- Follow us:
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
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?
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
