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Article: Modern Contemporary Design Style Trends, Ideas

Modern Contemporary Design Style Trends, Ideas

Written by Noah Miller Update

When it comes to interior styles, modern contemporary design is very popular. It is updated and reflects the times we live in and the way we live now. Modern and contemporary are considered synonyms, but they differ slightly.

In this article, Rowabi will tell you the difference between these words and some contemporary modern house designs.

What is modern style?

Modern style refers to design and decoration influenced by the modernist movement that emerged in the late 1800s. It is simple and functional, inspired by the German Bauhaus.

Modern decor is associated with the period from the early 1900s to the mid-20th century. Over time, it evolved into mid-century modernism and postmodernism, breaking traditional norms and prioritizing form over function.


Modern style evolved into mid-century modernism, as well as breaking traditional norms. Cre: Rowabi's customer | Bard Globe Pendant.

What is contemporary style?

Are contemporary and modern the same and does contemporary mean modern? This is the question of many people.

Different from modern design, the contemporary style became popular in the 1970s. Initially, it was a mixture of different designs before forming its identity. Contemporary design brings together modernism, postmodernism, and various styles such as art deco, futurism, and deconstruction.

One of the hallmarks of contemporary style is change. With each passing decade, current decorating trends can be considered contemporary, reflecting the constant developments and influences of the times. Unlike modern design, contemporary style is constantly evolving and adapting to current trends.

When to choose modern over contemporary style

When choosing modern over contemporary style, can you mix modern and contemporary furniture? If you like the aesthetics of the 1900s to 1950s, with highly functional elements and warm, natural colors, a modern design is the best choice. It is perfect for homeowners who like a simple theme.

On the other hand, in contemporary style, form and ornament are more important than function. So, if you want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and can afford to adapt to changing times, a modern style is the better choice. It is also best suited for homeowners who appreciate stark contrasts and curves commonly found in contemporary design.

What is the difference between modern and contemporary design?

How different is contemporary from modern? Both emphasize minimalism and clean lines, yet they have distinct characteristics. Contemporary design reflects current trends, emphasizing extreme minimalism and a sleek, polished look.

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In contrast, modern design emerged in the early to mid-20th century with a warmer, layered feel and a cozy, functional aesthetic rooted in a specific historical period.

Some types of modern contemporary design style

Rowabi has told you what modern contemporary house design is. In summary, modern contemporary homes are also built to effectively maximize interior space. If you are looking for modern and contemporary design styles, here are some options to refer to.

Minimalist contemporary

The minimalist contemporary design style is a blend of minimalism and modernism. The minimalist style aims to prioritize essential functions and simplify the living space. This design is inspired by traditional Japanese interior design and is meticulously calculated, with lines that are stronger and more definitive than the modern style.

The minimalist contemporary design aims to create a space that cannot be improved further by eliminating anything that overwhelms it. Basic geometric forms are the hallmark of this design.

Industrial Contemporary

The industrial modern design style combines the minimalist charm of contemporary style with an aesthetic inspired by factories. This design is sensitive to us and is gaining popularity in urban areas, especially in renovating old loft apartments into trendy spaces.


The industrial modern design style is a blend of minimalist aesthetics and factory aesthetics. Cre: Rowabi's customer | Raven Black Dome Pendant Light

The main elements used in this design style are exposed brick walls, bare metal ductwork, and vintage industrial piping. Furthermore, the designers and homeowners incorporated modern touches, such as glass, sculptures, and greenery, to create an open, airy atmosphere.

Scandinavian contemporary

Scandinavian design emerged in the 1930s and flourished in the 1950s. It was influenced by the German Bauhaus school, with an emphasis on beauty, function, and simplicity. This design style favors the use of natural materials such as leather, wood, and hemp.

Inspired by the natural world, the Scandinavian style creates furniture and accessories that reflect the beauty of nature. It is also known for its unique, functional configuration that enhances the homeowner's daily life.

Mid-century modern

Mid-Century interior design emerged in the mid-20th century, specifically from the 1930s to the mid-1960s. However, it is often associated with the design and architecture of the mid-1950s. Inspired by the Bauhaus movement in Germany, the mid-century modern aesthetic flourished between 1945 and 1975.

Mid-century modern focuses on function, sleek lines, and the use of different materials. It also has a vintage vibe and includes vibrant colors.

Eclectic contemporary

If you like well-off, layered interiors that highlight a wide range of movements and eras, an eclectic design will be the right choice for your home. This modern contemporary style is a lively and interesting design that includes different cultural designs.

An essential part of perfect eclectic design is choosing a standout feature in your living space. It can be the materials used, such as attractive flooring choices or clean furniture. Moreover, using a unified color palette can help bring together all the different color palettes, creating a harmonious and pleasing overall aesthetic.

Also, when it comes to eclectic decor, the "less is more" rule. Therefore, you should avoid doing too much, It is important to prevent the space from looking like a mixed collection of things. Instead, you should know how to balance the interior.

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Art deco

Art Deco design is famous for its elegance and glamor, often featuring mirrors, glass, and metal. In addition, polished or lacquered wood is often used to enhance the beauty of this style. Besides, they also reflect light and add a luxurious atmosphere to any space in your home.

One of the standout aspects of Art Deco is its versatility when it comes to color schemes. Whether dark or dramatic, light or neutral, vibrant or colorful, Art Deco can satisfy everyone's different tastes and preferences.

High-tech contemporary

High-tech contemporary design is renowned for its use of cutting-edge materials and cutting-edge technology. This style is a mix of sleek features, such as glass or stainless steel. This helps to achieve a modern and streamlined aesthetic for your living space. The highlight of the High-Tech Contemporary design is the clean and minimalistic lines.

