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IdeasStyle Trial: Contemporary and Modern
Sometimes I think there’s no easier way to provoke a loss for words than asking, “So what look are you going for here?” There are endless ways to describe personal style and probably just as many definitions and interpretations of common design styles.
In this Style Trial series, we’re hoping to clear up some of the confusion surrounding common nomenclature for style pairings that tend to be more similar than they are different. But just because we’re defining these styles for you doesn’t mean you have to pick just one.
To kick it off, we’re starting with contemporary (a style beloved by first-in-line trend setters) and modern (which happens to be my own personal favorite).
What is “contemporary”?
I think part of the reason people have trouble defining a contemporary look is that it’s ever-changing and of the moment. Even though this style is continuously evolving, it can currently be identified by luxury materials and high-quality craftsmanship. Upholstered seating serves as a great tip-off, but marble finishes, metal and gloss lacquer, and subtle uses of exotic woods will solidify a style as being contemporary.
What is “modern”?
Modern is playful, fresh and clean — the softer side of contemporary. The mixed materials, natural wood finishes and curves give off an approachable, eclectic feel. Pop culture and retro modern influences are common here, especially in fabrics. And if you see statement pieces that are multifunctional (think lamps combined with tables or seating that incorporates table tops), you know you have a modern style.
How do I tell the difference?
Ask yourself the following questions, and you’ll have a good idea where your style stands.
If your style doesn’t fit either of these to a tee, don’t worry. It’s more about picking and choosing the design elements that fit your style and creating a vibe that’s unique to you. Maybe that style isn’t contemporary or modern. Maybe it’s “classic urban luxury” or “throwback natural eclectic.” In my opinion, it’s not about being confined by labels. It’s about understanding and embracing the differences (and similarities) of the styles.
Not sure if these styles are for you? Take our interior design style quiz, read my blog post about modern simplicity and check out our contemporary and modern Pinterest boards for more design inspiration.
If you’re not down with contemporary or modern styles, don’t fret. There’s more to come on traditional and transitional styles next week.
Top image from Celebrations at Home.
In this Style Trial series, we’re hoping to clear up some of the confusion surrounding common nomenclature for style pairings that tend to be more similar than they are different. But just because we’re defining these styles for you doesn’t mean you have to pick just one.
To kick it off, we’re starting with contemporary (a style beloved by first-in-line trend setters) and modern (which happens to be my own personal favorite).
What is “contemporary”?
I think part of the reason people have trouble defining a contemporary look is that it’s ever-changing and of the moment. Even though this style is continuously evolving, it can currently be identified by luxury materials and high-quality craftsmanship. Upholstered seating serves as a great tip-off, but marble finishes, metal and gloss lacquer, and subtle uses of exotic woods will solidify a style as being contemporary.
What is “modern”?
Modern is playful, fresh and clean — the softer side of contemporary. The mixed materials, natural wood finishes and curves give off an approachable, eclectic feel. Pop culture and retro modern influences are common here, especially in fabrics. And if you see statement pieces that are multifunctional (think lamps combined with tables or seating that incorporates table tops), you know you have a modern style.
How do I tell the difference?
Ask yourself the following questions, and you’ll have a good idea where your style stands.
| Contemporary | Modern | |
| How do I describe it? | Luxurious, extreme style, ahead of the curve, glitz and bold | Approachable, playful, fresh, clean, simple and casual |
| What colors are prominent? | Luxury tones of brown, taupe, cream and white are derived from materials and finishes (like brass). Complimentary colors are ahead of mainstream color usage. | Neutral shades of white and cream are highlighted by splashes of color. |
| What materials will I frequently see? | Metal, exotic woods, stone, marble, concrete, glass and glossy finishes | Natural woods, such as walnut, teak, ash and oak (never distressed but sometimes painted), linen, leather, polished and painted metal and plastics |
| What’s the time period associated with this style? | There isn’t a time period for this; it’s the latest and greatest. | While some say it’s rooted in the 1930s, it could span the 1920s to mid-1960s. (That’s why some call this style “retro.”) |
| If this style was a car, what would it be? | An auto show concept car, like the Lexus IS 250 F Sport or the Cadillac Elmiraj. | A Honda Element or Volkswagen Jetta |
If your style doesn’t fit either of these to a tee, don’t worry. It’s more about picking and choosing the design elements that fit your style and creating a vibe that’s unique to you. Maybe that style isn’t contemporary or modern. Maybe it’s “classic urban luxury” or “throwback natural eclectic.” In my opinion, it’s not about being confined by labels. It’s about understanding and embracing the differences (and similarities) of the styles.
Not sure if these styles are for you? Take our interior design style quiz, read my blog post about modern simplicity and check out our contemporary and modern Pinterest boards for more design inspiration.
If you’re not down with contemporary or modern styles, don’t fret. There’s more to come on traditional and transitional styles next week.
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