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Novozhenina Anna
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“Modern style” has many different incarnations in apartment interiors, which make identification difficult. It refers to the reflection of the renewed art movement in the interiors of houses. Find out about all the nuances of modern style design in more detail later in the article.
What is the difference between Contemporary and Modern?
There are several central characteristics and design themes visible throughout modern design, with two large sections in particular:
- Modern;
- Contemporary.
They, in turn, have their own directions. Contemporary is here and now . He flaunts everything that is relevant today in the world of interior design. It is constantly evolving: playing with conventions, embracing new ideas, taking on different forms that come and go each season.
While Contemporary remains here and now, Modern lives in the past.
These two design terms are often used interchangeably, but they are completely different design styles that both fall under the umbrella of “contemporary.” Let's look at their origins and compare.
Contemporary is here and now
Art Nouveau, created by the German Bauhaus and Scandinavian design schools, emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Over time it turned into:
- Midcentury Modern (mid-century style);
- postmodernism.
Mid-century style, as opposed to postmodernism, is considered "modern". More about it below.
Contemporary became popular in the 1970s, initially being a mixture of styles before becoming recognizable on its own. It borrowed several elements from modernism and postmodernism and also collected ideas from many other styles such as art deco, deconstructivism, futurism and many others.
Modern style
There are many differences between them:
- Modern space tends to follow a clear style format, while Contemporary has many variations in its interiors;
- Art Nouveau in its true form is rarely seen as austere or cold, while some Contemporary interiors celebrate austere character;
- in the decorations of the first style, colors are based on natural or neutral ones, but in the second, this range of colors goes from one extreme to the other;
- the first is a supporter of hard lines, the second loves bends and curvature.
However, there are considerable similarities. Both styles tend to favor simple, uncluttered spaces with smooth, clean lines and have a flair for creativity.
Contemporary has many variations in its interiors
Characteristic features of modern style in the interior
The interior of the apartment in a modern style (photo below) developed in conditions of limited space in high-rise apartments. The source can be considered European countries, where the issue of ergonomics and free space is most acute. In addition, many features were taken from modern Japanese apartments - due to the extremely small territory and local cultural characteristics, ergonomic interiors are highly valued.
Modern style has become extremely popular not only in the West, but also in our country. The main distinguishing feature is not so much the appearance as the main essence - maximum ergonomics. Interior items are not only beautiful, but also functional.
Modern
Modernity never changes. He captured the style and mood of a particular era - from the early mid-20th century, in particular from the 1920s to the 1950s. During this period, new thinking is born, which is reflected first in political ideas, and then in design, to the fullest.
Interesting living room design option
While it can be anything from Art Deco to Bauhaus, Modern is considered the crown jewel of interior design. Here are a few subgenres in design that fall under the heading of modernism:
- Futurism;
- Bauhaus;
- Neo-Dadaism;
- Minimalism;
- Abstract expressionism.
Mid-century style is a “modern” offshoot of Art Nouveau, a rather complex style of interior design. This aesthetic is famous for its ease, open concepts, clean lines, minimal decoration . Mid-century modern decorating is all about the beauty of simplicity. This understated atmosphere places great emphasis on Art Nouveau architecture, making mid-century furniture the focal point of the space. We all know this famous furniture, its most famous representatives are all kinds of Patchwork chairs from Eames, the most prominent representatives of the style.
Beauty is in simplicity
Other design elements that define a mid-century space include:
Open concept plans. We've seen a major resurgence in open concept spaces in recent years, all thanks to mid-century! This style is the origin of the open concept of living. Having fewer walls creates a smoother flow from room to room. In turn, it gives you more room to play with furniture placement, making your home look larger. Mid-century homes also feature bare floors, which fit perfectly with the idea of open, airy living.
Strong angles and lines. This style prides itself on its elegant lines, geometric shapes, and sharp angles in everything from mid-century modern architectural details to furniture and artwork. Asymmetry is also an important design feature.
The style is famous for its ease
Fewer pieces of furniture. Empty spaces can be just as impressive as filled ones. Fewer pieces of furniture highlight the mid-century ethos of communicating easy living.
White Walls: Mid-century homes use white walls to maintain freshness, create character, and show off architectural details. White walls transcend seasons and trends, so your home will always look fashionable and feel modern. It's all about simple complexity.
Natural materials. Modern design always has a touch of natural elements to make the space feel warmer and more inviting. This applies to wood, leather, wool, linen, and polished metals. This was also a time period that embraced industry and manufacturing, so molded plastic and plywood decks were a popular choice in mid-century homes.
