Contemporary ambiance for timeless decor
"Contemporary" refers to an element anchored in its time, in tune with current artistic, philosophical or cultural trends. Nothing could be more current than a contemporary style. Drawing on different trends, it takes different forms depending on individual tastes and inspirations: industrial, vintage, Scandinavian, among others.
Yet, the style that today embodies the contemporary universe was indeed born of an era: that which saw the birth of the Bauhaus movement and its taste for simple and elegant forms in the service of functionality. This was the beginning of what would later be called design and which would be widely popularized in the 70s: designing comfortable and warm interiors and furniture that simplify daily life for everyone, whether through their ergonomics, their functionalities, or the re-appropriation of their original use.
While it can blend different inspirations, the contemporary style nevertheless follows a few basic rules that instantly bring elegance, spaciousness, and conviviality. Without redoing all your decor, here are a few ideas to create a contemporary ambiance in your home:
Principle n°1: LIGHT & SPACE
In contemporary style, perspective is key: we like large open spaces in a "loft" spirit and decorations that harmonize to create unity throughout the house. To unify the floors of the same level, a plain covering like polished concrete or light wood running over the entire surface is particularly effective. The use of certain materials like glass also helps infuse fluidity and transparency, especially in smaller rooms. And in this area, the glass partition has major advantages: its metal frame gives it a terribly current industrial look, while its material helps us delineate spaces without disturbing the circulation of light. We take the opportunity to play with perspective by installing mirrors here and there, on chests of drawers or low furniture. Artfully placed facing a window or bay window, they enlarge the rooms and bring a boost of light.
Light is also an important marker of the contemporary universe: bringing life and softness, we enhance natural light with light upholstery fabrics and boost interior light with quality lighting, diffused by designer luminaires or metallic suspensions.
Principle n°2: RAW MATERIALS & NEUTRAL COLORS
Whatever materials are chosen to bring this interior to life, they should be refined and high quality. Metal, inherited from industrial style, is undoubtedly the material that best embodies contemporary style. Easy to maintain and adapt, it withstands the test of time and bends to our slightest desires. To create contrast, it is applied in small touches on furniture legs, shelves, the bar, or the central staircase, and it is mixed with other "warmer" materials such as leather (your club-style leather sofa has its perfect place) or wood (an old workbench will make a fantastic family table). Because modern doesn't forbid natural, quite the contrary, as long as it is well-made and treated in a minimalist way. Lacquer, on kitchen cabinets, can also bring modernity without breaking the ambient harmony.
As for colors, light and neutral tones are in the spotlight, always to bring that clarity and sense of space so sought after. Linen white, anthracite gray, and sand beige form the base of contemporary style, sometimes mixed with touches of copper or black, to add contrast to this refined decor. However, the most distinctive interiors do not hesitate to punctuate their decor with flashy hues, to assert a more urban than rustic style. Distressed blue and bright yellow, in particular, bring that energizing touch that makes all the difference. Be careful though, in fashion as in decor, good taste recommends combining a maximum of three dominant colors.
Principle n°3: DESIGN FURNITURE & CURATED DECORATION
In contemporary style, interior design must above all favor fluidity of movement and visual reach. Gone are complex forms, cluttered floors, and cramped spaces: instead, we prefer intelligent furniture that offers multiple functionalities – a chaise longue acting as a desk or a lamp serving as a clock, for example – and decorative objects with streamlined forms that add character without cannibalizing space. Forms are basic, lines are straight, and decor is minimalist. Elegance blends with practicality so that silhouettes and colors become graphic elements in their own right.
And to finalize this sober and refined ambiance, the home fragrance reflects the interior it enhances: without excess or superfluity, minimalist but full of promise. Decidedly modern. We particularly appreciate the lacquered finish and pure lines of the initial scented bouquet, newly applied to the fusion fragrances of the Elessens collection. The new 450g scented candles, meanwhile, bring a touch of clarity with their mirrored interior lacquer while diffusing faceted fragrances in a vibrantly simple vase. To enhance everything with a light scented mist, the king diffuser will undoubtedly be the Art edition, with its graphic shape, its many functionalities (including the nomadic aspect for the Grand Art) and its vibrant colors. There is no doubt that you will find in the season's novelties all the necessary ingredients to successfully create your contemporary scented decor. Now, it's your turn...
