Modern vs Contemporary Design: What’s the difference?

Modern vs Contemporary Design styles are both appealing to many but most don’t really know the difference between the two. They are not interchangeable and Modern HTX is going to give you examples on what’s the difference. Realtor.com says Contemporary homes stay on the market longer than Modern homes. Even though contemporary is of the time, there is a connotation that it can mean dated. So for marketing purposes, Modern has a better appeal.

Modern Design Style

Modern design refers to a period of time, it is a design style that was created in the 1920′s – 50′s. The style doesn’t change, it is defined and will remain such for ever. Contemporary design is ever changing and it is of the moment.

Most classic examples of modern architecture are more than 50 years old, which makes it a little easier to tell a modern-style home from a contemporary-style home. Open living spaces, clean, geometric lines and function-over-form are key elements of the style.

Mid-century Modern Style

Mid-century modern is an architectural, interior, product and graphic design that describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965. The term, employed as a style descriptor as early as the mid-1950s, was reaffirmed in 1983 by Cara Greenberg in the title of her book, Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s (Random House), celebrating the style that is now recognized by scholars and museums worldwide as a significant design movement.

Contemporary Design Style

Contemporary design refers to that of the 21st century. No single style is dominant; contemporary architects are working in a dozen different styles, from postmodernism and high-tech architecture to highly conceptual and expressive styles, resembling sculpture on an enormous scale. Contemporary design focuses on sustainability, eco and energy efficiency.

Contemporary homes, furniture and buildings are designed to be noticed and to astonish. Some feature concrete structures wrapped in glass or aluminum screens, very asymmetric facades, and cantilevered sections which hang over the street. Skyscrapers twist, or break into crystal-like facets. Facades are designed to shimmer or change color at different times of day. These days, many prefer contemporary architecture with a blend of furnishings and accessories from different styles.