What Is the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Design? (2024)
For most people, the design terms modern and contemporary sound like they mean the same thing—and a dictionary definition supports this interpretation. The words are considered synonyms. But for home designers and interior decorating professionals, the terms modern and contemporary refer to two distinct design styles. Read on to see how these two decorating styles share some common characteristics and the differences between them.
What Are Modern and Contemporary Styles?
Modern style is firmly rooted in the early to mid-1900s and involves strong lines with natural colors. Contemporary style involves the trends of the here and now.
What Is the Modern Decor Style?
What Is Modern Style?
The modern style is the design and decor of the modernism movement, which began in the very late 1800s. Birthed by the German Bauhaus schools of design and the Scandinavian design emphasis on simplicity and function, the modern decor style is very old. In general terms, modern decor is linked to the beginning through the middle of the 20th century—the 1900s through the 1950s.
The modern style eventually morphed into midcentury modern (the 1950s and 1960s) and postmodernism (1970s and 1980s). While midcentury modernlooks a lot like modern design with splashes of bright color added strategically, postmodernism doesn't. Postmodernism is bold, breaks all rules of tradition, and has a certain whimsy and irony about it. It is more about the form than the function, which is the exact opposite of the practical features found in classic modern design.
What Is Contemporary Style?
What is referred to ascontemporary style became popular in the 1970s, about the same time as postmodernism'srise in popularity. It was originally a blend of styles before it became recognizable on its own. Contemporary designborrowed elements from modernism and postmodernism. It also gathered ideas from many other styles such as Art Deco, deconstructivism, futurism, and more.
And yet, "contemporary" style is always changing. As each decade passes, the decor trends of the day will always be considered contemporary. It is not necessarily tied to a specific period in the same way that the modern style is. Instead, it is an ever-evolving style that reflects what is happening today.
There are similar characteristics to be found in both styles as well. This is likely where much of the confusion stems from when trying to distinguish them. Both styles tend to favor simple, uncluttered spaces with smooth, clean lines and artistic flair. This imparts a comfortable and calming feeling in a very inviting room.
Neither style prefers ornate designs or heavy elements.Contemporary homes can, however,bend this rule frequently as the trends change. In both styles, sofas, chairs, and ottomans have exposed legs. They each tend to gravitate toward reflective surfaces such as exposed metals and glass. You will also find plenty of exposed wood in both styles, from structural beams to raw wood end tables with metal bases.
Key Differences
Modern style is considered warm, cozy, and focused on functionality. Furniture and decor feature natural elements, such as wood and rattan. The streamlined silhouettes of modern furniture are long and low with strong lines, tapered legs, and angled arms. Modern colors are often muted and earthy.
Contemporary style is more ornamental though sleek and featuring a lot of curves. Tables and other pieces usually have smooth, shiny lacquered or glossy finishes or are made of chrome or glass. Contrasting colors, such as black and white, are favored. However, a contemporary color scheme may also be neutral with pops of bold, saturated tones.
When to Choose Modern Over Contemporary Style
Because modern style focuses on the design elements common to the years from 1900 to 1950, it is best for a homeowner who enjoys the aesthetics of that era, with its preference for highly functional elements and warm, natural colors. And midcentury modern furniture and decor works best for someone who likes to hone a single design theme throughout each room, from the living room to kitchen and bedrooms.
The contemporary design style is best suited for homeowners who like to stay abreast of the current trends in decor and ornament, and who are willing (and have the budget) to change with the times. And it's best for those who like the stark contrasts and curved lines that are so often found in contemporary design. Contemporary style is for those who find form and ornament more important than function.
Color palette tends toward contrast, with lots of blacks and whites
Often features curves
FAQ
Which came first, modern or contemporary design?
Modern design came about in the 1800s with the modernism movement in Europe, whereas contemporary design came later in the 1970s.
What makes a home contemporary?
Contemporary homes will feature styles that incorporate several different eras, including modernism, postmodernism, Art Deco, and futurism. Color schemes will feature black and white and curvy ornamental pieces that focus more on decor than function.
Are contemporary and midcentury modern the same?
Contemporary and midcentury modern are very different designs. Midcentury modern is minimalistic and features neutral tones, while contemporary incorporates more curvy furniture and decor with bolder colors. It can be difficult to mix the two styles together, as they are distinct opposites in design.
