Elegant dining setup featuring a wooden table with green chairs, white dishware, and a soft beige tablecloth. The backdrop showcases a textured wall painted in a calming Nippon Paint color, complemented by decorative glassware and a floral arrangement, creating a serene and modern dining atmosphere.

Elegant dining area featuring soft green walls painted with Nippon Paint, a stylish wooden table set with white dishware, and delicate floral arrangements, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Contemporary Design Style Colour Schemes

What is the Contemporary style?

While modern interior design shares similarities with contemporary style, there are key differences that set contemporary home decor apart.

On top of clean lines and some borrowed elements from modernism, contemporary interior design is defined by a distinct, of-the-moment feel that is always changing and evolving to reflect current trends and what is happening today. Basically, contemporary design embraces simplicity and functionality while allowing for a dynamic, ever-evolving aesthetic that keeps it fresh and relevant to the latest trends.

What are the main elements of the Contemporary style?

Contemporary style interiors are characterised by a balanced use of neutral, greige, and taupe paint colours that makes the home feel welcoming, complemented by splashes of more vibrant colour tones. Clean and simplistic colours like white, black, and grey are also popular in this decorating style, contributing to a sleek and sophisticated look.

When selecting colours, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall look should be sleek, simple, and carefully curated.

Using natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal further enhances the contemporary aesthetic, adding texture and organic elements to the space. This blend of simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty defines the contemporary style, making it both inviting and visually appealing.

Contemporary Colour Scheme Recommendations

1. Classic Greys

A contemporary colour scheme often begins with the timeless appeal of classic greys. By utilising a variety of grey shades with similar undertones — either warm or cool — you can create a sophisticated and cohesive look. Darker greys are perfect for adding depth and a sense of drama to a room, while lighter tones on ceilings can open up the space, making it feel larger and more airy. The mantra “less is more” is central to contemporary style, and this is particularly true when working with greys. The sleek and simple nature of grey allows it to serve as a versatile backdrop, enhancing the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic that defines contemporary interiors.

Stylish outdoor space featuring a wicker chair, a terracotta pot with a plant, and lush greenery. The textured gray wall, painted with Nippon Paint, complements the modern design elements, creating a serene atmosphere.

cobweb glow

NP 3785

baked clay

NP N 3154D

Stylish living space featuring a gray velvet chaise lounge draped with a black throw blanket, a sleek side table with a floral arrangement, and a decorative screen. The walls are painted in a rich, dark hue, showcasing Nippon Paint products for a modern and elegant aesthetic.

serendipitous

NP N 1926D

Black Swan

NP N 2044A

Berry Scent

NP OW 2189P

Stylish dining area featuring a minimalist table with a decorative vase, complemented by a textured sideboard. The walls are painted in a soothing shade using Nippon Paint, enhancing the modern aesthetic. Natural light filters through, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Rare Talent

NP N 1927T

Painted Frame

NP N 1904A

Modern living room featuring a stylish gray sofa adorned with decorative pillows and a cozy throw, complemented by a black coffee table. A potted plant adds a touch of greenery, while natural light filters through sheer curtains. The walls are painted in a soothing shade, ideal for showcasing Nippon Paint’s interior color range.

Braintree Road

NP N 1920T

Gray Dawning

NP N 1921P

2. Light & Airy Off-Whites

For a contemporary interior that feels both spacious and inviting, you may start with light off-whites as the foundation of your colour scheme. These hues are excellent at reflecting natural light, which enhances the sense of openness and airiness in a room. To add warmth and prevent the space from feeling too stark, consider incorporating a touch of light beige or taupe. This subtle infusion of colour adds a gentle, inviting warmth to the off-white base.

Complement this palette with light wood tones in furniture, which mirrors the warmth of the off-whites and further contributes to a cohesive, serene environment.

Modern living room featuring a white sectional sofa adorned with orange and brown decorative pillows, a round wooden coffee table, and a stylish brown accent chair. The space is enhanced by natural light from large windows, showcasing a minimalist design with a touch of greenery. Walls painted with Nippon Paint products create a soothing atmosphere.

