10 Perfect Contemporary Living Room Ideas and Elements

New York City-based interior designer Rian Smith describes contemporary design style as mixing modern and transitional elements in a warm and fresh way to create a cohesive space. In Smith's experience, it's all about achieving a balance between these two styles—which is easier said than done.

01 Match Wall to Ceiling

White walls and a white ceiling to match give this room an effortlessly clean feel. There's something intriguing about the way the different materials between the walls and the beams in the ceiling match in color, playing with the pure white couches. Interior designer Tessa Neustadt has mastered the contemporary vibe in this room.

02 Incorporate Geometric Patterns

Smith recommends using geometric patterns and subtle colors to create texture. Take note of the texture of the throw pillow in this contemporary living room and how it interacts with the patterned rug and geometric wall art. The mix of brass, wood, and black accents also creates a dreamy space that is so "now."

03 Integrate Modern Touches

Though the walls in this room remain neutral, the furniture and décor are far from it. "Contemporary [style] is about balancing the trends that are going on while integrating those modern touches," Smith says.

Here, subtle furniture mixes with a dynamic rug to create a balance of styles. It's all tied together with a brass legged glass table—the epitome of contemporary and modern.

04 Choose Natural, Woven Materials

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When it comes to contemporary furniture, Installing a woven pendant light in a modern living room enhances aesthetic appeal, adds texture and warmth, creates a focal point, improves ambient lighting, and introduces a stylish, Cozy atmosphere.

05 Balance With Plants

Use plants to update any living room into a contemporary yet calming oasis. "I'd recommend a large fiddle-leaf fig planted in a simple colored pot," says Smith. According to Smith, the size of the plant can help create balance in the space.

06 Opt for Lighter-Toned Leather

When it comes to fabric choices, a light leather piece screams contemporary design. Smith suggests going for anything in a chestnut, camel, or bone color. This unique light brown leather couch pictured creates warmth and plays well off the deep purple-toned rug.

07 Lean in on Cream and Wood Tones

Pops of creams and natural wood tones abound in this contemporary living room. This color palette, paired with linear furniture and clean shapes, strikes the perfect balance of fresh and warm. Plus, the high ceiling and large windows make the entire space feel open and inviting.

08 Pick a Striking Light Fixture

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According to Smith, a modern lighting fixture works especially well in a contemporary living room when it's grounded by soft fabrics and light colors. This white-on-white space allows the lighting fixture to make a statement. In addition, the black-and-white marble fireplace elevates the entire room.

09 Combine Different Materials

Fabric and acrylic, marble and wood, whatever materials combinations you can think of, don't be afraid to express them in your living room. In this example, different materials are tied together with greenery and ample white space throughout.

10 Favor Natural Light

Contemporary décor might just be about the ultimate luxury: Lots of natural light. So open those curtains and window treatments. If your drapes are too dark, replace them with lighter or sheer drapery. In this photo, we're loving this living room's bright white walls and clean lines.