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 Go With White Walls

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According to Smith, white walls allow furniture pieces to pop in a contemporary living room. Here, an rug provides the perfect burst of color in this otherwise neutral space. The design feels entirely of the moment.

02 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.

03 Favor Clean Lines

When Smith pictures a contemporary living room, Smith thinks, "Nothing too fancy or decorative but rather clean looking and fitted." This room certainly fits the description. Straight lines and raised furniture create a linear environment that's entirely contemporary. Plus the unique overhead lighting makes a statement without creating clutter or overpowering the room.

04 Add a Wooden Buffet Table or Console

Smith pictures wooden buffet tables and tv consoles for a contemporary living room. The style is timeless, but when it's arranged with intricate wall hangings and a mix of patterns and textures like this BHDM-designed space, it becomes seriously in vogue.

05 Utilize Black Picture Frames

This living room features a portrait set in a black frame, another design element Smith considers distinctly contemporary. "Black-framed portraits with soft landscapes—nothing super colorful or eye-catching," Smith recommends.

06 Consider a Bold Green Accent Wall

A bold green accent wall creates a dynamic environment where wood flooring and a crisp white couch are challenged by a bright pop of color. While the wall might seem extreme, it works as a balance between subtle and daring.

07 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.

08 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.

09 Mix and Match Furniture

Completely matching your furniture isn't required when going for contemporary décor. For example, feel free to pair your new upholstered couch with a worn-in, wood-backed armchair like this living room. Or place a rounded coffee table with a few rectangular side tables. Mix and match materials, patterns, and time periods.

10 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.