Bluebell White

NP N 3056P

orange originality

NP AC 2057A

Modern interior featuring a stylish wooden staircase, complemented by decorative vases and a minimalist design. The space is bright and airy, showcasing a seamless transition between levels. Ideal for showcasing Nippon Paint's innovative wall finishes that enhance contemporary aesthetics.

Angelic Pink

NP OW 1029P

Nude Shades

NP YO 1251P

Bright and inviting outdoor space featuring a wooden bench with potted plants, showcasing a peaceful setting enhanced by Nippon Paint's vibrant colors on the wall.

walden white

NP OW 1010P

mansion gold

NP YO 1254D

Modern bathroom featuring a sleek floating vanity with a concrete and wood finish, a round mirror, and stylish pendant lighting. The space showcases a minimalist shower area with a rainfall showerhead, complemented by neutral wall colors painted with Nippon Paint for a fresh and contemporary look.

hush white

NP OW 1003P

country maple

NP N 1877D

3. Pops of Cool Pastels

To infuse your contemporary space with a touch of personality, consider going beyond traditional white walls with cool-toned pastels. Pale blues, soft greens, and delicate lavenders add subtle colour without overwhelming the clean, minimalist aesthetic. These gentle hues can introduce a sense of calm and tranquility while maintaining the sleek simplicity characteristic of contemporary design.

Incorporate pastels through soft washes on walls or geometric accents in decor to achieve a refined contemporary touch.

Modern living room featuring a light blue sofa adorned with cozy blankets and pillows, complemented by stylish pendant lights and lush greenery. The walls are painted in soothing tones using Nippon Paint products, creating a serene atmosphere. A wooden coffee table with decorative vases adds a touch of elegance to the space.

Cool Drift

NP OW 1064P

Garden Dust

NP N 1913P

Quaker Gray

NP N 2005P

Elegant dining setup featuring a wooden table with a beige tablecloth, green chairs, and decorative dried flowers in a white vase. The soft, calming wall is painted with Nippon Paint's soothing hue, enhancing the room's aesthetic appeal. Ideal for modern interior design inspiration.

shy boy

NP BGG 2726

Toasted Almond

NP N 3132T

Natural Cedar

NP N 1878T

4. Cosy Warm Pastels

Cosy candy colours like dusty pink or creamy yellows bring a soft touch to any living space. These subtle paint colours add subtle colour to contemporary spaces, making kitchens or living rooms more inviting, or adding more comfort to bedrooms. Whether used as accent colours in textiles, art, or decor, these warm muted pastels bring a refreshing yet understated vibrancy to your interior, enhancing the space with a modern and stylish flair.

Modern bathroom featuring a stylish double vanity with circular mirrors, soft green wall accents, and natural wood elements. The space is illuminated by a pendant light and includes a freestanding bathtub visible through an open doorway. Designed with Nippon Paint products for a fresh and contemporary look.

angelic pink

NP OW 1029P

green montage

NP BGG 1752

Modern bedroom featuring soft pink walls painted with Nippon Paint, a cozy gray bedspread, stylish pillows, and contemporary decor including a floor lamp and bedside table with floral accents.

Sweet Wreath

NP OW 1041P

Mountain Haze

NP N 1894P

Burnt Ashes

NP N 1917T

Modern living room featuring a green sofa with yellow cushions, a stylish glass coffee table, and a pink patterned rug. A large floor lamp and decorative shelves enhance the aesthetic, showcasing Nippon Paint's vibrant color palette. The space is bright and inviting, perfect for contemporary home decor.

Soft Tissue

NP OW 1011P

Oak Parquet

NP N 1870D

Young Shepherd

NP BGG 1766

Conclusion

To achieve a harmonious contemporary style interior, keep the overall paint colour scheme light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere with soft colours. More importantly, don’t shy away from adding character to your spaces with carefully chosen decorative extras and art that set your home apart! These elements can provide a personal touch while maintaining the modern finish characteristic of contemporary style.

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Contemporary Design Style Colour Schemes

What is the Contemporary style?

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