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What's the difference between 'Contemporary' and 'Modern'?

7 years ago

Screening potential IDs for my reno, and one of them used the term 'Modern Contemporary'? Aren't those two different styles (according to Houzz photos, they are)? How can I tell what's what?

Comment (1)

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SUGARBAKERS
7 years ago
Hi Olivia,

A very good question indeed and one that is often "inter-used".

Contemporary furniture or architecture is that of the times of NOW and is ever evolving with the times and technology and trends. Fashion often sets the trend of design and colour etc. Contemporary design is ever evolving and is not tied down to one specific style and is often quite eclectic.

Delicate White Marble · More Info

Modern furniture or architecture and design on the other hand is strangely enough from the 1920s to the 1950s pre and during the industrial revolution. Where machinery was used to create and build rather than made by hand. One often hears of Mid century modern and in Singapore at the moment one hears "retro". It all refers to modern style and design.

The term is rather deceiving and one can be easily confused.

These days the term modern can also refer to interior and furniture with clean lines. That would be contemporary modern style. Ha ha... Did i manage to confuse you even more?

Hope that my simple explanation helps you? Do feel free to get in touch with us if you need further clarification.

Have a great day ahead and hope you will create that dream space of yours soon.
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