Contemporary decor is sometimes confused with modern home design. Although the two design ideas have similarities, there are distinct differences that we’re going to share with you in this article.
If you’re looking to achieve a living room with a contemporary flair, then read until the end as we tell you the differences and similarities of both contemporary and modern ideas. Plus, we’ll also share some design ideas to achieve the living room of your dreams to keep in mind while visiting your local furniture discount warehouses.
Contemporary vs Modern: Differences and Similarities
First of all, let’s define both design ideas. The modern style is overall a very simple and fuss-free home design that doesn’t have ornate elements. It is very straightforward and it’s designed to look a particular style that is somewhat formal yet elegant.
On the other hand, the term “contemporary” means living in the present. It basically means it revolves around the current happenings, things, art, or trends. This particular design has its roots in the 1970s.
Moreover, it borrows bits and pieces of design elements from other styles. The most important thing when decorating your living room is that the furniture items shouldn’t look in a certain way. This design means it’s constantly evolving. Your living room aesthetics and furniture products should dwell around what’s current in the industry.
Here are the differences between the two:
- A modern living room table or sofa should have earth-centric components and wood. It mixes natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather. On the other hand, the contemporary style still uses natural materials but most furniture items are paired with industrial-oriented elements such as steel or concrete.
- Modern decorations are typically very functional. While its counterpart features elements that are more for aesthetic purposes.
- Modern hues are typically not cold or bold. They dwell more on neutral and warm colors. On the flip side, a contemporary living room mostly has bold starkness like monochromatic black and white. White walls are welcome in this style. But that doesn’t mean the furniture pieces and other items shouldn’t have other hues in the color wheel as accent pieces.
- Both are different when it comes to design. The latter, modern home style, should be based around the 20th century home decor elements, which centers around minimalism. The former, on the other hand, is more fluid. It constantly changes and there is no set rule when decorating your living room in this style.
Here are the similarities between the two:
- Both revolve around minimalism, clean lines, and sophistication.
- Both living room designs should lack unnecessary decorations and should look uncluttered.
- Both living room furnishings should have exposed legs.
- Both living room styles should preferably have an open space.
Contemporary Living Room Ideas
If you’re still at a loss on how to choose living room furnishings like your sofa, coffee table, chair, entertainment center, or bookcase, here are several elements to watch out for:
Smooth surfaces and clean lines
Whether you’re decorating your living room or family room, always go for furnishings with smooth surfaces and clean lines. The overall aesthetics of this look should be fresh and elegant. The pieces should also be free from carvings, moldings, or adornments.
Neutral colors
Your living room, family room, or bedroom should be dominated by neutral colors like pure white, cream, taupe, or brown. You can create an accent wall with vivid colors. Or you may paint your walls neutral and put an accent chair with a bright color.
Metal accents
To make your living room sleeker with a more polished and clean appeal, you must find furnishings with metal accents such as nickel, chrome, and stainless steel.
Natural fabrics
When it comes to fabrics, go for wool, linen, silk, or cotton for texture. But you may also incorporate geometric patterns or bold colors for your rugs, or throw pillows.
Light or dark wood tones
Try to integrate some wood tones in your space. The furnishings and other accessories should feature either very dark or very light wood tones.
