We Bet You Didn't Know These Differences Between Modern and Contemporary Design (2024)

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What is the difference between modern design and contemporary design? ›

What Are Modern and Contemporary Styles? Modern style is firmly rooted in the early to mid-1900s and involves strong lines with natural colors. Contemporary style involves the trends of the here and now.

In the world of design, traditional and contemporary furniture styles are, in a sense, opposites. While traditional furniture is ornate and indulgent, contemporary furniture is simple and understated. Traditional furniture embodies elegance and romance. Contemporary furniture is subtle and gives off an urban appeal.

Contemporary design is a more general term, referring to styles of the present and future. “Modern design refers to a movement that began in the early-20th century and lasted through the post-war era,” Alessandra Wood, design historian and Vice President of Style at Modsy, says.

Contemporary style embraces minimalistic elements highlighting grays, beiges and shades of white. Sleek, thoughtful, hidden details emphasize an edited aesthetic. Contemporary style offers an 'everything in its place' interior featuring designs that are high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.

Modern art came before contemporary art. Most art historians and critics put the beginning of modern art in the West at around the 1860s, continuing up to the 1960s. Whereas, contemporary art means art made in the present day. But it can be hard to define what the 'present day' really means.

The word "contemporary" can be defined as "happening or beginning now or in recent times." Historians generally divide the study of history into major periods according to political, social, and technological events. Modern history is usually defined as beginning in the 15th century and continuing through the present.

In everyday use, it generally means simply "modern" or "new". But before the 20th century it instead referred only to things from the same era as certain other things; so, for instance, Jesus was contemporary with the Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius, and Muhammad was contemporary with Pope Gregory the Great.

Modern architecture strives for minimalism, which you can see in its lack of adornment, commitment to utility, and use of straight, clean lines. Contemporary pushes the edge by including uncommon features, inner structures, and intriguing exterior designs that contribute to its distinctive personality.

A Modern Interior Design Definition. Modern interior design refers to a sleek and uncluttered style that began in the late 19^th century. In its purest form, modernism reflects a fuss-free approach to life. As a result, designers kept décor minimal while emphasizing industrial materials.

Modern and contemporary decorating styles have strong similarities. They both emphasize clean lines and uncluttered spaces, and feature a neutral color palette as the foundation. Although they can look alike, the differences are key to the styles.