What is the difference between modern and contemporary?
Modernism is a classic, minimalist style that incorporates furnishings from earlier eras such as Bauhaus and midcentury modern. Design in this style involves a strict adherence to a set and acknowledged theory regarding pure unadulterated arrangements, carefully controlled textures, clean lines and pure unadorned finishes. It also utilizes the most current finishes — whether they are plastic, metal or glass. One quote from the late American architect Louis Sullivan epitomizes this style: “form follows function.” This thinking denotes the simplistic beauty of a space by providing only the necessary pieces for the room to function versus decoration for the sake of decoration.
Contemporary is the current mode or fashion of the day. Currently the “contemporary style” is to incorporate some classically traditional elements like fabric or furniture into a more clean, modern feel. That might be accomplished by placing the furnishings in a minimal arrangement or by mixing several styles of furnishings together for a cohesive look.
Denver interior designer Laurel Quint of Q Design, 303-778-7072 or
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