Modern style of
design most of the times confused with contemporary design. These are two
diverse styles. Modern style was derived from the Modern art movement
which became very popular in 1920. The Impressionists began adopting
abstraction in the art hence influencing interior elements. They also used a
variety of materials making art different. Modern style has its roots in German
and Scandinavian architecture and design with elements being simple and
unembellished. It is in fact connected to the age of machination where
patterns and prints generated were those that machines could easily bring out.
Characteristics
Shapes: One
of the most important elements in modern interior design is form. Modern design
uses geometric shapes, including rigid squares and rectangles along with smooth
curves. Perfect circles and ovals are also common. Modern interior design
is also generally very simple and even minimal with few ornamental flourishes
to interrupt the even unbroken lines and flat surfaces.
Materials:
Modern interior design makes use of many materials. Wood and plastic are
common, though designers often paint over wood with an opaque finish to cover
the natural wood grain. Some designers do use natural wood as an organic
contrast to more artificial shapes and materials. Glossy metals, such as
stainless steel, are among the signature materials in modern interior spaces.
The metal may be used for anything from the legs of a chair to the body of a
lamp. Modern interior designers also make use of glass and plastic for their
smooth, even surfaces.
Modern vs
Contemporary
There are quite a
few differences between these two design styles. A modern space tends to follow
a strict style format while contemporary has many variations in its interiors.
Contemporary style keeps changing bases on new upcoming styles therefore, what
is contemporary now will not be in the next 10 years.
1. Modern in its
true form is rarely viewed as stark or cold, while some contemporary interiors,
including those that follow minimalist trends, celebrate a bold starkness.
2. Modern pieces
of decor tend to have a function, whereas contemporary pieces may concentrate
more on the form itself.
3. The color
palette of modern design leans toward naturals or neutrals that have a warm,
inviting feel. Contemporary often enjoys stark contrast with plenty of blacks
and whites, though it has no problems swinging from one extreme to the other on
the color scale.
Modern design
favors strong lines, while the contemporary style loves curves.
Since the
contemporary design style is forever adapting to the latest trends, it picks up
many elements that may not be found in modern design. This includes things like
expansive windows and morphing the natural world into the interior space.
Additionally, both
modern and contemporary styles do enjoy geometric elements, but they tend to go
about it in different ways. It may be a geometric light fixture in brilliant
gold hanging from the ceiling in a modern room. Whereas in a contemporary one,
it would be more large-scale sculptural features, such as a series of
showstopping exposed beams against a stark white ceiling.
Inspiration pour le Journee
Modern design in a way is minimalistic. Minimalism is an
adaptation less items and fewer details to create more functional space.
Architect Darcie Watson transforms a former Bed and Breakfast into a striking
modern home in the video below by House and Home. Check out video for
inspiration.
