Interior Design Stylecontemporary

Interior Design Stylecontemporary

contemporary vs modern interior design

If you are at a loss as to the differences between contemporary and modern interior design, fear not anymore as we break down the differences between these two interior design styles. And since tThis is a frequently asked question from our designers. We have selected a selection of style highlights that are easy to understand and easy to use.

Although many of our customers mistake contemporary as in sync with modern interior styles, the two are actually very different. While they are synonymous with keys in terms of interior design, contemporary and modern stand on their own. To let you know about the two design styles, we reached out to the designers at Décor Aid to share their wisdom about the differences between contemporary and modern interior styles that you should know about.

What is contemporary design?

contemporary interior design

Although some elements of modern design can be seen in contemporary design, these two styles have their own exclusive signatures. What is contemporary design? By definition, contemporary refers to “living or performing presently”. Contemporary basically refers to “of the moment”, which shows that contemporary furnishing styles refer to current design trends and at the same time pay homage to the past. The contemporary style dates back to the 1970s and is truly unique as it borrows elements from various other design styles. With contemporary style, you’re sure to see modern elements along with traditional Art Deco-inspired notes and futuristic design.

Another important aspect of contemporary interior design styles is that they are constantly evolving. Unlike other styles, usually devoted to a specific look, time, and spirit, contemporary style refers to the styles that are gaining traction today. If you look at the contemporary decorating styles of today, you’ll notice neutral palettes, curved lines, and striking minimalism.

What is modern design?

modern interior design

As we outline the differences between contemporary and modern, we define what modern design is about. Modern interior styles consist of many different incarnations, which makes the definition a little more complex. Modern design, in the simplest sense, refers to the reflection of modern art movements in the interiors of a home.

With style roots in Scandinavian and German architecture and design, modern style concepts are extremely uncomplicated and simple. The furnishings and decor focus on the use of neutral materials and earthy colors, avoiding unnecessary details. And when it comes to contemporary decorating styles, you may see color hits. In modern interior styles, however, the focus is on the use of monochromatic colors and patternless fabrications in whitewashed rooms.

Contemporary versus modern

contemporary vs modern design

Here are the essential looks, elements, and trademarks that define the differences between contemporary and modern design.

  • Modern design with wooden and environmentally friendly elements. In order to maintain an optimized appearance and to prevent the space from feeling clinical, modern interior styles usually use a substantial mix of natural materials. This includes stone, wood and leather – imitation or real. While contemporary interior styles follow a similar concept of using natural materials, they are usually combined with concrete, steel and other industrially inspired elements.
  • Modern decorative pieces tend to have a set function. Most of the decorative pieces used in modern design often have a purpose, while decors with contemporary furnishing styles focus more on shape and aesthetic charm.
  • The concept of contemporary style is more fluid. Because the term “contemporary” refers to “living in the moment,” this style is more fluid and constantly evolving. These designs look versatile as they tend to be inspired and stylized by different epochs. On the other hand, a modern design concept follows a strict format of minimalism, balance and clear lines.
  • Modern rooms are usually not strong or cold. Despite the fact that modern design is geared towards minimalism, most modern rooms do not require cold or strong hues. Instead, they are filled with lots of natural and warm neutrals. Contemporary furnishing styles, on the other hand, have a bold severity, such as B. monochromatic black and white, although they can swing from one extreme to the other on the color wheel.
  • Contemporary furniture designs are a little more curvy. Although modern design furniture prefers straight and strong lines, the design concepts of contemporary furniture are more organic in silhouette. C.Contemporary designed furniture is usually a mix of comfort and sophistication with a fresh appearance. Metals such as nickel, stainless steel and chrome are also popular in furniture that is characterized by a contemporary style concept.
  • Modern design colors have more earthy tones. Color palettes are one of the most distinctive elements in contemporary and modern design. Contemporary interior styles tend to adhere to a more austere palate of black, white, and gray. Other colors can be brought in, but these colors are usually pure and saturated tones like indigo, red, and orange. However, modern design colors tend to focus on natural shades and feature turquoise, brown, rust, and green tones.

As contemporary interior design styles forever evolve into the latest, various elements are picked up that cannot be used in modern design.

In addition, both contemporary and modern style concepts are used with geometric elements, which is why their design concepts are similar in many ways. In a modern room it could be a geometric light fixture, while in a modern space it could be a large-scale sculptural light fixture installed on a series of wooden beams on a white ceiling.

What are the similarities?

contemporary vs modern interior design kitchen

It’s hard to say which is more popular between contemporary and modern design, as contemporary interior design styles of today incorporate important notes from modern interior design styles. In fact, the modern contemporary interior design and current contemporary design have many similarities as both designs favor a simple, minimal, and processed look with clean and sleek lines. Here are the most common similarities between contemporary and modern design.

  • The aesthetics are both minimal. Both designs have clear architectural lines and no lightning. They are characterized by simple architectural designs that have a refined and timeless elegance.
  • Both have an open sense of space. To create a feeling of spaciousness, both contemporary and modern interior styles use an open floor plan concept. With this concept, the kitchen often merges with the dining room or the living room with the kitchen. This leads to a living space that is airy and comfortable at the same time.
  • Neither style prefers ornate designs. Both contemporary and modern designs prefer a simple and uncluttered look as they tend to shy away from the use of heavy elements and ornate designs.
  • The facility has exposed legs. Furniture such as sofas, stools and chairs are designed with bare legs and slender bases for both contemporary and modern styles. Both styles also highlight furniture that has reflective surfaces like exposed glass and metals. You can also find many natural wood materials in contemporary and contemporary furniture, from metal base side tables to architectural beams to raw, reclaimed wood tabletops.

In fact, there are several similarities and overlapping elements between contemporary and modern styles that could explain why these terms are often confusing for beginners looking at the world of interior design.

The confusion between contemporary and modern design continues to this day, as there were not undated rules for all art forms. Part of the confusion also lies in the fact that elements of mid-century modern design have recently been incorporated into contemporary designs. Regardless of the design style you choose, our interior designers at Decor Aid can help you precisely achieve a contemporary or modern look for your living environment.

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