Can you distinguish between modernism and contemporary design styles? Harmonizing these beautiful styles is very easy to achieve. After reading the comprehensive guide by B.O.D Architecture & Interior Design below, you will be able to distinguish them in the most reasonable way. We are focusing on modern and contemporary interior design to help you confidently create intriguing spaces in either style.
Distinguishing Between Modern and Contemporary Design Styles
When comparing modern and contemporary interior design, you will find they share many similarities but also have key differences that make them easily distinguishable. Here are the characteristics of both.
Similarities
Because modernism heavily influences contemporary design, interiors from these two centuries share several commonalities. Including:
- Open, spacious layout.
- Sleek straight lines.
- Neutral colors, although modern interiors tend to use warmer neutral tones, while contemporary designs incorporate more vibrant color palettes.
- A clean, minimalist look, ‘less is more.’
- Lack of elaborate decorations.
Modern and contemporary styles share quite a few similarities.
Differences
- Formation History
The modern design style extends from the late 1800s to the end of the 20th century. While contemporary style began in the late 1900s and continues to evolve.
- Primary Materials
Modern design utilizes dark or cherry wood, chrome, acrylic, leather, and concrete. “On the other hand, contemporary design is characterized by light-colored wood, eco-friendly building materials, and recycled glass, plastic, and wood.
- Color
The colors in modern design lean towards warm neutral tones, while contemporary style is neutral as well but with higher-contrast to accentuate its personality.
- Architectural Lines
Vertical and horizontal lines are characteristic of modern architecture. While vertical and horizontal lines are crucial in contemporary style, forms are more fluid and often curved.
- Light
Lighting design is prominent—almost an art—now, while a century ago, lighting was modest and task-oriented.
The Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Design Styles
Contemporary Style
Modern Style.
