Tips for Remodeling a Home with a Contemporary Style
As someone who’s always had a passion for interior design, I recently embarked on a project to remodel my home in a contemporary style. I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed with all the choices I had to make, from the color scheme to the furniture and fixtures. Contemporary design, characterized by clean lines, neutral tones, and an emphasis on functionality, was the perfect style for my vision of a modern, stylish, and livable space.
Through the process, I learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to remodeling a home with a contemporary style. In this article, I’ll share some of the most important tips I picked up along the way. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to update your current space, these tips will help guide you toward creating a sleek, modern, and inviting home.
1. Embrace Minimalism
One of the first things I realized when remodeling my home in a contemporary style is that minimalism is key. Contemporary design is all about simplicity, clean lines, and a clutter-free environment. I had to let go of a lot of the ornate furniture and excessive décor I had accumulated over the years. Instead, I focused on choosing pieces that were functional, elegant, and unobtrusive.
For example, in my living room, I opted for a low-profile sofa with sleek metal legs, a simple coffee table with a glass top, and minimal art on the walls. The result was a space that felt open, airy, and visually relaxing. Minimalism doesn’t mean your home has to be bare or uninviting—it’s about focusing on quality over quantity. By eliminating unnecessary items, I found that each piece I kept felt more intentional and valuable.
2. Choose Neutral Colors with Bold Accents
When it comes to colors in a contemporary home, neutral tones like white, gray, beige, and taupe dominate. I chose a soft gray as the base color for my walls and combined it with crisp white trim to create a fresh and clean look. The neutral backdrop allowed me to experiment with bolder accents in the form of furniture, art, and accessories. The beauty of contemporary style is that it provides the perfect canvas for pops of color.
For example, I used bold accent pillows in jewel tones, like emerald green and deep blue, on my neutral-colored sofa. I also added a striking red rug in the entryway to give a splash of color without overwhelming the space. Using neutral colors for the larger elements in the room, like walls and floors, ensures that the space doesn’t feel too busy, while the bold accents create a lively, modern vibe.
3. Focus on Open, Airy Spaces
One of the defining features of contemporary design is the open floor plan. I wanted my home to feel expansive and free-flowing, so I made sure to remove walls that separated rooms and created a sense of compartmentalization. By opening up the space, I was able to create a better flow from room to room, making the entire home feel more connected.
In the kitchen, for example, I knocked down a non-load-bearing wall to connect it with the dining area. This created a larger, more open kitchen where I could entertain guests while still maintaining the clean, sleek aesthetic that defines contemporary style. Open spaces also allow natural light to flood in, which made a huge difference in brightening up my home. The more open and airy the space, the more contemporary and modern it feels.
4. Incorporate Natural Materials
Although contemporary design is often associated with sleek, modern finishes like glass and metal, I found that adding natural materials really enhanced the overall look and feel of my home. Materials like wood, stone, and concrete bring warmth and texture to the otherwise minimalist aesthetic.
For my flooring, I opted for light oak hardwood that complemented the neutral color scheme and added a natural touch. I also incorporated a stone accent wall in the living room that added a bit of drama while still feeling understated. A concrete countertop in the kitchen added a modern, industrial feel without being overly harsh. These natural materials not only gave my home character but also created a balanced contrast to the sleekness of the furniture and accessories.
5. Invest in High-Quality, Functional Furniture
Contemporary design is all about functionality and quality. I knew that investing in a few well-made, functional furniture pieces would be more beneficial than filling my space with cheap, mass-produced items. The key is to focus on pieces that are practical and stylish at the same time. For instance, I chose a modular sofa that could easily be rearranged to suit different needs, and a dining table made of reclaimed wood that added both warmth and sustainability to my space.
The furniture I selected is not only beautiful but also practical, making it easy to move around, maintain, and adapt to my family’s needs. It’s important to select pieces that not only look great but also serve a purpose. Contemporary design often celebrates furniture that is both an art form and a utility, so I made sure to choose pieces that balanced both qualities.
6. Use Large-Scale Art and Statement Pieces
Contemporary design tends to favor bold, statement-making artwork and décor over small, detailed items. I found that large-scale art can instantly transform a room and give it a sophisticated, modern touch. For example, I hung a large abstract painting above my fireplace in the living room. The bold colors and minimalist design of the painting served as a focal point for the room, tying everything together beautifully.
Statement furniture pieces, like a sleek, modern light fixture or an oversized mirror, also contributed to the contemporary vibe I wanted to create. I discovered that choosing fewer, more impactful pieces allowed me to make a bigger statement while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. These elements are what truly give contemporary design its polished, modern edge.
7. Focus on Lighting
Lighting is a critical element in contemporary home design, and it’s something I paid special attention to during my remodel. Contemporary spaces often incorporate clean, minimal lighting fixtures, but it’s the way lighting is used that makes a big difference. I focused on layering different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent lighting—to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere in each room.
In the living room, I installed recessed lighting in the ceiling to keep the space feeling open and bright. I also added statement floor lamps and a stylish chandelier above the dining table for a touch of elegance. Task lighting in the kitchen helped with prep work, and under-cabinet lighting provided an additional layer of light. The combination of these lighting elements created a warm, modern ambiance that enhanced the contemporary style of my home.
8. Don’t Overdo It—Keep It Simple
One of the most important lessons I learned during my remodel is that less is more. In contemporary design, simplicity is key. I resisted the urge to over-decorate or add too many accessories, which allowed the clean lines and beautiful materials of the space to shine. I focused on adding a few carefully chosen pieces, like a unique vase or a set of decorative books, that complemented the overall aesthetic without overcrowding the space.
By keeping things simple and functional, I created a space that feels both modern and timeless. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or go overboard with décor, but I found that embracing the minimalist principles of contemporary design allowed my home to feel calm, balanced, and sophisticated.
9. Conclusion
Remodeling my home with a contemporary style has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. By embracing minimalism, using neutral colors with bold accents, incorporating natural materials, and focusing on functionality, I’ve created a space that feels both modern and comfortable. If you’re planning your own contemporary remodel, I encourage you to take your time, make thoughtful decisions, and focus on the details that will bring your vision to life. A contemporary design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a functional, beautiful space that reflects your lifestyle. Happy remodeling!
