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Thursday, May 18th, 2017
Has it ever come to your attention that a lot of people are confused between modern and contemporary design? We all live in a busy world and everything is quickly changing. Just look at the models of cars, the appearances of houses, and the surroundings in general, you would notice the lifestyle that now differs from the ones enjoyed in the past.
Contemporary with Modern Architecture
Contemporary interior design, pretty much like architecture, reflects the life’s trends. These days, you would easily recognize what is traditional and what’s modern. Architecture for the modern world does not have curves, heavy ornaments, or complex shapes and lines. These features are often associated with traditional style, hence, their opposite – clean, straight lines or curvilinear silhouettes are seen in modern structures.
The rooflines of modern architecture have turned flat. There is also the increasing idea to blend the home with the nature outdoors. Large windows are definitely in and they have actually become the trend for contemporary habitats.
Light is also an essential psychological part of human existence. It has created a huge impact on the surrounding area as well as on the inhabitants’ health. Just like plants, people are also in need of natural light. Its importance to contemporary living, therefore, cannot be questioned.
Since light is very important in contemporary settings, you should learn how to incorporate skylights, large windows, and ceiling to floor panorama windows. These are crucial in letting in natural light and having the occupants see the scenic views outside.
Gone also are the dark rooms of the past. These days, people make use of a lot of mirrors and they are busy setting up airy, light rooms.
Pretty much like modern homes, contemporary furniture designs also reflect the current trends and fashions of our time. Don’t expect to see ornate furniture. While the contemporary pieces are more streamlined, they are still stylish without breaking functionality.
Contemporary and Green
To comply with the green interior design and architecture, it has become apparent that the use of natural materials is inevitable. The popularity of green living and buying organic has taken the world by storm. Today, the use of materials such as wool, leather, cotton, slate, natural linen and stones has become a hot trend.
Decorative accents and patios all over the world are now enjoying the beautiful look that natural elements offer.
Contemporary Equals Minimalism
Interior designers usually recommend using subtle colors called neutral. These colors include brown, gray, black and white. These hues are also the right base for any contemporary home. Neutral hues should never be perceived as monotonous or boring. Furnishings and flooring with subtle colors can be accentuated by pieces that complement the overall design. These accent pieces are often stainless steel or any other metal.
Since the overall concept of contemporary design is about spaciousness, airiness and ample lighting, more and more homes these days are turning minimalist. Everyone is also saying yes to less or zero clutter.
Contemporary finishes include ceramic tiles, hardwood flooring, marble and natural stones. The comfort and coziness of contemporary homes also feature area rugs that define the different home zones. These are also popular for the living and dining rooms which are often unified even in an open floor plan.
Contemporary houses feature flexible, open floor space which unify the grand areas of a home. The kitchen, dining and living rooms all fit to the whole new meaning of the great room. These zones can now be easily blended using visual barriers rather than bulky furniture.
Details and accents are also important in a contemporary setting. Don’t forget to add simple yet stylish glass, metal railings, lighting fixtures and modern art.
Tags: contemporary, contemporary interior design, contemporary interiors, contemporary style, contemporary theme, contemporary vs. modern, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern vs. contemporary
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Contemporary Design: Light, Breezy and Free
Thursday, May 11th, 2017
Cynthia Rowley oozes with contemporary features. This Twin Peak King Sleigh Bed is an awesome contemporary piece to own.
Contemporary and modern are two words that have been used interchangeably throughout the years. For a lot of people, these are the same when referring to fashion, hairstyles or furniture. In the world of art, though, these mean two different things.
Contemporary vs. Modern Art
The best way to begin understanding the differences of these two is to look at the artworks covered in each era. Modern Art shows a lot of impressionism up till the 1970s. Contemporary art, on the other hand, is anything from the 1970s up.
Modern art focuses on the inner visions of the impressionists. Artworks during that time were expressions of these artists’ visions using real life images and social issues.
Contemporary art is anything from the ‘70s till our present-day. Artists under this style are constantly working in movements that are difficult to classify. If you’re having a hard time defining this art, then think of biodiversity, feminism, racism, bio-engineering, etc. The hottest social issues are also the hottest subjects for contemporary art.
Contemporary Lines
Smooth surfaces and straight, clean lines are the features that contemporary design offers. This style has zero intricacies though this would not mean that your home is bound to look cold or stark.
The updated contemporary design at present effectively blends livable and comfortable elements. These – no matter how simple – can still create a fresh and sophisticated look and feel.
