Clean and simple is the best way to describe contemporary design. Unlike the term "mid-century modern" which refers to an actual historical design movement and has a strict interpretation of what elements can and can’t be included, "contemporary" simply means "in the now."

Though contemporary style is current, it’s also timeless. "The furnishings are simple enough, so down to the basics, that it’s timeless enough not to be dated anytime soon," says Andreas Charalambous, an interior designer based in Washington, D.C.

The style draws inspiration from a host of 20th century styles. Furniture labeled as "contemporary" usually sports clean lines, but might draw inspiration from ideas that began in the Danish modern, Arts and Crafts, traditional, ‘50s ranch or modern industrial movements.

Read on to learn more about this sleek style and get tips to create a contemporary look at home.