Contemporary Interior Design: An Ever-Evolving Style

Last updated on September 16th, 2025

Contemporary interior design embraces the now, pulling in on-trend design elements to create spaces that feel fresh and current. This ever-changing style can often be confused with modern design. However, modern design refers to a specific style popularized in the early to mid-twentieth century. In this post, we’ll explore the distinct features of contemporary design and how to achieve it in your new home.

Hallmarks of Contemporary Interior Design

Contemporary interior design leans more minimalist and embraces simplicity. Neutral-hued walls and furniture make it simple to keep up with contemporary design’s evolving look, which presently favors contrast from colorful art and layered textures. Play up open areas by prioritizing natural light and using statement lighting as accents for an airy feel. Natural wood flooring in a variety of tones works well in achieving a contemporary look.

Have fun playing with décor and accent pieces, exploring geometric shapes and organic forms in a variety of natural materials such as stone. Mixed metals in kitchen, bath, and lighting fixtures provide a chic contrast to softer elements such as live greenery, cotton textiles, jute rugs, and faux fur blankets.

Making Contemporary Style Yours

Contemporary style is all about implementing the trends you love in a way that works for you. By choosing neutral wall colors and natural wood for flooring and furniture, it’s easy to keep your space looking fresh by switching out rugs, artwork, and other decorative objects and accessories. Playing with unique textures, materials, and pops of color in your décor and accessories can create a unique and dynamic look.

Take cues from Japandi interior design, pare down decorative items to the ones you like best, and embrace streamlined storage solutions. Look to Scandinavian and mid-century modern styles for examples of high-quality furniture with simple lines to mindfully fill your space with enduring pieces. For trends that catch your eye but may quickly fade, choose smaller pieces. For instance, a stunning acrylic sculpture may be a better investment than an acrylic coffee table.

Be sure to subscribe to the Toll Brothers Build Beautiful blog and visit our Pinterest page to stay up to date on the latest home design trends. With timeless architecture and a wide variety of personalization options at the Toll Brothers Design Studio, Toll Brothers makes it easy to create the contemporary home of your dreams.