This series shares a behind-the-scenes look at some of the design boards I've created for past clients, showcasing classic contemporary home design inspiration and my favorite product finds from these projects. Whether working with local Atlanta clients or virtual design clients across the country—and across a wide range of budgets—I'm always excited to pull back the curtain on how these spaces come together. Today, I'm sharing a classic yet contemporary family home that perfectly balances timeless style with modern functionality, demonstrating how thoughtful interior design choices create livable luxury for busy families.
How to Design a Functional Back Entry for Contemporary Homes
The back entry for this home needed a chic yet functional vignette—one of those hardworking spaces that has to look good while also handling the daily chaos of family life. This classic contemporary approach prioritizes both form and function, creating spaces that work as beautifully as they look.
The design needed to accommodate stowing away keys (in decorative boxes and trays on the console) and stashing dog supplies out of sight (in generous wicker baskets tucked below). A large-scale landscape art print above the console provides a calming moment of beauty as you enter or leave the house—the kind of thoughtful detail that elevates an often-overlooked transitional space.
A luxe table lamp with tailored details anchors the composition and provides warm, welcoming light. This layered lighting approach is essential in contemporary home design, creating ambiance while serving practical needs.
Living Room Styling Ideas for Classic Contemporary Homes
The living room for this project already had a beautiful foundation of classic furniture, so my role here was more interior stylist than designer—helping fill the gracious coffee table and built-in bookshelves with pieces that would lay a stylish, collected foundation for my clients' personal memorabilia and treasures.
This approach to contemporary home design celebrates the art of curation. As avid travelers, these clients had stories to tell, so I selected worldly coffee table books that reflect their adventures and spark conversation. I also brought in greenery, like this faux olive tree, to add life and organic texture to the room.
One of my favorite tricks for creating visual symmetry in flanking bookshelves is to add a large urn on the top shelf of each—those timeless, slightly architectural silhouettes anchor the composition and make styling the shelves below so much easier. This symmetrical approach is a hallmark of classic contemporary design.
What's the difference between classic and contemporary interior design?
Classic contemporary design blends timeless traditional elements with clean, modern lines and updated functionality. Unlike pure contemporary style, which focuses on current trends, classic contemporary incorporates enduring design principles that won't feel dated in five years. This approach uses neutral color palettes, quality materials, and symmetrical arrangements while embracing modern conveniences and streamlined silhouettes.
Primary Bedroom Design: Creating a Serene Contemporary Retreat
I wanted my clients' primary bedroom to feel like a true retreat—a serene escape from the bustle of daily life that embodies the best of classic contemporary home design. We established a cool-toned palette anchored by Behr's Light Drizzle paint color on the accent wall behind the bed, a soft blue-gray that reads calm and sophisticated without feeling cold.
Symmetry was key to creating that restful, balanced atmosphere essential in contemporary bedroom design. I flanked the bed with a pair of arched mirrors that reflect light and add architectural interest, along with articulating wall sconces that provide individualized task lighting for reading.
Burl wood nightstands introduce a warm Art Deco touch that plays beautifully against the cool wall color, while a hand-knotted area rug from our Iconium Collection provides traditional pattern and softness underfoot. This layering of textures and finishes creates the sophisticated depth that defines successful contemporary home design.
How do you choose the right paint color for a contemporary bedroom?
When selecting paint colors for contemporary bedrooms, prioritize colors that promote rest and relaxation while complementing your existing furnishings. Cool-toned grays, soft blues, and warm whites create the serene atmosphere essential for quality sleep. Test paint samples in different lighting conditions throughout the day, as bedroom lighting varies dramatically from morning natural light to evening lamplight. Consider the room's orientation—north-facing rooms benefit from warmer undertones, while south-facing spaces can handle cooler hues.
Primary Bathroom Design: Elevating Builder-Grade Finishes
In the primary bathroom, a few strategic updates transformed the builder-grade finishes into something far more elevated and aligned with our classic contemporary vision. Sometimes it's not about a full renovation—it's about knowing which details to swap out for maximum impact in contemporary home design.
I specified polished chrome sink fixtures and a trio of classic shaded sconces above the vanity mirror, paired with a contemporary ceiling fixture that provides ample light for this generously sized space. The layered lighting approach ensures both task and ambient illumination—critical for morning routines and evening relaxation.
A vintage wool runner along the vanity adds character, warmth, and that collected feel I always strive for—proof that rugs absolutely belong in bathrooms when chosen thoughtfully. A custom-patterned roman shade dresses the window above the free-standing bathtub, while a rustic teak stool beside the tub provides beautiful contrast and a convenient spot for bath essentials (or a glass of wine).
Can you use rugs in contemporary bathroom designs?
Absolutely—rugs are essential for creating warmth and personality in contemporary bathroom design. Choose natural fiber rugs like wool or cotton that can handle moisture, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent mildew. Vintage runners work particularly well in master bathrooms, adding character while softening hard surfaces. Position rugs strategically along vanities or beside freestanding tubs where they won't interfere with shower spray but will provide comfort underfoot.
Work With Us
Whether you're building a new home, refreshing a single room, or looking to elevate your space with thoughtful classic contemporary design, Atlanta interior designer Kevin Francis O'Gara offers personalized design services for clients locally and nationwide. Our approach combines timeless style with modern functionality, creating homes that are as beautiful as they are livable.
