You’ve probably heard terms like “contemporary design” when talking about villas in Bali.
But what does it actually mean?
Is it the same as modern? And more importantly, does it suit the kind of space you want to live in or invest in?
In this guide, we’ll break it down:
- What is contemporary design architecture?
- How is it different from modern?
- And how do you know which one’s right for you?
We’ll also show you a real example from our contemporary villa in Kedungu, designed to blend comfort, style, and the Bali vibe.
Let’s dive in.
What is Contemporary Design Architecture?
Contemporary design is all about clean lines, open spaces, and a modern feel.
It uses neutral colors, natural light, and just the right amount of contrast to make a space feel fresh and inviting.
Unlike traditional styles, it’s not tied to one specific era.
It evolves with the times, so what’s “contemporary” today reflects the current trends people want in their homes.
As Architectural Digest puts it, “[…] it is an ever-evolving design style, versus some of the ones in history where they have a very set time period and a very specific set of rules that they’re referring back to.”
Contemporary design also blends with contemporary design interior principles, which emphasize simplicity, airy spaces, and modern comfort.
Together, they create homes that feel effortless but are carefully designed to support real-life living.
Modern vs. Contemporary Design: What’s the Difference?
They get mixed up all the time, but modern and contemporary are two different design styles.
Modern Design
Modern design refers to a specific time period, mainly the early to mid-20th century.
It’s all about simplicity, function, and clean lines. You’ll often see:
- Natural materials like wood, leather, and stone
- Neutral colors with little contrast
- Minimal decoration
- Furniture with smooth, straight edges
Contemporary Design
Contemporary means “of the moment.”
It’s flexible, ever-changing, and reflects current trends and lifestyles. Contemporary design interiors often feature:
- A mix of textures and materials (like glass, metal, and concrete)
- Open layouts with lots of natural light
- Soft neutrals with bold accent pieces
- Eco-conscious and tech-savvy features
It borrows from modern, but adds freedom to play, evolve, and adapt.
What Is Considered Contemporary Style?
Here’s a villa we designed in Kedungu, Bali, a prime example of how contemporary architecture and contemporary design interior come together.
Image: dining area render
From the floating staircase with minimalist black railing to the large glass walls that open up to greenery, every element is built to blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
Natural light fills the room, and the materials—like concrete, wood, and stone—keep the space feeling warm, not sterile.
Image: kitchen + living area render
The matte black kitchen is bold yet simple, with statement pendant lighting and a central island that becomes the social heart of the home.
No wasted space.
Just a clean, open flow from the kitchen to the dining and living areas, all framed by full-length windows looking out onto the garden and pool.
Ready to Design a Villa That Truly Fits You?
Now that you know the difference between modern and contemporary design, which one feels more like you?
If you love clean lines and timeless structure, modern might be the perfect fit.
And if you’re drawn to fresh, flexible spaces that evolve with the times, contemporary could be the way to go.
Still unsure?
Whether you already have a vision or you’re starting from scratch, our in-house architectural team is here to guide you.
Book your FREE consultation below and chat with one of our experienced architects.
Let’s bring your dream villa to life!
