The two most popular designs of the 21st century, the modern and contemporary, are often confused for the same. Although they have slight similarities, they’ve their own style. If you’re up to these interior designs and can’t decide where the margin is, look at the prominent differences between modern and contemporary design.
So, let’s have a look!
Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Design
Modern interior design refers to the style which emerged in the mid-20th century. A sudden wave of love for art deco designs and mid-century modern trends in the 1950s and 60s produced modern interior design. It appreciated clean, strong lines, natural elements, and lots of space. Also, Bauhaus and Scandinavian design influenced this design.
On the other hand, contemporary design is in the style of the” current time.” It’s always evolving and has slight touches of modern design. It celebrates minimalism, environmentalism, and many new trends as it’s ever-evolving. So, to know everything about these styles in homes, keep on reading.
Modern And Contemporary – Home Style
The modern home style has warmth and many natural elements in the form of other accessories. Also, it features acrylic, molded plastic, and chrome. In addition, it appreciates clean lines, neutral tones, and many retro elements, which is a typical sign of the 1900s.
In contrast, the contemporary design also welcomes natural elements, but they are sleek, curved, and have glossy polishing. Houses are concrete, having large glass windows, a simple palette and flooring, and tall roofs. So there are a lot of natural components, but in a very subtle way. It has camouflage furniture and walls, having a statement decor piece.
Both modern and contemporary decor pieces are focal points of any room. It brings texture and a finished look. For example, a neutral palette has natural furniture and magnificent navy wall art. The contrasting colors will look amazing and add charm to any room.
Modern And Contemporary – Colors
Contemporary design is a little strict with the palette as the most popular hues are black, white, and gray. One Can create an accent wall by adding saturated colors like red, blue, or orange. On the other hand, the modern palette has more earthy, warm, and neutral colors. It can have red, blue, brown and greens.
You can get a touch of different colors with wall treatment, like wallpapers, bricks, shiplap panels, etc. Another fantastic way is to add color through walls, decor, fabrics, and other elements to maintain minimalism.
Modern And Contemporary – Furniture
One of the major distinguishing features between modern and contemporary design is its furniture. Modern furniture celebrating retro styles has a grained table setting with natural wood finishes. It has linen cushions, table covers, and natural wood hues. Furniture can have faded or edgy looks, which are not treated to give retro looks.
Contemporary furniture is sleek, blended in, large, and has simple handles. The furniture area is painted, and the polished surface looks very glossy. Contemporary design also appreciated natural materials but in an enhanced way. Also, a glass table, glass partitioners, etc. are its main characteristics.
What are the Similarities Between Modern and Contemporary Design?
The reason why these interiors styles are confused is because of little similarities, which are:
- Open and large spaces having large window treatments
- Smooth lines
- Neutral colors: light and neutral colors are common for both
- A very clean look that appreciates minimalism
- Less ornate decor.
Wrapping up
So, this was the main difference between contemporary and modern interior design. Both styles complement natural elements. You can add plants in indoor settings for both styles. Open space with differences in the palette, art pieces, and furniture is its boundary between both.