When incorporating High-Tech Contemporary style into your home, you should consider using smart home technology, such as voice-controlled assistants or automated lighting systems. These elements not only enhance the functionality and convenience of your living space but also add a modern touch.

Coastal contemporary

Modern coastal design combines the best contemporary and coastal styles to create a fresh, inviting space. This style shows simplicity but elegance, with neutral colors and natural textures. The main goal of modern coastal design is to create a peaceful and relaxed beach-like atmosphere.

To add a Coastal Contemporary style to your living space, start by incorporating a soothing ocean-inspired color palette, such as white, blue, cream, and gray. In addition, you should also choose furniture made of natural materials such as linen, rattan, and bamboo.


The modern coastal design shows simplicity but elegance. Cre: Rowabi | Elaine Rattan Pendant Light.

Additionally, natural light is also an essential element in contemporary Coastal design, so you might consider using curtains or blinds that let in sunlight. Furthermore, don't hesitate to incorporate marine elements like rope, seashells, or driftwood to bring the coastal theme into your home.

Rustic contemporary

When it comes to some great pieces of modern contemporary style, rustic design is something you shouldn't miss. Furniture in a Rustic Contemporary living space is typically simple and functional, with minimal ornamentation and clean lines. The primary colors in this design are usually light, neutral shades combined with darker shades of brown.

Rustic contemporary style is a combination of modern and contemporary with rustic chalet, cottage, or farmhouse style. The goal of this design was to create a warm and inviting home with modern amenities, fixtures, and materials. Overall, Rustic Contemporary design is a great blend of modern elegance and rustic charm, which creates a truly unique and inviting atmosphere for any house.

Organic contemporary

The last modern contemporary design for your home that Rowabi would like to introduce to you is an organic contemporary design. It combines modern minimalism and the beauty of nature. This trendy design style features warm neutral tones, natural materials, and rich textures. While modern style is often known for its sophistication, it sometimes lacks coziness and inviting space. By adding organic accents like warm colors, natural textures create a softer and more welcoming environment. This gives a contemporary feel but still retains elegance.


Organic Contemporary shows the minimalism and beauty of nature. Cre: Rowabi's customer | Santa Barbara Rattan Pendant Light.

Decorate your home in a modern, contemporary style with rattan pendant lights

If you're aiming for a modern look in your home, rattan pendant lights can be an excellent choice. Rattan lights come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, making them versatile for different spaces.

Whether you're decorating your living room, dining area, bedroom, or even bathroom, a rattan pendant light can complement your decor and enhance the overall ambiance.

However, not every rattan pendant light fits perfectly with modern style. To help you decorate effectively, here are four tips from Rowabi:

+ Start with a neutral color palette

This is the key to achieving a modern style. Neutral colors are timeless and won't go out of fashion, making them a perfect choice for any era. With rattan pendant lights, you have various options, including its natural brown color, a sun-bleached white tone, or a sleek black finish if painted.

One important tip is to avoid matching the light color with your wall color, as this can cause the light to blend in. Instead, consider mixing and matching different colors to create contrast and visual interest in your space.

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+ Let the line shine in

While we use rattan pendant lights, we also encourage maximizing natural sunlight as much as possible. This combination fosters an open and airy atmosphere typical of contemporary spaces. Rattan, being a natural material, complements natural light harmoniously, creating an overall cohesive feel throughout the home.

+ Look for sleek lines and smooth textures

Rattan comes in various designs with different patterns and textures. Some designs feature elaborate shapes, while others use twisted rattan for a textured feel. However, we recommend choosing lights with sleek lines and smooth textures to easily complement other furniture.

These designs, such as the Kloe Rattan Pendant Light, have a simple and neat appearance yet exude sophistication and modernity with their subtle elegance.

+ Go easy on the accessories

When decorating, opt for a minimalist approach to maintain a clean and uncluttered appearance. Let the rattan pendant light serve as a focal point, complemented by a few carefully chosen statement pieces.

Avoid overcrowding surfaces with excessively small accessories to allow the unique beauty of the pendant light to shine through and define the space.

Faqs: Modern contemporary design style

Which came first, modern or contemporary design?

  • Modern design came first in the early to mid-20th century, while contemporary design is ongoing and reflects current trends.

What makes a home contemporary?

  • A contemporary home typically features clean lines, minimalism, and a strong emphasis on current trends that are popular, including styles, materials, and technologies.

Are contemporary and midcentury modern the same?

  • No, midcentury modern refers to a specific design period in the mid-20th century, whereas contemporary design is continually evolving.

What does contemporary modern mean?

  • "Contemporary modern" generally refers to a style that combines contemporary design with modern influences. This influence impacts the predominant colors, materials, and shapes throughout the entire home.

What is the difference between modern and contemporary?

  • Modern design refers to a design movement from the 20th century, characterized by specific aesthetics and principles, whereas contemporary design reflects the latest styles and trends.

Which is better, contemporary or modern?

  • The choice between contemporary and modern design depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic for your home.

What year is modern contemporary?

  • Contemporary design is ongoing and does not have a specific start or end year.

What makes a house modern and contemporary?

  • A modern contemporary house combines elements of both modern and contemporary design, featuring simplicity, functionality, and current aesthetics.

Conclusion

In this article, Rowabi has introduced to you modern contemporary house designs as well as types of modern and contemporary styles that are currently.

If living in a modern and contemporary home is your dream, we can help you make it come true. Let's consult with Rowabi and discover suitable lamp models for your family.

Furthermore, you are welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

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