Modern Design vs Contemporary Design Difference Between Modern and Contemporary styles
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If you’ve ever wondered what exactly it is that makes a room “contemporary,” you’re not alone.That’s where we come in. This post is dedicated to dissecting the ins and outs of contemporary design. Keep reading to learn which features set this style apart from the crowd, as well as what you can do to create this look within your own home.
Other Design Elements
Many of us use the phrases “modern design” and “contemporary design” interchangeably—but they don’t actually mean the same thing. Modern design refers to a specific design movement, the Modernist movement, which dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Contemporary design is a more general term, referring to styles of the present and future. Furthermore, curves have a natural ability to soften the sharp edges and straight lines often found in contemporary design.
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Stick to a neutral color palette
Contemporary design is comfortable, welcoming, simply sophisticated, and not cluttered. Contemporary interiors appear sleek and fresh and focus on color, shape, and form. Sometimes confused with "modern style," the contemporary style is distinctly different according to home designers and decorating professionals. For most people, the design terms modern and contemporary sound like they mean the same thing—and a dictionary definition supports this interpretation. 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.
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Wall décor
Contemporary design is a dynamic and versatile style that stands as a reflection of the present and a glimpse into the future. It represents a delightful blend of various design elements, continuously evolving with emerging trends. Now let’s talk about current trends that have been making waves in the world of contemporary design. One popular trend we’ve noticed is the integration of retroelements and styles. You’ll find furniture and lighting reminiscent of mid-century modern or Art Deco, which have been updated and spun in a contemporary way. While modern design often relies on a neutral color palette, this room blends the streamlined shapes and rich textures of the aesthetic with bold avocado, burnt orange, and gold textiles.
Essential Design Styles Everyone Should Know
Here, the designers pair classic elements like herringbone floors and Shaker-style cabinets with modern lines on the hood and a fresh, white take on the iconic Thonet chair. Indeed, today’s chandeliers, sconces, and pendants are decorative in themselves. Contemporary style lights are certainly a must-have in modern-day interior design.

You get immersed in it anytime you shop for a new sofa, research window treatments, consider a renovation, or even buy a throw pillow. Interior design styles are the ABCs of your design vocabulary, the building blocks you need to master to think and speak confidently about everything design related. You can't really talk design trends unless you understand the classic styles they're riffing on. So whether you’re new to interior design or have been decorating and DIYing for years, it's smart to revisit the fundamentals. Besides, its thanks to artists like Édouard Manet that modernism took shape.
What's the difference between modern and contemporary design?
Furthermore, neutral colors have a timeless quality that transcends trends and fads. With the ever-changing nature of contemporary designs, neutral palettes can stand the test of time and remain relevant even with changes in interior styles. Select contemporary style home furnishings that are statement-making conversation starters while remaining pared down, with smooth, clean, geometric silhouettes and straight lines. Think solid hues and finishes, natural materials, and unadorned surfaces. Both styles favor simplicity, a neutral color palette and a sense of openness.
Emphasis on Function
This versatility means that contemporary design celebrates a mix of eclectic styles, making it a style chameleon. A colorful seating space feels sleek and modern in complementary shades, from rose to burgundy to a deep terra cotta brown. White tabletops, metallic accessories, and reflective glass keep the atmosphere light. A deep green shelving unit offers functional space for a dry bar in this sunny room, while the large coffee table is a visual accent with practical use. An Élitis wallcovering ties together the colors in the furniture, says Boschetti. Modern Farmhouse style interprets its traditional cousin but simplifies shapes and often incorporates midcentury and industrial elements, like in this kitchen by Alyssa Rosenheck.
Colors
They also create contrast as the juxtaposition of straight lines and curves adds complexity to the space, making it visually captivating. 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.
To better understand contemporary vs. modern decorating, get to know their backgrounds, core elements, and key differences. A contemporary living room designed by Erin Sander seen through the backyard. Allen worked with close friend and designer Cinque Cerra-Saunders, host of A&E’s series “Living Smaller,” to give the house its eclectic style The property is now listed for $849,000.
If you want to create the perfect space in your home to relax and spend time with family, you cannot go wrong with a contemporary living room. And to design one, you need the right contemporary living room furniture. Unless it's an Eames lounge chair, or perhaps a Beetle chair that you're referring to. When you love interior design and feel like you could talk about it all day, terminology matters.
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