MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY

DESIGN STYLE
Modern style is based on a design movement that was birthed around the turn of the 20th century.
The modern style movement continued to grow in popularity throughout the first half of the 20th century, and later
derivatives of this style are known as midcentury modern and postmodern.
key beliefs behind the modern design movement is the idea that “form follows function.”
Makes it a perfect decorating choice for those who like simple, uncluttered spaces with clean lines and a lack of
fussy adornments
 KEY ELEMENTS FOR THE DESIGN :

•Emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines with fewer curves

•Lack of fussiness or fluff

•Low, horizontal furnishings with clean lines

•Celebration of natural light and unadorned windows

•Natural materials such as unpainted wood, metals, leather, and natural fibers

•A neutral or “natural” color palette

•Reflective surfaces such as steel, chrome, or glass

•Natural woods and wood veneers

USING COLOR TO EVOKE VARIOUS MOODS: a kind of aesthetic code, associated with visual relaxation
and a sense of cleanliness for both the eye and the mind.
USING COLOR TO EVOKE VARIOUS MOODS: Unusual color combinations, such as soft blues and grays
paired with striking ochre, lend a fresh feel to room deco
TYING IN TEXTURE AND MATERIALS- Soft or hard, rough or smooth—texture also informs the overall
ambience of a space
TYING IN TEXTURE AND MATERIALS- Home designers often gravitate toward organic elements like live
edge and burled wood furniture pieces.
SHAPE AND LINES OF FURNITURE AND OTHER ELEMENTS - Modern design tends to lean toward more
clean lines but there are some more organic interpretations of this that still feel modern.
SHAPE AND LINES OF FURNITURE AND OTHER ELEMENTS - Some spaces may call for soft, curvy shapes w
others favor angular, square shapes, or even geometric patterns.
BRINGING IN NATURAL LIGHT AND OPENNESS – Modern designers strive to open up interiors to create
a sense of space and expansiveness.
BRINGING IN NATURAL LIGHT AND OPENNESS – interiors also allow homeowners to take maximum
advantage of the natural light in their space, since sunlight isn’t blocked by doors and walls.
ADDING TENSION BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL AND NATURAL ELEMENTS – In modern interior design,
it’s not unusual to see a mixture of different elements: rustic wood shelving paired with metallic light fixtures, for
instance, or a faux sheep skinned chair with a mid century metal frame.
CLEAN STRAIGHT LINES
• Modern design was meant to be the antithesis of the previous design styles which used heavy
textures, carvings and wood tones throughout the home

MINIMALISM
• It plays an integral part in modern design, contemporary modern design and contemporary design.
The basics of minimalism include a "less is more" approach to designing a space

PRIMARY COLORS
• Bold, often primary colors are used as accents to help break up the neutrals and provide focal points

USE OF METAL
• Chrome and stainless steel make up a big part of modern design. Doing away with traditional metal
details (like wrought iron) opens up the door for clean, polished metals to be used in their place.

UNCLUTTERED SPACES
Contemporary on the other hand, is more fluid and can represent a sense of currency with less adherence to one
particular style.
Fundamentally, a contemporary style of decorating is defined by simplicity, subtle sophistication, deliberate use of
texture, and clean lines. Interiors tend to showcase space rather than things.
Things that are modern and current with the styles of the moment are contemporary style.
At its core, the word “contemporary” means “of the moment,” which makes this style particularly hard to define
Contemporary spaces, in contrast, often have a less-is-more vibe. It doesn't necessarily mean they are stark and
minimal; they have an airier look
 KEY ELEMENTS FOR THE DESIGN :

•FORM IS ONE OF THE FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

•STICK TO NEUTRALS.

•LET THE LIGHT INSIDE THE SPACE

•FOCUS ON FORM, LINE AND SPACE

•BOLD YET SIMPLE, UNCLUTTERED FURNITURE

FOCUS ON FORM: These spaces often feature a mixture of both straight and elegantly curved lines, which can
be seen as a slight nod to this style’s art deco roots
LINE & SPACE: The most obvious and distinctive element of a contemporary style interior design is the line
STICK TO NEUTRALS : These spaces often aim to pay homage to this style, blacks, whites, tans and grays
should make up the bulk of your design
LET IN LIGHT : The final key to creating a contemporary design is layering plenty of lighting throughout the
room, paying special attention to natural light.
FURNITURE: Furniture pieces should make a bold statement but at the same time be simple and uncluttered,
without curves or decoration
LIGHTING: Use spotlights or can lighting directed at a painting, poster, or print. Consider installing cove lighting
or indirect light. Include color and metallic elements on the light fixtures.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY
• Modern design refers to an era that has passed
• Modern design often features wood and earthier
elements
• Modern design colors have an earthier hue and
feature shades like rust, turquoise, brown and olive •
greens
• Modern decorative pieces tend to have a set
function
• they are filled with plenty of natural and warm
neutrals
• Contemporary furniture designs are a bit curvier
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY
• Minimalistic
• Clean, architectural lines are their signature
• They both have an open-space feel
• They both don’t have ornate details
• contemporary design is all about the now and the
future
• Contemporary design features state-of-the-art
materials, glass and metals
Contemporary design often sticks to a stricter palate
of black, white and grey. If color is added, the color is
often the pure, saturated tone like true red, indigo or
orange.
• “living at the moment,” this style is a more fluid and
is constantly evolving
• have a bold starkness in them, such as
monochromatic black and white
• Although modern design furniture favors straight
and strong lines