Large windows let in a lot of natural light
Lots of windows is one of the most important mid-century design philosophies. This is a connection with nature. Designing a home with large windows (and lots of them) was a thoughtful way to make the indoors feel like the outdoors. Not to mention the abundant supply of natural light.
Ultimately, what it comes down to is that Modern seeks to capture a moment in time, while Contemporary observes trends occurring in the present.
The art of futurism - minimalism and high technology in interior design
Futuristic design is a way to see the future, its trends show how it will change and develop. Furniture designers demonstrate it as:
- interesting, convenient;
- safe, functional;
- modern;
- with aesthetically pleasing furniture and decorative accessories.
Futuristic design is a way to see the future
Hi-tech style
Futurist art and high technology combine style, futurism, minimalism, and art. The result is a delightful aesthetic that makes one feel good and spacious. It organically combines with the new style of people of the 21st century.
High-tech style
The main principle on which high-tech equipment is based is its wide capabilities. Smart technical equipment determines the criterion for a good choice. Futurism and art here act as a single form in which ideas and aesthetics are connected.
Furniture in the futuristic style is:
- metal chairs;
- sofas;
- chairs with leather upholstery;
- tables made of metal, plastic, glass;
- unusual (often round) shelves and cabinets;
- built-in household appliances.
Furniture in futuristic style
Futuristic furnishings define one of the most impressive trends in home decoration and furnishings, creating a beautiful interior for comfortable living. It is created by professionals who have a special combination of artistic talent, skills to implement new ideas, and a practical vision of modern interior design. These new developments in modern furniture concepts that we see will become major trends in home decoration and furnishings in the future.
Materials
Often used:
- concrete;
- glass;
- metal;
- brick;
- plastic.
Stylish bathroom
It also welcomes elements of industrial style, which helps functional details not be hidden, but part of the look. Pipes, air ducts, faucet parts, round door and window openings are welcome.
Wallpaper and many other decorative details, however, are unpopular in this interior design. The room, which corresponds to the futuristic style, is designed entirely in cold colors. If you really want, bare walls can be revived a little. But the works of art should also be in the style of futurism, for example photographs in this style or black and white photographs.
Bedroom decor idea
The color scheme is very subdued. It is usually limited to white, gray, black. This is where surfaces play an important role. Bright metallic is always a win-win.
In the end, a space that was designed according to all the rules of futurist art must be open. Open to people, their daily lives, open to new developments and technologies.
Simple, clean, functional: modern style in bedroom interiors
The modernism movement embraced the concept of “form follows function,” meaning that the utility of a piece of furniture or space in a building is more important than appearance. This does not mean that modern is not beautiful: it simply does not contain unnecessary decoration. Clean lines in furniture and plenty of open space in the room are important components of this concept.
In light, calm colors
Traditionally, the color scheme is neutral: various shades of brown, cream, taupe, black, gray and white predominate. Early Bauhaus designers used small touches of red, yellow or blue as accents. As the style matured, neutrals remained the primary palette, but the use of bright, cheerful accent colors became more common.
Art Nouveau contains natural materials, especially wood. However, the use of plastics and chrome serves as an integral part of the look, adding color, shine, and highlighting to all the mass-produced items that are typical of the style.
Use clean lines when choosing furniture
Hallway
Modern hallways are usually minimalist. They are clean and simple, with thoughtful spatial architecture. If your corridor is narrow or small, you need to make it visually larger using various techniques, without crowding it with furniture. Add a table or shelf for small items, place a chair. Any furniture should either be hidden or moved to another room.
Tip Try making walls out of reflective material without covering them with paintings, and placing recessed lighting in the corners to visually expand the space. Use light colors for the hallway.
Modern hallways are minimalist
Favorite accent spots in the Modern style corridor are red Bauhaus style chairs. Use correct lines and symmetry to harmonize a small space.
Studio apartment
Clean and unadorned, the modern apartment incorporates a variety of natural materials such as wood, leather, teak and linen. For furniture the following will continue to be standard:
- plywood;
- plastic;
- polished metal.
The airy, mid-century modern vibe continues to be the craze. Therefore, most of the fittings are visually raised from the ground and arranged in such a way that the space appears open and expansive. Retro red-orange accent colors also have a place and bring joy, and geometric patterns are always appropriate.
Studio apartment with corners of fresh flowers
Color
Despite the focus on minimalism, modern spaces are not typically cold or dull . They are filled with lots of warm, natural neutrals. On the other hand, modern spaces can have a bold severity: have a monochromatic black and white spectrum, or have another bold color spread.
Photo ideas for decorating different rooms
The best example is a visual one. Below are the interiors of apartments in a modern style, photos of which we selected especially for you. The kitchen, living room, bedroom and hallway are under consideration.
