Modern vs Contemporary Interior Design Style
Key Features of Contemporary Interior Design Style
January 25, 2023Not sure what are the differences between contemporary and modern interior design? Not to worry! We will be breaking down the differences between these two interior design styles to help you understand better. In this article, we will retrace their origins and show you what sets the two different styles apart.
Contemporary and modern interior design are used interchangeably and synonymous but some features of contemporary design cannot be applied to modern interior design.
Before we delve into the detailed differences between contemporary and modern interior design, let us understand where the design styles originated from.
Roots of Modern Style
Mid Century Modern Interior Design Inspired By The 19th Century
Modern design is rooted in modernism, the turn-of-the-century movement characterised by an emphasis on abstract thinking, functionality, and stark, simple forms. This style of interior design emerged from the late 19th century. German and Scandinavian roots: You can trace the origins of modern design to German Bauhaus design and Scandinavian design. Also known as Staatliches Bauhaus, Bauhaus was a German school of design and subsequent art movement in the early twentieth century that married fine art and functionality in the visual arts, decorative arts, and architecture. Modern home design grew out of the modern art movement, which rejected the maximalist tendencies of Victorian design in favour of a form-follows-function philosophy. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open living spaces became the dominant style of this era.
Roots of Contemporary Style
Fluid & Ever-Evolving Interior Design Style (Contemporary). View Portfolio Here.
Contemporary interior design style emerged half a century after modern style emerged, it uses simplicity as an opportunity for play, pulling from other styles like modern, minimalist, bohemian, and rustic for inspiration. It is fluid and ever-evolving, together with emerging design trends, embracing versatility and spontaneity. Therefore, it does not encapsulate a specific philosophy of design but instead a blanket term given to describe the popular trends of interior design of the current moment.
Decorations & Furnishings
Crisp, Straight Lines & Functional Space versus Smooth Curved Lines & Aesthetic Charm
Modern interior design emphasises streamlined looks and crisp lines with balance while contemporary interior design as of today features smooth curved lines. There is no element in modern design that does not serve a function, decorative pieces also serve to have their function.
On the flip side, contemporary interior design focuses more on form and aesthetic charm, not necessarily on function. As per the photo above, you can see that modern furnishing is very clean and simple like the sofa shown, while contemporary furnishing features a curved sofa.
Materials & Textures
Natural Materials versus State-of-the-art Materials
Modern design tends to feature earthier and natural materials like wood, leather, and stone. The use of furnishing and decor eliminates unnecessary detailing such as patternless fabrication set among whitewashed rooms. As soon above, materials like leather is used for the sofa, and stone is used for the walls, wood is also used often throughout the entire room.
Whereas, contemporary design uses state-of-the-art materials such as metals like nickel, steel, and chrome, or even concrete or glass; industrial-inspired elements, combined with natural materials also used in modern design. As per the photo above, you can see that metal is used heavily, from the storage racks to the coffee table.
Colour Palettes
Comparison of Colour Palette between Modern & Contemporary Design Styles
Modern interior design styles tend to steer clear from bright colours, using more of a subdued, natural and warm neutral colour palette like beiges, browns, white, and other earthy tones.
Contemporary interior design style uses a monochromatic colour palette like white, black, greys but it does not shy away from bright pops of colours to help accent the room, as a play against the neutral palette. It favours starker and more striking hues so don’t be afraid to use bold colours!
From the photo above, you can see the contrasting difference between the colour palette of modern and contemporary interior design!
Similarities between Modern & Contemporary Interior Design
Design Features that coincides with both Modern & Contemporary Interior Design
Now that we have cleared up the differences between the styles, let’s talk about the similarities of modern and contemporary design styles which is likely where much of the confusion stems from. There are three main aspects or elements from both interior design styles that coincide as described below.
- Minimalistic
Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are vital for the two styles, to create well-defined lines with minimal ornamentation instead of excessive details. Do not use fussy prints or overuse different colours.
- Open & Uncluttered Space
To cultivate a feeling of openness, both styles would adopt an open floor plan concept and for the home to be free of clutter. For this concept, the kitchen and living room tend to be merged together resulting in an open and comfortable living space. Also, furnishing and decorations focus on creating the balance between spaces that are empty and occupied.
- Exposed Legs
Both design styles show off furnishing legs to give an illusion of an airy space, it can be used for sofas, beds, ottomans and more. However, it is still important to make sure that while the design may incorporate artistic touches, neither should feature anything overly intricate or any ornate embellishment, lines should be clean and simple.
As described, both styles favour simplicity, and a sense of openness, as a result, the styles may look the same at first glance but the differences are what makes it two distinct interior design styles.
Even though contemporary and modern interior design are similar, there are aspects of its concept that are vastly different. Contemporary interior design is dynamic, referring to the current and evolving design trends. Whereas, modern interior design is static and tied to a specific time period, referring to the 1920s to 1950s era.
If you follow the concepts we mentioned above, you will definitely be able to differentiate the two interior design styles. So, which interior design style do you prefer? Contemporary Interior Design or Modern Interior Design? Regardless of the design style you prefer, our interior designers at AYD Interior can assist you in realising a contemporary or modern look for your home interior specially catered to you.
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