Difference between Modern and Contemporary Decor

Table of Content

• How to Identify What Style of House You Have
• What Are the Differences Between Modern and Contemporary Decor Styles?
• What are the Similarities between Modern & Contemporary?
• Subscribe to our emails for a chance to WIN a $500 Living Spaces Gift Card.
• Christian Siriano’s New Furniture Collection is a Modern Design Lover’s Dream
• How to Tell the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Design

It was originally a blend of styles before it became recognizable on its own. Contemporary design borrowed elements from modernism and postmodernism. It also gathered ideas from many other styles such as art deco, deconstructivism, futurism, and more. 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.

Geometric patterns and colorful accents are also sometimes used in modern rooms to add a retro touch that is reminiscent of 1960s-era futurism. On the other hand, contemporary design does not overlap with modern design. Contemporary design has only been around for the last several decades and does not coincide with any greater cultural or philosophical movement. Instead, this style is an aesthetic approach to interior design that seeks to create clean, minimalist, and organic spaces. Contemporary design has gained popularity through the use of organize and eco-friendly materials, like natural wood or linen.

How to Identify What Style of House You Have

Metals, such as nickel, stainless steel, and chrome are also popular among furniture pieces boasting a contemporary style concept. Modern decorating often refers to streamlined furniture with bright colors or neutral paint colors like white or black. Modern décor avoids any ornate patterns or traditional styles like Victorian or Georgian.

The farmhouse is among the most popular home styles, taking the country by storm! There’s a lot to love with these home styles, and many customization options are available to explore. Because there is so much potential, you can have a traditional or a more modern farmhouse, depending on your preferences. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between classic and modern farmhouse-style homes. Similarly, minimalism and clean, simple lines are a hallmark of contemporary design.

What Are the Differences Between Modern and Contemporary Decor Styles?

On the other end of the spectrum, a room decorated with natural wood, wool, linens, and silks indicate a more contemporary style. Most of the materials used in contemporary furniture and decor are natural, organic, and eco-friendly. The modern design adopts a “less is more” feel leading to a more simplistic style. Modern style is more form and function than complicated and intricate. You can find the exposed brick and wooden beams within modern homes. And it works best for someone who likes to hone a single design theme.

Sharply cubic chairs or perfectly spherical ottomans are dead giveaways that a space is decorated in modern style. Contemporary spaces 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.

What are the Similarities between Modern & Contemporary?

While mid-century modern looks 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. The modern decor trend was hugely influenced by the art of its time. Painter's like Piet Mondrian, known for his considered and linear work featuring splashes of block color—a key characteristic of modern decor. In these logic-driven spaces, a modern decor home might feature one oversized piece of artwork to define the space.

Modern design is inspired by the past, while contemporary design is all about what is on-trend today and will change with each season that comes and goes. Both favor open-concept layouts resulting in an open-air feel. They are inviting and comfortable, while being visually appealing. The two designs are more about showcasing space instead of things, and they avoid unnecessary accessories and decor. Wondering what the key differences between a contemporary vs. modern-inspired home is? Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to give your home a modern refresh.

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Modern design is recognized for its use of industrial materials, bold primary colors, minimalist space planning, geometric forms, and simplicity of use. Contemporary design is characterized by neutral and organic colors, sleek lines, and organic silhouettes. Here are the most common similarities shared between contemporary vs modern design. Modern design refers to the specific time period from the early to mid-twentieth century. The style is a precursor to contemporary design, with key figures including Le Corbusier, Charles and Ray Eames, and Florence Knoll.

Mid-century modern’s use of multi-purpose pieces and more playful decorative pieces do have an allure, though. Maybe we would have to borrow a piece or two from mid-century in our mostly contemporary home. You can get a bit crazier with shapes and lines in mid-century modern—geometric patterns start to pop up.

Most furniture in this style features natural elements like wood and stone, making it easy to pair modern furnishings with other styles. Since many modern tables and chairs feature light or dark wood finishes, you can also add them to rustic, classic or coastal layouts. The modern decor and design style comes from the modernism movement, which started back in the late 1800s. The design emphasizes function and simplicity; the style is known as vintage style. Generally, modern decor style is linked to the beginning, from the middle of the 20th century—the 1900s through the 1950s. While the modern design is tied to a specific time period, contemporary design continues to evolve.

And it’s absolutely okay—and encouraged, as far as we’re concerned—to mix and match elements from different aesthetics and periods to create a look that’s all your own. A hip roof is a feature of many modern houses, while a gable roof is more common in traditional houses. Contemporary design goes all-in on color, so set the scene with a high-contrast color scheme.