Contemporary

Low-slung, tailored upholstery, sleek, tightback cushions, minimal color, metal, stone, glass and concrete casegoods, asymmetrical shapes.

Smooth cottons, wool blends, geometric prints, layered texture, mostly solids, cool tones.

Sculptural pendants, recessed LED, frosted glass shades, no fabric shades, wood accent. Simple ring chandelier.

Abstract patterns, tonal solids, silk and wool blends. Minimal or no borders.

Pale oak, wide planks, large-format porcelain or stone tile, polished concrete.

Clean straight edges dominate — waterfall islands, square eased edges, mitered profiles for a seamless slab look. Rarely ogee or beveled; the emphasis is on sharp lines and uninterrupted surfaces.

Flat-panel slab fronts, frameless construction, integrated or minimal hardware, smooth matte finishes, natural wood or lacquered surfaces.

Chrome, matte black, brushed stainless, polished nickel, satin nickel. Sticks to a consistent metal finish.

Textural wall panels, large-scale murals, minimal trim, drywall return windows, wood slats, no casing on doorways, no crown molding, more glass features.

• Large-scale pieces, often abstract or minimal in subject, with bold shapes or tonal palettes.
• Framed simply in thin wood, black or metal, or unframed canvas.
• Emphasis on scale, negative space and statement impact over ornate detail.

Clean, modern, simple, light, open, neutral, current

• Contemporary rooms are predominantly solid — pattern comes from material texture, not applied print.
• When pattern does appear, it should feel artistic or architectural, never decorative.
• Think: an abstract rug, a bold wallpaper on one wall, or a sculptural textile.
• Limit to one true pattern per sightline.
• The room's visual interest comes from form, material contrast, and light — not fabric pattern.

• Wide-plank engineered hardwood in white oak or walnut, 7"–9" widths, matte or natural finish.
• Large-format porcelain tile 24"x48" or 48"x48" in stone looks for wet areas.
• Concrete-look porcelain is acceptable.
• Herringbone in larger scales (5"x24" or 6"x36").
• Avoid: hand-scraped distressing, orange/amber stains, small-format or busy patterns, glossy finishes.

• Large-format porcelain slabs 24"x48" to 48"x48" with minimal grout lines.
• Zellige 4"x4" for texture in powder rooms or niches.
• Linear mosaic in natural stone for shower niches.
• Subway only in oversized formats (4"x12" or larger).
• Avoid: tumbled stone, small mosaics below 2", heavy rustic textures, ornate medallions.

• Wool or wool-blend in tight loop or textured cut pile.
• Stick to warm neutrals — greige, soft gray, cream.
• Low-profile textures for bedrooms and closets.
• Sisal-look synthetics for stair runners.
• Avoid: plush saxony, bold patterns, high-pile shag, visible carpet in main living areas.

• Slab doors with integrated pulls or thin reveals for kitchen.
• Rift-cut white oak or walnut for a natural look.
• Painted in matte or low-sheen finish — warm white, greige, or soft charcoal.
• Two-tone is appropriate (light uppers, wood or dark lowers).
• Avoid: raised panels, ornate crown on cabinets, glazed finishes, distressing.

• Integrated edge pulls or minimal bar pulls, 6"–10" CC on drawers, 5" CC on doors.
• Finger pulls routed into door edge for fully flush look.
• If exposed hardware, keep profiles thin — 3/8" diameter max.
• Satin brass, matte black, or brushed brass.
• Avoid: cup pulls, ornate knobs, ceramic or novelty hardware.

• Single-hole or widespread faucets with clean geometric profiles.
• Matte black, brushed brass, or unlacquered brass.
• Vessel sinks in concrete or stone for powder rooms.
• Undermount rectangular sinks 20"–22" for baths.
• Kitchen: single-bowl 30"–36" with semi-professional or pull-down faucet.
• Freestanding tubs with sculptural profiles.
• Avoid: ornate cross handles, oil-rubbed bronze, decorative escutcheons.

• Sculptural pendants as statement pieces — organic forms, hand-blown glass, mixed materials.
• Linear chandeliers over dining 2/3 table length.
• Integrated cove and recessed LED at 2700K–3000K.
• Sconces with clean geometry, no shades unless linen drum.
• Track or adjustable spots for art lighting.
• Avoid: crystal chandeliers, matching sets, tiffany-style, flush-mount boob lights.

• Full-height slab surrounds in marble, concrete, or large-format porcelain — floor to ceiling preferred.
• Linear gas insert 48"–72" for horizontal emphasis.
• Floating mantel shelf in blackened steel or warm wood, 6"–8" depth.
• Alternatively, flush frameless insert with no visible surround.
• Avoid: traditional mantels with corbels, stone arches, ornate surrounds, brick unless painted.

• Ripple-fold drapery in floor-length linen or sheer, ceiling-mounted track.
• Motorized roller shades in screen or blackout for clean lines.
• Minimal to no visible hardware — recessed tracks preferred.
• If exposed rod, matte black or satin brass in simple cylinder style.
• Avoid: swags, valances, heavy layered treatments, ornate tiebacks, short curtains.

• Calacatta or Statuario marble for high-impact veining.
• Quartzite (Taj Mahal, Mont Blanc) for durability with movement.
• Engineered quartz in solid or subtle-vein patterns.
• Concrete countertops for a raw/artisan feel.
• Waterfall edges on islands are signature contemporary.
• Avoid: heavy granite speckle patterns, tumbled travertine, bullnose edges.

• Mitered edge for waterfall islands — creates a thick slab illusion.
• Eased/straight edge for perimeter counters.
• Knife-edge for ultra-thin look on engineered surfaces.
• Avoid: ogee, dupont, bullnose, or any traditional profiles with multiple curves.

