Contemporary style: the elegance of simplicity

Born out of a desire for modernity and clarity, contemporary style is part of a dynamic of renewal. At the crossroads of functional design and aesthetic simplicity, it favors clean lines, open spaces, and raw materials.
Contrary to what its name might suggest, contemporary style is not limited to current trends. It is rooted in a certain timelessness, where every accessory, every piece of furniture, every texture is chosen for its appropriateness, not for its fashionability.
Contemporary style is mainly characterized by neutral colors and therefore a neutral and bright palette: white, beige, and light gray serve as the base. When it comes to colors, I recommend neutral and light shades such as white or beige. Gray and black can also be used, particularly to highlight certain lines or spaces.
Colors are rarely saturated. They give way to noble or industrial materials—waxed concrete, brushed steel, natural wood, tempered glass—which create a sense of balance.
Light is a fundamental element of the contemporary style. The focus is therefore on natural light through large openings, glass partitions, and open spaces. In terms of lighting, minimalist fixtures such as recessed spotlights, discreet track lighting, or minimalist pendant lights are preferred, becoming graphic elements in their own right.
The contemporary living room is designed to be fluid and uncluttered. Furniture with simple shapes, often low in height, is arranged in a way that promotes movement. A sofa with clean lines, a neutral rug, a glass coffee table, and a few well-chosen accessories are all you need to create the right atmosphere.
Check out our article: decor ideas for a contemporary living room
The contemporary bedroom evokes visual rest. The furniture is reduced to the essentials: a bed with matte finishes, built-in storage, and soft colors. The lighting is subdued, diffused by designer lamps or discreet wall sconces.
Find inspiration for a contemporary bedroom
The kitchen is the realm of graphic functionality: handle-free cabinet fronts, airy central islands, and technical materials such as stainless steel and quartz. The contemporary style is expressed through impeccable organization, clean lines, and a quiet aesthetic.
Want to create a contemporary kitchen? Find contemporary kitchen decor ideas
While contemporary style can sometimes seem austere, it gains warmth when natural textiles are incorporated: linen cushions, fine wool rugs, soft leather armchairs. Far from decorative clutter, each element is chosen for its visual consistency and comfort.
Contemporary style does not impose itself, it suggests. It invites you to redefine your living space with meaning and clarity, focusing on what is useful, beautiful and right. It’s not about emptying the space, but about giving it room to breathe.
“To incorporate contemporary style, start by simplifying. Choose sustainable materials, pay attention to lighting, and don’t be afraid of empty space. True luxury is space. “
— Fanny Halgand, interior designer & HomeByMe ambassador
To bring your contemporary ideas to life, HomeByMe offers free 2D/3D software that allows you to design your projects room by room. Living room, kitchen, bedroom: try out colors, arrange furniture, play with materials, and visualize everything in photorealistic 4K images.
Need inspiration? Discover contemporary projects created by the HomeByMe community online, and create the interior that suits you.