Contemporary Colors
Contemporary design is often balanced by neutral hues. So, when you’re painting your walls, you would want to stick with shades of taupe, brown, white or cream. Spice up any room by painting an accent wall (having one wall painted with a different color).
Add a brightly-colored sofa as a subject to your neutral walls. Use decorative accessories such as rugs, pillows, lighting elements and the most interesting artworks.
Contemporary Metal Accents
Metals such as nickel, stainless steel and chrome are quite popular in homes that have a contemporary design. These provide a pretty, sleek finish that can make your home look cleaner. There is also a multitude of finishes to pick from.
Home accents for contemporary homes could include metal lamps, artwork and shelves.
Contemporary Textures
Adding texture in your contemporary home could spell the huge difference between an inviting setting and a stark one. So make good use of fabrics like crushed velvet, wool, linen and silk. Use accents such as window treatments made with fabric, overstuffed pillows, linen wallpaper, area rugs and upholstered furniture.
Contemporary Wood Tones
When picking wood surfaces, contemporary design is much like a spectral display. It could either be too light or too dark tones. There is a wide range of woods, designs and finishes to choose from. You are also free to create a distinctive flooring design.
The only limitation is your imagination so be sure to fuse wood to your contemporary design. Use wooden flowerpots if you would. Use it also on picture frames, shelves, and accent tables.
Contemporary Lighting
By now, you must know that lighting is an essential element of interior design. Contemporary lighting means a lot of things. It could be chandeliers which are wonderful overall lights or it could also mean table lamps that is both a task lamp and a decorative element.
Contemporary homes are energy efficient, at least this should be the case. Consider using a LED fixture as these have a longer life span and they have the additional benefit of being environment-friendly.
Go Minimalist
Lastly, you should also learn minimalism in order to achieve contemporary style. Use simple lines in architectural details, furniture, and every single decorative element. Geometric shapes and forms are welcome in contemporary design, too.
Tags: contemporary, contemporary interior design, contemporary interiors, contemporary style, contemporary theme, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Contemporary Interior Design: Living, Breathing Art
Monday, February 20th, 2017
The Winslow Cocktail Table from the Cachet Collection of FFDM spells contemporary to a T.
Have you ever been confused about modern and contemporary furniture? Or are they the same to you? Let us clarify – once and for all – what these two interior designs and furniture styles really are. And to answer your confusion (if you ever were), they are not the same.
Modern design always refers to a period of time specifically in the 1920s till the 1950s. This is already a defined style while contemporary design is ever-changing. Contemporary means the style at the moment.
Modern vs. Contemporary Architecture
Architecture under this theme is anything that is currently being created. It is dynamic and without identity. It can be shabby chic at one point then it becomes Gothic at another. It is for this reason why this style is never tied to just one look.
Modern architecture, on the other hand, is a static style that has broken from the pre-Industrial Revolution designs. This is inevitably connected to the machine age and is generally categorized as anything that comes from the 20th century.
Modern architecture uses glass windows where the walls used to be. Corner windows can be glass. White stucco and whitewash are also big in modern style homes.
‘See any distinct right angles as well as flat roofs? They are there for a reason as these are inherent elements in modern design.
Contemporary architecture is often identified with solid walls as opposed to the whitewashed walls of the modern settings. Contemporary architecture – at the moment – has a boxy feel.
Cynthia Rowly for Hooker Furniture Gigi Settee is modern with its raised features and the wool rug paired to complete the look.
Modern vs. Contemporary Interiors
Modern, simply put, is anything that is Mid-century modern. You can recognize this look any day because of its clean and uncluttered interiors. Here, you are free to use leather, wood such as teak, and linen.
Plastic and molded plywood are also quite popular in modern settings. It is also common to see polished metal.
Modern furnishings are also raised from the floor. This means you should say no to sofa skirts and other ornate styles. Be simple, unadorned and unembellished and you can achieve the modern look more quickly than you think.
Furniture in modern homes are often raised from the floor. It also has an open space layout allowing for air to freely come and go. The walls are often white which add to the spacious look and feel.
Modern interiors also often have bare flooring and the only lines of demarcation are area rugs. These are made of wool and have a neutral color. The only hints of color are used in moderation.
Contemporary interior design means living and occurring. This refers to what is popular which means it can borrow a look from a certain era or it can be something fresh and new. An example is that art and furniture from the modern era are widely being used in many contemporary settings these days. Also, traditional moldings as well as millwork can also be incorporated in certain cases.