Contemporary architecture refers to the current style of architecture. Buildings from the late 20th century to the present moment that include elements such as unconventional or non-linear forms, innovative materials, and sustainable building practices may be referred to as works of contemporary architecture.
s? Modern style is firmly rooted in the early to mid-1900s and involves strong lines with natural colors.Contemporary style involves the trends of the here and now.
What Is Contemporary Design? Contemporary design refers to the current and popular designs of the moment. Hallmarks of this design style include clean, curved lines, natural materials, stark contrasts, cool tones, and attention to quality. An ethos of intentionality is the focus of this aesthetic point of view.
Modern-style furniture is characterised by low, horizontal pieces and clean lines, usually made from natural materials such as wood or leather. Surfaces are smooth with little to no ornamentation or decoration. Geometric shapes are often used. However, there are no intricately detailed pieces and very few curves.
Modern and contemporary decorating styles have strong similarities. They both emphasize clean lines and uncluttered spaces, and feature a neutral color palette as the foundation. Although they can look alike, the differences are key to the styles.
In essence, the term “modern” refers to a period in history, while “contemporary” pertains to the present or current times. Distinguishing between these two terms is pivotal in comprehending the evolution of human society, culture, and technology.
Contemporary style embraces minimalistic elements highlighting grays, beiges and shades of white. Sleek, thoughtful, hidden details emphasize an edited aesthetic. Contemporary style offers an 'everything in its place' interior featuring designs that are high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.
Modern art came before contemporary art. Most art historians and critics put the beginning of modern art in the West at around the 1860s, continuing up to the 1960s. Whereas, contemporary art means art made in the present day.
“If you were comparing them side by side, contemporary design is much more stark and sleek, extremely minimalist, and has a more streamlined, sterile vibe,” Curtis says. “A modern home will have a much warmer feel, with more layers, more organic elements, and a slightly earthier, cozier vibe.”
The words modern and contemporary are often used as synonyms. But if we look more closely, they are actually two different concepts. Modern refers to the art direction at the beginning of the 20th century while contemporary refers to the method of construction that goes hand in hand with a specified time period.
The modern traditional aesthetic combines the best of modern simplicity (think clean-lined furnishings, minimalist spaces, and relaxing monochromatic palettes) with cozy traditional design elements (think elaborate patterns, ornate furnishings, collectibles/heirlooms, and crown molding/trim, paneling, or wainscoting) ...
What Is A Contemporary-Style Home? A contemporary home is a house with design elements and features that reflect today's architecture style. Although similar to a modern home, contemporary houses come with common characteristics such as clean lines, natural lighting and a minimalist feel.
Tables are often made of lacquer, highly-finished wood, or chrome and glass. Chairs, sofas, and tables are raised off the floor on lean legs for a light and airy look. High-gloss, smooth surfaces are the perfect complement to contemporary furniture in your family room.
Contemporary design aesthetics do notably differ from that of modern and mid-century modern in that its colors tend to be starker and more saturated than the warmer, more subdued design colors of modern styles. It's also a bit curvier, as opposed to modern design's preference for straight lines.
Modern : of or relating to the present time or the recent past.Contemporary : happening or beginning now or in recent times. If you've read this and become even more confused, don't worry because you're not alone. This is what often leads people to assume that the two are the same.
Modern art is that which was created sometime between the 1860s (some say the 1880s) and the late 1960s (some say only through the 1950s). Art made thereafter (e.g., conceptual, minimalist, postmodern, feminist) is considered contemporary.
The words modern and contemporary are often used as synonyms. But if we look more closely, they are actually two different concepts. Modern refers to the art direction at the beginning of the 20th century while contemporary refers to the method of construction that goes hand in hand with a specified time period.
Contemporary modern art is often abstract, experimental, and process-based. It also tends to make use of new media such as photography, video, and computer-generated imagery. Contemporary modern artists often seek to challenge traditional values and conventions, and their work can be provocative and controversial.
Traditional design is rooted in the past and offers a reassuring, familiar feeling. It borrows from classic styles to create a timeless look. On the other hand, contemporary design is fluid and adaptable, borrowing from various styles like modernism, postmodernism, deconstructivism, and futurism.
An artwork is contemporary when: (i) it is made between 1960/1970 to today; (ii) the artist intended to create a contemporary artwork; (iii) the esthetics are time-bound, in which it engages a dialogue with (recent) art history; (iv) and the subject matter is relevant in a contemporary context.
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