Get the Language Right

We've talked before about the obstacle of language in getting your ideas from your brain to ours.  Sometimes words don't come to us to help us describe what it is we are looking for or we use the words incorrectly.  One of the most common mistakes is interchanging the words modern and contemporary.

 

Modern style came about after WWI  when pieces needed to be mass produced to cut costs.  Modern furniture is often made of tubular steel, aluminum and leather molded into curvaceous horizontal lines. Cantilevering is also a word associated with modern furniture.  Cantilevering is when a part of the piece appears to be floating in mid-air.  Furniture needed to be utilitarian therefore function dictated the form.

 

Contemporary furniture came about in the 1970's when recycling was gaining popularity.  Often times "found" items were used (recycled) to create pieces of furniture.  Acrylics were a favorite medium. Injection molding was used to create asymmetrical and cartoonish shapes.  Aesthetics took top billing with contemporary furniture. Being pretty was more important than comfort or functionality.

 

Both styles are characterized by minimalism, geometric forms, smooth surfaces and bold color.  They come from times in our history that made an impact on how we live. Visit with one of our decorators to learn more about these styles as well as the many others available at Brymons.