As an interior decorator, you want to be able to discuss different types of furniture intelligently. When you are unfamiliar with a design style, or not up to date on a current trend, it can make you look unprofessional or unintelligent. Here are some defining features of the most current contemporary furniture and how to recognize these features so that you can discuss them intelligently with clients and fellow decorators.
Contemporary Does NOT Mean Modern
In this line of work, you may hear other decorators frequently interchange the use of the descriptors "modern" and "contemporary." However, the two are not really interchangeable at all. They are two distinct designs all their own. Modern is often comprised of very straight and angular lines, with lots of metal, chrome and glass. Contemporary has some straight lines too, but it leans toward more of what is comfortable and relaxed in appearance and feel. Modern chairs, for example, are usually quite stiff and straight, while their contemporary counterparts have a reasonable amount of padding for your back and derriere. Contemporary furniture also relies on current color trends in decorating. For example, contemporary furniture in the 1970s was avocado green and burnt orange, but today's contemporary color schemes lean towards rich reds and earthy tones of brown, white, gray, and green.
Contemporary Furniture Uses Natural Woods
In an attempt to get closer to the more environmentally friendly practices of furniture making, manufacturers of contemporary furniture use natural woods. Tables, chairs and chair legs or foot pedestals for couches and sofas are all wood. Often they are stained a dark color for a more striking contrast against their upholstery or glass table tops, but they can be au naturel and sans stain as well. (This is a sharp and obvious contrast to the metal legs and metal backs of most modern furniture.)
Contemporary Furniture Can Also Be Classy and Elegant
Many pieces of contemporary furniture are also classy and/or elegant. They are synonymous with the furniture you may see in apartments where childless couples reside and entertain large groups of well-to-do friends. It is warm and inviting furniture that is not too standoffish and does not have the stark or cold appearance of modern furniture. Most of your clients who ask about modern furniture may be in fact asking about contemporary furniture. It helps to show that you know the difference and offer pictures and examples to clarify what your clients mean.
Share25 July 2016
Having to place children's furniture in a small bedroom presented a problem for me. With two growing kids, I needed a dresser to accommodate both boys, as well as two beds. With two beds, desk and chair, toy chest and floor lamp, the room seemed overly crowded. My solution came with a highly functional bunk bed. Bunk beds take up minimal space. Better yet, my choice was a bunk that included a storage drawer. This compartment is used for storing the boys' small toys and other necessities. I didn't have to have a separate toy chest, so I reduced clutter which was great! When you have multiple children all in one room, you need all the help you can get!
