Modern vs. Contemporary
Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-1121 -- More Projects »
Demystify the challenge of correctly identifying the differences between contemporary and modern design and learn how to personalize these similar yet dramatically different styles:
- Contemporary design incorporates lots of color and texture. Artwork is comfortable and colorful (figure A).
- Modern design uses less texture and is more about form/artistic impression rather than function. Add touches of color through artwork that makes you think and accessories.
For a modern look be sure to include basic geometric shapes in decorative accents such as oversized round chrome accessories, square-edged furnishings and rectangular-patterned rugs and artwork (figure B). Wall colors are in the light and highly reflective color range--white-based greens, teals and blues as well as stark white. Paint the ceiling a crisp bright white to further emphasize dramatic architectural features. Contemporary designs call for softer lines and an emphasis on comfortable texture--everything from pitted floor tiles to soft sofa fabrics. Wall colors are warm and rich in the medium intensity range (don't use off whites or pale pastels to create a truly relaxing space). To customize the correct contemporary ceiling color, totally immerse a gloved index finger into a gallon of the chosen wall color. Quickly transfer it into a gallon of white latex flat paint, and then mix it thoroughly. Use one finger full of paint per gallon for eight-foot ceilings and two fingers per gallon for 12-foot ones.
Resources Comfortable Living by Design
by Deborah Burnett
Humble Abundance, 1999
Order this title from Amazon.com.
You Can Do It! Decorating
This is a videotape decorating series that shows how to use affordable products and what you already have to create professional-looking decorating results.
Design Service Inc.
E-mail:
deborah@deborahburnett.com
Website:
www.deborahburnett.com
Guests Deborah Burnett
ASID Registered Interior Designer/Licensed Building Contractor, Design Services, Inc.
E-mail:
deborah@deborahburnett.com
Website:
www.deborahburnett.com
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