall design of the kitchen.
Finishing materials - strength and practicality
When decorating the interior, it is best to use artificial finishing materials. Natural wood or stone will look ridiculous and cumbersome in a contemporary kitchen.
The main requirement for finishing materials is durability, strength and environmental friendliness.
It is best to use laminate for the floor. It is practical, comfortable, easy to take care of. In other words, it is ideal for a functional and simple kitchen. Parquet or ceramic floor tiles require special care. In addition, when cooking food, the air temperature is subject to sharp fluctuations, and the air humidity is also unstable. Alternatively, you can use self-leveling floors. The material used for the manufacture of furniture and fittings must also meet the basic rules of the contemporary style.
It is advisable to choose modular structures made of MDF with a special protective coating. Furniture fittings should be made of durable plastic or metal alloys.
The work surface must be made of strong and durable material. Ideally, granite or marble is the best choice for kitchens. But these materials are too heavy and the supporting furniture may not support such a load. Using wood is not a good choice either.
A wooden countertop will absorb all odors, scratches will appear on its surface over time, and it is quite troublesome to take care of wood. You can use an artificial stone - it is durable, easy to care for, is not afraid of water and will last for more than a decade.