Eco style Neoclassical
Japanese style
With columns-partitions Family living room
With a glass fireplace With pillows in light green color Parents' bedroom
With panels on the wall
With photo wallpaper
With wooden floors In Mediterranean style With antique furniture In a small apartment Young people's home
Living room
The living room is a place to relax and meet guests. It should be both attractive and calming, encouraging conversation and relaxation. The living room does not have any special requirements that must be taken into account in the work.
Cozy atmosphere
In red colors For newlyweds
Luxury apartments
Discreet interior in orange
In Khrushchev with a brick wall With photographs on the wall
Warm colors
With leather furniture With decorative ceiling
With roses on the wall
With exquisite furniture
Kitchen
In modern style, the kitchen is not only a place for cooking, but also a place for eating. This is dictated by the small size of modern apartments and the limitation on the number of rooms. It is better to take this into account when creating a suitable interior.
With a small area
Redecorating
Meal for four Decorative decoration With bar counter and table In the evening
Small area Black and bright green Black, white and red Rounded top
Apartment in St. Petersburg
In a small Khrushchevka
Breakfast on the table Open space
Bedroom
Often the bedroom is combined with a living room. In this case, it is necessary to correctly divide the space and create different zones. Otherwise, when the bedroom is represented by a separate room, you should create the most comfortable room for its owner.
For parents
With a view of the city With a work area
With wood panels on the wall
With a wide bed With lamps on the sides
With a mirror In yellow English classics In brown Chic renovation With curtains on the windows With blinds on the windows
With a mirror next to the bed Inexpensive but tasteful
Hallway
The hallway is a meeting place for guests. The modern style has no special requirements for the hallway, but it should reflect the theme of all other rooms. In addition, it is appropriate to place various works of art in the hallway, although only if it is part of the rest of the apartment.
With ottoman
With a designer chandelier With a corner wall Narrow With access to the living room
With decorative stone
With an unusual hanger
With a full-length mirror With a red column With tiles on the floor With a two-tier wardrobe
With marble floor With beautiful lighting
In a classic design style
With a mat before going out
Contemporary
This style stems from modern, but using a Contemporary theme doesn't mean you have to follow all the rules. He can be as individual as you. Some people like clean lines, local lighting, streamlined furniture. And you may be inclined towards deeper, bolder colors with subtle lighting, abundant fittings, and soft furnishings.
Pillows as a bright element of the room
It all comes down to a question of personality. Bring this to the attention of the designer for your project, so that his personality is consistent with yours, or that he is guided by your requests. This way, you'll be sure to get a Contemporary style that retains your personality.
Key elements
According to Eric Amos, editor of a major design magazine, Contemporary style is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without complex details.
“This doesn't mean your home will look stark or cold, because long gone are the days of boxy furniture and eccentric decorating. The updated Contemporary is a combination of comfortable, livable elements that create a sophisticated, fresh look and feel.”
Use unusual elements
The designer invites us to consider these elements to create a home in the Contemporary style:
- color;
- metallic accents;
- texture;
- wood shade;
- lighting.
Color is the key
Modern designs are usually offset by neutral colors. When you're decorating your walls, you'll want to choose shades of brown, taupe, cream, or pure white. You can easily liven up your room by decorating one accent wall, adding a sofa in a bold color, and choosing small but colorful decorative accessories such as:
- pillows;
- carpet for zoning;
- lamps;
- illustrations.
The Key to "Modern Design" is Simplicity
Tip Be careful not to let accessories clutter the space, because the key to “modern design” is simplicity.
Metal accent
Metals such as stainless steel, nickel and chrome are very popular in "contemporary design" because they provide a glossy finish and a clean look. You can easily accent your home by choosing stainless steel appliances for your kitchen. Regarding kitchen faucets, there are many suitable metal finishes to choose from.
For accents in living rooms, consider using metal for:
- pieces of furniture;
- lamps;
- shelves;
- artistic works.
Stainless steel, nickel and chrome are popular in this design
All about texture
If you want to add texture and create a more natural and cozy atmosphere, use fabrics such as:
- silk;
- fine velvet;
- linen;
- wool.
Accents like window fabric, upholstery, stuffed pillows, rugs and linen wallpaper are a great way to offset the clean, smooth lines of metallic accents. When choosing fabric, avoid complex patterns because they will distort the clean "contemporary look" you are trying to achieve.
Interiors of one-room apartments in a modern style - photos of ideas for the best options
Below are various interiors of one-room apartments in a modern style; the photo should give you some ideas.
After renovation With separate bedroom With bed on level
With mirrors With large window
With stretch ceiling
