Types

• Include several types of furniture and accents in the space to complete a traditional contemporary decor look. For instance, if the design scheme is 1970s decor, boxy chairs, a thinly cushioned couch, artwork featuring the peace symbol and lava lamps will give the area a cohesive look that is specific to the decade.
  
  

Colors

• You can also express traditional contemporary design in a room based on the colors you're using. For instance, pastel colors like light blue and pistachio green were popular for lamps and furniture in the 1960s, while neon-colored artwork and bedding were a large part of 1980s home accents.
  
  

Significance

• Include some signature pieces in your room design that not only fit into the traditional contemporary category, but also have sentimental meaning. For instance, if you're going for a 1920s theme, add tables made from distressed wood and elaborate armchairs in the room. A photo in a metal frame designed from that era of a family member from that period on the mantle or wall would complement the room nicely.