• Flush solid-core doors, painted or in rift-cut wood veneer.
• Pivot doors for dramatic entries.
• Pocket or barn-style sliding doors (with minimal modern track, not rustic).
• Lever handles with square rosette in matte black or satin brass.
• Avoid: paneled doors (especially 6-panel colonial), ornate knobs, arched tops.

• Open-riser stairs in white oak or walnut with glass or cable rail.
• Floating tread detail where possible.
• Minimal steel stringers, painted or blackened.
• If closed riser, same wood species top and face.
• Metal or wood handrail in simple round or rectangular profile.
• Avoid: turned balusters, wrought iron scrollwork, carpet on treads in main stairs.

• Bold graphic patterns for accent walls — oversized botanicals, abstract geometrics, or hand-painted murals.
• Grasscloth for texture in dining rooms or bedrooms.
• Metallic or dimensional wallcoverings for feature walls.
• Keep to one statement wall per room max.
• Avoid: small repeating patterns, traditional florals, country motifs, damask.

• Warm whites with depth: Benjamin Moore Simply White, SW Extra White.
• Accent walls in moody tones — deep charcoal (BM Iron Mountain), forest green (BM Salamander), or navy (BM Hale Navy).
• Ceilings can be color-washed or dark for drama.
• Trim to match walls for seamless look, or crisp white for contrast.
• Avoid: builder beige, yellow-based creams, pastel colors, sponge/faux effects.

• Smooth flat ceiling is default — Level 5 finish.
• Integrated cove lighting at perimeter for floating effect.
• Wood-plank ceilings in walnut or white oak for warmth — keep planks 6"–8" wide.
• Height minimum 9' preferred, 10'+ ideal for Contemporary.
• Avoid: ornate coffering, popcorn texture, crown moulding (if used, keep flush/simple cove).

• Minimal — feature walls rely on material (stone slab, wood panel, textured wallcovering) rather than applied moulding.
• If paneling, use large-scale flat panels floor to ceiling with minimal reveals.
• Skim-coat smooth walls.
• Accent niches with integrated LED.
• Avoid: chair rail, wainscoting, picture-frame moulding, board-and-batten.

• Curved sofas and sculptural armchairs with organic forms.
• Mixed materials — marble base tables, metal-and-wood étagères, upholstered platforms.
• Low-profile seating with clean proportions.
• Statement dining chairs — consider mixed styles around one table.
• Avoid: matching furniture sets, bulky proportions, ornate carved wood, skirts on upholstery.

• Bouclé for seating, performance velvet for depth, linen for drapery.
• Leather in warm cognac or black for accent chairs.
• Textural contrast matters — pair smooth velvet with nubby bouclé.
• Pillows in solids or subtle texture, 20"x20" or 22"x22" squares and 14"x20" lumbars.
• Avoid: heavy patterns, fringe, tassels, chintz, matching sets of pillows.

• 8'x10' or 9'x12' extending 18"–24" past seating.
• Wool flatweaves, hand-tufted abstracts, or tone-on-tone textures.
• Cowhide or sheepskin as layering pieces.
• Muted tones — warm grays, taupes, soft charcoal.
• Vintage Moroccan or abstract contemporary patterns.
• Avoid: heavy bordered orientals, machine-printed patterns, bright colors, small scatter rugs.

• Oversized pivot door in natural wood (walnut, white oak, ipe) or painted matte black — the statement arrival.
• Flush panel or horizontal plank detail.
• Integrated pull handle in brushed stainless or matte black — linear, 48" or longer.
• Sidelight in clear glass, full height.
• Avoid: raised panels, decorative glass inserts, arched tops, ornate hardware, standard 6'8" height (go taller).

• Flush panel in aluminum, glass, or painted finish — matching wall plane for seamless look.
• Full-view glass panel (frosted or clear) for modern transparency.
• Dark finish — matte black, charcoal, or dark wood tone.
• No decorative hardware.
• If wood, horizontal plank to match cladding.
• Avoid: carriage-style, raised panel, decorative strap hinges, windows in top row only, fake wood grain.

• Mixed cladding is the signature — combine two or three materials intentionally.
• Wood cladding (cedar, ipe, or thermally modified wood) in natural or dark stain for warmth.
• Metal panels (zinc, Cor-Ten, dark aluminum) for accent volumes.
• Stucco in smooth finish for base planes — warm white or warm gray.
• Fiber cement in large-format panels for clean lines.
• Avoid: single-material monotony, vinyl siding, heavy stone, ornate trim, busy patterns.

• Flat or low-slope roof with clean parapet — the contemporary standard.
• Standing-seam metal in dark charcoal, matte black, or zinc for visible pitched sections.
• Green roof or rooftop terrace where possible.
• Thin fascia and minimal overhang for sharp edges.
• Avoid: architectural shingles (too traditional), barrel tile, steep pitch, exposed rafter tails, cedar shake.

• Floor-to-ceiling glazing is defining — large fixed panels with minimal frames.
• Black aluminum or steel frames — slim profile, maximum glass.
• Corner windows and window walls to blur indoor-outdoor.
• Minimal or no grilles.
• Clerestory windows for light without compromising privacy.
• Avoid: divided-light grilles, small-pane windows, vinyl frames, traditional double-hung proportions.

• Integrated and minimal — recessed linear LED in soffits and overhangs.
• Thin-profile wall sconces in matte black or dark bronze — geometric, 12"-16" tall.
• Up-light on architectural features.
• Landscape lighting: well lights and path bollards in dark finish.
• Avoid: decorative lanterns, scrollwork fixtures, carriage-style, visible bulbs, oversized statement fixtures.