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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?
Thursday, June 16th, 2016
1586-90001-BLK2 The Poet Eight-Drawer Dresser
Modern design embodies a lot of elements which is why it is not easy to define it. In the most basic terms, though, this is the reflection of modern art movements inside homes. There are different central features and design themes that can be considered modern.
Modern designs were society’s objection and rejection of the ornate styles like Renaissance, Gothic and Victorian. Furnishing designs that you could include are Art Deco, Mission Style, and Shaker.
Modernism Means Clean, Straight Lines
Modern design – since it was designed to become the antithesis of complex themes, heavy textures, wood tones and carvings – is supposed to have nothing but linear designs. If anything geometric is to be placed, then it has to be controlled and scarce.
Modern furniture and other design components include clean lines with no frills. It differs from contemporary design which can include sweeping lines and curves. The lines in modern design are more crisp and sharper.
Materials that you could pair with your furnishings include oversized tiles, sanded wood flooring with minimized grain and smaller shelves and bookcases. The open space layout is most welcome as is the lack of molding and trimming on doors, windows and walls.
Say Hello to Metal
Stainless steel and chrome are two of the biggest elements used in modern design. In fact, a modern home would be less, well, modern in the absence of metallic pieces. Stay away from traditional metals, though, such as wrought iron. Instead, go for the cleaner, most polished metals.
For your home to be considered modern, be sure to use a lot of stainless steel and chrome. Have the exposed chair frames and table legs covered with any of these two metals.
Chrome is also used extensively in other home components such as doorknobs, faucets, lamps, cabinet handles and railings. It is known for its polished beauty and a slightly blue undertone.
Less Is More
Modern homes are also minimalist homes. The basics of being a minimalist are the absence of complex details, less color, and just the right amount of textiles. Even in the absence of a lot of things, it is safe to say that minimalist homes are well-planned homes. They are actually comfortable since all are streamlined for efficiency.
The minimalist and modern approaches share one other great aspect – zero-clutter. Clutter could mean different thing to different people but if you want the modern design, then just retain the essential pieces. This means saying no to pottery, vases, trinkets, and a lot of throw pillows.
Necessities are books, keepsakes and electronics. While these are still needful, they are almost always kept out of sight through proper storage.
Modernism Is Bold
Many homes designed in modern styles make use of neutrals, black and white. Yet this does not mean that you should shun using brighter colors. You can break the monotony created by the neutrals by setting up focal points. The primary colors are often used sparingly.
Hang a colorful wall art, a bold-colored sofa, brightly-colored pillows, or an accent wall.
Modernism, Modern You
In essence, all the things that you see in modern design are the result of modern thinking. Modernists were allergic to excessiveness, too much intellect, and cultural norms. They wanted to push off boundaries with regard to creativity and culture.
The modernists’ movements also included saying no to organized religion and the belief in a god. To them, modern norms had to be created and more suitable norms be instilled, hence, the birth of futurism, cubism, Neo-Dada, Bauhaus, abstract expressionism, and others.
To the world they shouted – Make It New. So, are you ready to apply what you have read?
7067-001CR Wallis 2 Cushion Sofa
Tags: bold, bold design, bold interiors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist space, minimalist style, modern, modern design, modern interior design, modern interior design tips, modern interiors, modern style, modern theme, modernism
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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.
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Posted in Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Geometry in Interior Design: Fun, Hip and Stylish
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