Contemporary style, at the moment, uses a lot of big windows. They also come in the oddest shapes which balance the open space layout that is common in such settings. The finishes use neutrals like stone, cedar or fir.
Finishing details come with ornate or clean lines – the choice is actually yours to make. Sustainability and comfort are also quite big in contemporary dwellings at the moment. Today, this may be referred to as West Coast contemporary but a decade or two from now, contemporary will be something else that’s entirely different.
A huge part of the confusion comes with the elements that are Mid-century modern which are being incorporated into contemporary homes.
Lastly, put emphasis on comfort if you want to have a contemporary setting. Be stylishly comfortable while adding aesthetic functionality still. Add throw pillows, artistic accessories, soft rugs and floor coverings to complete the look.
Tags: contemporary theme, contemporary vs. modern, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern theme, modern vs. contemporary
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Modern vs. Contemporary Furniture – Or Are They the Same?
Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Geometric Chest will look great in any living area.
If you have an artistic flair that needs to be satiated, then you might feel that your home is in need of a shot of color. The latest geometric accent pieces and wallpapers can give your home that needed lift. Imagine still feeling energized even during the dreary winter months as nothing can compare to bright and bold patterns when it comes to invigorating the senses.
A Daring Move
Geometric patterns are the hottest topic in interior design these days. Chevrons and stripes have been dominating the headlines in many interior design magazines for a long time. This trend is here to stay but if this is your first time to embrace this bold style, then it is advisable that you take it easy.
Do not run and invest in the boldest carpets and wallpapers all at once. Fine patterns that are unique which will surely pass design fads. The usual stripes and chevron patterns can give a feeling of modernism and youthful vibrancy. While this is so, you need to consider the overall style of your home so that the geometric patterns you are going to bring in will fit.
It is not difficult to create subtle yet sophisticated looks just by looking for a muted neutral shade then slowly layering with a bold mix of colors and hip patterns. Just make sure that you use bold patterns sparingly or you would be left with a room that confuses the beholder.
Accessories Uttermost Geometric Shapes, S3 19935 are black ceramic shapes complete with crystal feet and bronze undertones.
Consider Your Mood
It is also crucial that you think about the mood that you would want to project in your home. Soothing and relaxing places are your bedrooms and the living room. You can still use graphic prints in these rooms but limit your color palette to the soft and calming hues. You can also extend this same cozy effect to your master bathroom and all other bathrooms in your home.
As for the kitchen, dining area, the hallway, and rooms where foot traffic is almost constant, go ahead and splurge on those vibrant wallpapers. These are now available in many exciting patterns and colors. They are sure to energize the entrance hall and would leave a lasting impression with any visitor.
Never be limited by the thought that geometric patterns are for contemporary homes only. There are many options for just about any theme that you can think of. For the more traditional styles, then add glamour through subtle geometry. As for modern themes, the sky’s the limit pretty much.
Draw some inspiration from different eras, for instance, if you feel inspired to use materials from the Art Deco period, then find linear patterns, subtle curves, and monochrome or metallic colors. If you want contemporary styles, then find wallpapers in a ‘60s vibe. These could have a dizzying effect at first but you will soon appreciate the unique vibe that they bring in to your space.
Accessories Uttermost Geometric Impressions Modern Art 35309 is a hand painted canvas with geometric pattern rendering a three-dimensional effect.
You can also opt to use two-tone geometric patterns or have those harlequin-like patterns of diamonds and a spectrum of colors. Should these remain uninspiring to you, then choose a mixture of eighties design, palm leaf and bold shapes.
It is not advisable to decorate an entire room with geometric patterns. Less is more with this kind of style. Also, it is not just for the brave and daring homeowners who would set up a feature wall; it is also a style that can fit a person with delicate personality.
Wallpapers are not the only stuff that you can bring in. See the metallic geometric shapes below and you would know that geometric design can also be a decorative element.
Featuring geometric artwork is also a welcome move as are the use of rugs, carpets and furniture that show interesting patterns and textures.
Tags: bold, bold design, bold statement, Chevron, contemporary, contemporary interiors, contemporary style, contemporary theme, design geometry, geometric design, geometric interior design, geometric patterns, geometry in design, guidelines, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, modern, modern style, modern theme, modernism, patterns, stripes, stripes in interior design, tips
Posted in Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Geometry in Interior Design: Fun, Hip and Stylish
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