How To Reclaim Like A Pro Follow these simple steps to become a master
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Words: F.C Williams Photographs: Fantastic Frank
odern Style is basically the design and decor of the Modernism movement begun in the very late 1800s. Birthed by the German Bauhaus schools of design and the Scandinavian design emphasis on simplicity and function, the Modern Style is actually very old. The Modern Style eventually morphed into Midcentury Modern (which looks a lot like Modern Design) and Postmodernism. The Contemporary Style became popular in the 1970s and was originally a blend of styles before it became recognizable on its own. Contemporary design did borrow a few elements from Modernism and Postmodernism, but it also gathered ideas from many other styles such as Art Deco, Deconstructivism, Futurism and more. The differences are many. A Modern space tends to follow a strict style format while Contemporary has much variation in its interiors. Modern in its true form is rarely viewed as stark or cold, while some Contemporary interiors
The details are not the details, they make the design. to his contemporary sofa as a “modern art masterpiece,” you have my permission to put him in his place. While we may never entirely tire of whitewashed brick walls teamed with wooden floors, interiors styles have grown more individual and less prescriptive. The 90s were awash with an indistinct colour scheme of beige, white and more beige, the palette of choice for buy-to-letters dressing their warehouse bachelor pads. But the noughties moved away from all that. In the words of many a home makeover show. Towards the end of the decade we started seeing property less as a neutrally styled investment (which, frankly, probably doesn’t count for much now) for a quick and easy let, and more as a home to live in and
P OLI S HED CO N CRETE celebrate a bold starkness. In Modern decorating, colors lean toward naturals or neutrals, but Contemporary has no problems swinging from one extreme to the other on the color scale. Modern design favors strong lines, while the Contemporary Style loves curves. Both styles tend to favor simple, uncluttered spaces with smooth, clean lines and artistic flair. Neither style prefers ornate designs or heavy elements, though recently Contemporary spaces are starting to bend this rule more frequently. In both styles, sofas, chairs and ottomans have exposed legs, and both tend to gravitate toward reflective surfaces such as exposed metals and glass. This article was written to clear confusion, not to start saloon-style brawls. If a friend calls your very contemporary home “modern,” don’t be a smarty pants - just let it go. But hey, if the pretentious guy in the cubical next to yours starts referring
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WO O D G R AI N
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STEPS TO SUCCESS
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White Walls - White walls are key to a minimal
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Keep Calm - Personal style is something that can’t
contemporary design and it enhances natural light. However don’t be limited by this, use it as an advantage to add splashes of colour and focal points within the room.
be taught, everyone is different so use your individuality to enhance and express yourself within your home.
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Bespoke Artwork - Selecting the correct artwork for your walls can be challenging, however think about using this opportunity to be creative, or perhaps create your own? Expensive doesn’t mean the best.
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Strong Spot Colours - With white walls and minimal design it’s important to add some kind of colour, otherwise you run the risk of looking too clinical. Spot colours can add a huge focal point in any room, simplicity is key.
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Reclaimed Materials - Using reclaimed materials can give a modern home a sense of character with tactile materials. Use anything you find intresting, remember one mans trash is another mans treasure.
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- Add some greenery to your space. Plants add natural colour and vibrance and they generally make us feel happier.
Natural Goodness