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Modern

Contemporary

Contemporary style, current design

The style of now: soft, flexible, mixing curves, new materials and technology.

Milky beigeSandMushroomSmoke greySoft bronze

Origin: From the 1970s to today, constantly evolving with the trends of the moment

Unlike Modernism, contemporary design is not tied to a fixed period: it reflects whatever is current, borrowing freely since the 1970s. In 2026 that means soft curves, warm neutrals instead of cold grey, and tactile surfaces such as bouclé, gently veined stone and decorative plaster. For Vietnamese townhouses and villas it is a safe but lively choice that integrates smart-home systems easily, as long as trends are chosen selectively so the home does not date.

Illustration drawn by HICONIQUE from the style’s palette and signature details.

Materials

  • Smooth decorative plaster and effect paints
  • Sintered stone or softly veined marble
  • Walnut or oak, solid or veneered
  • Bouclé, felt and suede
  • Soft-bronze metal or brushed stainless steel
  • Smoked and frosted glass
  • Large-format matte tiles

Furniture & forms

  • Rounded modular sofas in bouclé or felt
  • Oval or pebble-shaped coffee and dining tables
  • Lounge chairs with enveloping curved backs
  • Rounded-corner cabinets mixing flat doors and timber slats
  • Pieces on solid plinths or chunky bases rather than thin legs

Lighting

  • Sculptural feature lights: glass globes, rings, soft forms
  • Layered lighting with scene control and tunable colour temperature
  • Cove light following curved ceilings and arches

How it differs from similar styles

Contemporary vs Modern

Contemporary is softer, curvier and more tactile, and changes with trends; modern stays loyal to straight lines and function.
Contemporary vs Minimalism

Contemporary welcomes decor, sculptural lights and layered textures; minimalism removes nearly all of it.
Contemporary vs Organic modern

Contemporary uses new materials and refined metals; organic modern favours natural materials and forms that look shaped by nature.

Best for

  • Youthful families who like what is new but not flashy
  • New townhouses and villas with smart-home integration
  • Owners who like to refresh decor seasonally
  • Those who want elegance at a mid-to-upper budget

Home types

ApartmentTownhouseVilla

Typical finishing level

Premium

Estimate building cost at this level

Common mistakes

  • Chasing every trend at once, so the home dates quickly
  • Curves on every detail, leaving the room without a focus
  • Light bouclé where children, pets or heavy use are involved
  • Losing the neutral base so decor overwhelms the architecture

Care & northern Vietnam climate

Choose stain-treated bouclé and felt and vacuum regularly, especially in the damp season. Curved façades and exterior effect finishes need waterproof, anti-algae coatings, particularly near the sea.

Styles in the same family

Modern

Modern

Function first: straight lines, clean planes and honestly used materials.
Modern

Minimalism

Less is more: keep only the essential and let light and space do the decorating.
Modern

Modern luxury

Modern lines made luxurious by materials: natural stone, fine wood, leather, plated metal and subtle light.

Want a home in the Contemporary style?

HICONIQUE balances style with function, orientation, climate and your real budget.

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