Contemporary Interior Design: Definition, Origins, and Characteristics

The contemporary interior design style shows the “maturity” of the present. It does not display a futuristic impression, let alone retain the design features carried in the previous era.

Contemporary interior style is one of the most widely used and recommended design styles by designers. This interior design style is also often identified and equated as a modern interior style.

There is a lot of confusion as to how to differentiate between modern and contemporary interiors. These two design styles are often misinterpreted and considered to be the same and similar styles. In fact, between modern and contemporary, there are two different interior concepts.

Although the two terms are often quoted and interpreted to describe an interior style, contemporary and modern actually have different characteristics and characteristics.

Modern often refers to a design style that was popular in the mid 1900’s. Characteristics like natural materials, expansive neutral colors, and clean, low lines are all part of this interior decoration.

Modern interiors follow more strict and seemingly predetermined patterns. While contemporary interior design is more flexible, or in other words, contemporary is born by combining various styles and variations.

Contemporary Definition

The Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) defines contemporary terms as being at the same time; during; when; in the present; nowadays. It can be interpreted as anything that refers to things “at this time.”

Referring to the definition of contemporary according to the KBBI, however, contemporary design refers to a more up-to-date interior decoration. Even a design style that was called contemporary in the 2000s, will no longer be considered ‘contemporary’ in the present or the future. Contemporary design in the 2000s can be considered and has become a vintage interior design style nowadays.

In five or ten years from now, contemporary interior design will likely have a different look and feel from today’s contemporary designs. Therefore, distinguishing between contemporary and modern designs can be seen and noticed through certain special characteristics.

Modern interior design styles have a more specific look and feel. Meanwhile, contemporary designs will always change, due to the availability and birth of new materials, materials, and / or models.

Contemporary Interior Concepts

The contemporary interior style brings out the atmosphere of a neat and clean space. A design style that can be said to represent the present.

The most interesting thing about this interior design style is that it will always continue to evolve. You can continue to update contemporary interior design concepts according to existing trends.

Contemporary Terminology in Art & Design

The term “contemporary” in art and design was popular in the 1970s and refers to contemporary designs. Starting as an amalgamation of various styles, contemporary design gradually develops its own exclusivity.

Contemporary design not only borrows some elements and elements from modernism or modern style, but also takes some elements from art deco, deconstructivism, futuristic and several other interior styles.

Characteristics of Contemporary Interior Design Styles

The contemporary interior uses a lot of lines that look sleek and contrasting. Can be combined with the use of silk, velvet, linen or wool on pillows, bed covers, and some other furniture. This is to remove the stiff impression and reveal a more attractive accent.

Materials such as steel, chrome, nickel are commonly used for hardware, lamps and various accessories, with a choice of black as a prominent accent. Large furniture usually does not have a place in contemporary interiors.

On the other hand, light or dark wood furniture is often used. Upholstered furniture in contemporary interiors can provide a comfortable and soft look.

Lighting is one of the characteristics and is a very important factor in contemporary interiors. Lighting is used to focus on an element or accent wall or piece of art. Floor lamps, track lamps, are usually the most popular choice.

Contemporary interior design styles prefer not to carry and maintain the impression and characteristics of the interior design style of the previous era. In fact, contemporary interiors prefer to show themselves and appear in the “maturity” of the present. On the other hand, contemporary interior design also does not present a futuristic or future impression.