Home Improvement Magazine Kitchen Fashions Fall 2017 | Page 29

CONTEMPORARY
MODERN
DEFINING DESIGN
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
By its very nature, contemporary design uses elements of
what is currently popular. It follows trends rather than long-
standing design principles. As a result, contemporary design
is inherently hard to define. It is constantly shifting and
evolving depending on what is becoming popular and what is
going out of style. Borrowing from many different styles from
many different eras, contemporary design tends to rework and
recombine things in a different way to create a new look and
feel for design elements which may have existed for decades. MODERN DESIGN
When people talk about modern design, they are
usually talking about “midcentury modern,” a very
popular style in the 1950s and ’60s which is now seeing
a resurgence. This type of design is typically defined
by its clean lines and minimalism. Nothing extra is
added and the elements are simple, without flourishes.
Natural elements are typically utilized including linen,
leather and wood, along with solid, neutral colours.
Colour accents can sometimes be thrown in for effect.
TRANSITIONAL STYLE
Transitional style is characterized by a combination of
contemporary furnishings and elements with traditional
design styles. The detailing is less ornate than it would be
on some more traditional styles, but curves and details are
an important aspect. The clean lines of midcentury modern
are generally not going to be used in this type of styling. TRADITIONAL STYLE
Traditional style is a more classic type of design.
It uses elements from different time periods, rich
textures and warm colours. Curves and details
are included along with aesthetic flourishes such
as stained glass, glazed doors, decorative crown
moulding and rich colours in wood stain.
Whatever design style you choose to go with should match the overall design of your home. It wouldn’t make sense to place
the focus on midcentury styles in the living room and then switch to a more traditional style in the kitchen—the clash will
be hard to overcome and jarring to visitors. Design doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent.
TRANSITIONAL
TRADITIONAL