Ideas To Elevate Contemporary Homes

Interior view of a dining room and kitchen island
Contemporary homes are versatile and fun to work with- here are some ideas for upgrading a contemporary home. (Elegran)

While modern homes were very popular in 2022, we also saw contemporary abodes taking center stage. It’s easy to understand why. Contemporary design is versatile and yet tends to be warm and fun. It’s also interesting to note that some of the trends that were big in modern and traditional homes were also big in contemporary homes this year. 

Whether you are buying a new home, looking to upgrade or renovate your current one or looking for a big dose of design inspiration, here are seven trends we saw in luxury contemporary homes that were on the market in 2022. 

Built-in Bars

Interior view of a built in bar

A built-in bar can be crucial for those who enjoy entertaining. This one is outfitted with everything needed to host and also has a fun pop of color. (Long & Foster Real Estate)

Built-in bars are back and better than ever. There are so many ways to design these spaces, but it’s particularly well done at this custom-built waterfront home located in Ocean City, Maryland. With a stone countertop and stainless-steel Viking wine fridge, this bar also has plenty of storage with lots of shelves, slots to hang wine glasses, cabinets and two drawers. The red tile backsplash is bold and fun. Not only are built-in bars useful for entertaining but they also add a decorative touch to any living room. We will surely see more of these in 2023 and the years to come. 

Double-sided Fireplaces

Interior view of a double sided fireplace

The drama of this fireplace can be viewed from both sides. As a statement piece, it breaks up this large room to create a sense of subtle division. (Barry Cohen Homes)

Fireplaces add cozy charm to any contemporary home and double-sided fireplaces have twice the style. The dark marble fireplace in this gorgeous Yorkville home is a perfect example of this. It takes the room to a new level entirely. The mantel color just pops against the light wood floors, white walls and moldings. Fireplaces can also be a useful design element in colder climates like that of Toronto. 

Read More: Seven Ways To Elevate Modern Homes

Dark Marble

Speaking of dark marble, we saw this finish used far more often in kitchens in 2022. While white marble was still the predominant choice, not just for contemporary homes but also for traditional and modern homes, dark marble is making a major comeback. 

Interior view of the home's kitchen with dark marble and open floorplan.

Working with both light stone and dark marble, this apartment’s black marble kitchen is as dramatic as it is beautiful. (Elegran)

We see it used beautifully in apartment 3-4 at 259 Bowery in New York City. This chic black color and cabinets pop against the white, waterfall island. It’s a great choice for any new kitchen and is likely to increase the value of a home.

Herringbone Flooring

Bid adieu to standard wood plank flooring and make way for herringbone-style floors. They’re making a major comeback because they add a big dose of charm to any space. This timeless design is a far more creative choice than standard slats. While we first started seeing this look back around 2021, we saw it increase in popularity this year. 

Interior view of a living room with herringbone flooring

Unlike traditional wooden floors that follow parallel lines, herringbone flooring can add a bit of movement and interest. (Elegran)

The herringbone floors at Apartment 16B at 212 Fifth Avenue in New York City are a great example of how beautiful this type of flooring can look. This fabulously renovated home has so much to offer including sweeping city views. 

Read More: Eight Ways You Never Thought To Use Tile

Grasscloth Wallpaper

While wallpaper in general has been on trend in recent years, textured wallpaper, such as grasscloth wallpaper, is something we’re seeing more of. It adds charm and warmth to bedrooms, offices and dining rooms. 

Interior view of a bathroom with grasscloth wallpaper

To add a sense of texture against the marble in this bathroom, Grasscloth wallpaper is used to create a bit of charm and dimension. (Elegran)

Grasscloth wallpaper also looks great in the bathroom and powder rooms as seen in apartment 15ab at 111 East 30th Street in New York City. It contrasts the chic marble tiles and chair rail. It’s one thoughtful and interesting detail of many that this great living space has to offer. 

Freestanding Bathtubs

Interior view of a freestanding bathtub.

A freestanding tub creates a sculptural element in any bathroom design, adding a luxurious, spa-like ambiance. (Barry Cohen Homes)

Freestanding bathtubs have been popular in all types of homes. They add a luxurious, spa-like element, turning a bathroom from ordinary into a sanctuary. The round tub in the bathroom of this home in Yorkville adds a vintage touch, giving it a European vibe. But that’s not the only reason to move into this home. From parquet flooring to moldings and a walk-in closet, it’s a true design lover’s paradise. 

Read More: Interior Designers Dish On Choosing The Perfect Rug For Any Room

Gold Hardware

Interior view of a home with gold hardware and accents

Gold hardware plays beautifully off this Cararra marble, creating a look that is both fresh and elegant. (Dale Sorensen Real Estate)

While we saw lots of black hardware in modern homes on the market in 2022, gold, bronze, and brass hardware remained the trend in contemporary homes. We see how stylish gold hardware can look in this spectacular private Florida oasis. It pops against the white Cararra marble and cabinets. The designer even added matching gold light fixtures. This is just one of many details in this fantastic home, including a detached casita and a sparkling pool in the backyard.

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Author

I am a writer, design expert, host of the podcast Bougie Adjacent, and comedic performer. I am absolutely fascinated by all aspects of décor and design. It once took me six months to choose a soap dispenser and I can’t even remember what it looked like. I like bright prints, southern exposure and any location you can call a “village or town.” There are currently over 100 episodes of House Hunters on my DVR.

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