We often use the terms “contemporary” and “modern” in interior designs as if they are synonymous. For professional interior designers, contemporary and modern interior designs are entirely different styles, with a few similarities. Passionate about interior design, you must be wondering, “Which came first, contemporary or modern interior design?” In short, it was modern designs, originally derived from the concepts of modernism around the late 19th century. Contemporary design arrived later, with an independent flair of its own. This blog was created by our interior designers in Kollam and will give you a brief understanding of modern and contemporary design, expanding your understanding of interior design.
Modernism
Modernism came into being as a liberation from overly cluttered decor and artificial interiors. The concept of modernism brought a sense of balance into form and function, introducing a fresh refinement of interior architecture. Minimalism, efficient structures, and good functionality were the focal points of modernism.
Modern Interior Designs
Modern interior designs carry certain traits of Scandinavian and German architecture, also borrowing Victorian elements from the Victorian era. Modern design style incorporates the motto “form follows function,” further enhancing the minimal and efficient nature of the interiors. A good splash of monochromatic colours can be seen throughout the designs, inducing serenity. You can notice through the designs that there is a repulsion to maximalist elements. The incorporation of new innovative technologies into the home environment was an incredible highlight of the modernist era. Building materials like concrete and steel made architectural designs cheaper. Open floor designs, flat roofs, huge windows, and functionality became key elements of modern interior designs.
Contemporary Interior Designs
One fundamental factor that sets contemporary interior design apart from modern designs is that it does not resonate with any particular period of time. It is a constantly evolving trend that reflects styles that are popular in the present. The contemporary movement started around the late 20th century. Neutral palettes, natural light, and clean lines are some of the elementary features of contemporary design. It is a freestyle play of architecture, adopting different elements of various styles with the advantage of great customisation. Basically, contemporary style is the present. It flows with time, which makes it difficult to structure the definition. On the other hand, modern design has features that can be distinguished.
Elements Common in Contemporary & Modern Designs
Contemporary design is a fusion of a wide variety of design features that evolves continuously. Modern designs share certain similarities with contemporary design. Let’s take a look at them.
Open Floor Plans
Contemporary designs feature fewer walls and more sense of openness that promotes great flexibility in the space. This encourages good social interactions and amazing customisation of furniture.
Minimalism
Minimalism is the charm feature of contemporary design that evokes the spacious feeling by removing unnecessary clutter and gives value to simplicity. Minimalism has benefits like increased productivity and focus while reducing stress and anxiety.
Neutral Colour Palettes
Contemporary style has the fundamental feature of using neutral colour palettes, adding a quite serene vibe to the interiors. It induces a stress-free and relaxing environment with soothing colours.
Natural Light
Contemporary designs harness light through carefully curated layouts and also help to connect interiors with the outdoors. Big windows and glass roofs can help save electricity and improve the living experience at the same time.
Clean Lines
Clean, streamlined designs bring elegance to the interiors and are sleek features that elevate the interiors.
Modern decor prioritises function, while contemporary designs focus more on aesthetic charm and elegance. Modern designs bring attention to the focal points in the interiors and do not follow sophisticated designs. Modern spaces are composed of warm and natural aesthetics with warm layers that are cosy. As contemporary designs are constantly evolving, the aesthetics can range from neutral to extreme contrasts. Contemporary furniture is more freestyle and curvy. Modern designs have furniture that follows a strict format of straight and boxy designs. Neither style prefers heavy and ornate features. Both adopt minimalism as a foundation and strive to achieve an open and clean feel.
We hope this blog has provided you with an understanding of modern and contemporary designs. If you want to incorporate contemporary interiors into your home, consult a team of professional interior designers in Kerala to help you in choosing your home designs.
