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Are you looking to transform the look of your property this year? You are not alone. Every year thousands of homeowners across Singapore look to update their homes but when it comes to choosing the right interior design it can be incredibly tough. There are so many different styles, themes and designs to choose from, knowing which the perfect solution is to incorporate into your property can be difficult.

The biggest choice that many homeowners will face will be whether to choose a modern interior design, or a more contemporary interior design. These two styles are arguably the most prevalent around the world and for a number of years they have been the most popular choice for interior designers; but we are often asked by customers what the difference between the two are and which one they should choose for their property.

If you are new to interior design, then you may well confuse the two as being the same styling choice – after all contemporary is a synonym of modern, however they are actually two very different designs.  So to help you with your decision, we have taken a closer look at both the modern interior design and contemporary interior design styles in Singapore, but before we look at the differences and similarities between the two, it is important to understand exactly what each style means….

Contemporary interior design

As the name suggests, contemporary interior design does incorporate certain elements of modern design but it does also have its own unique style that makes it instantly recognisable. The history of contemporary interior design Singapore first began to appear in homes during the 1970s and the style incorporates a wide range of aesthetics and styling from different design influences – including traditional, modern and futuristic as well as art deco.

Contemporary means ‘of the moment’ which means that the style is constantly changing year on year, so it is arguably one of the most exciting styles of design out there. What is a hot and popular trend today might not necessarily be the case in a few years’ time – so be prepared to update and change your home more frequently if you want to remain on trend!

Modern interior design in Singapore

Modern interior design in Singapore on the other hand is a set style that uses inspiration from the early to mid-20^th century. Heavily based on designs originating from Germany as well as various Scandinavian counties, it became incredibly popular in the 1940s-60s and since then has undergone various evolutions, with most interior designers today using a post-modern design as the default styling guide.

The emergence of modern interior design was swift and the styling swept across the globe very quickly as homeowners looked for a beautiful, yet affordable, solution for their homes and furniture. The overall design is based on a clutter-free ethos, removing any unnecessary details and using a one-colour style that is free from any patterns to create a clear minimalist balance.   

So what are some of the differences?

Both styles have very clear differences and feature a range of unique designs and hallmarks that helps to define them. Contemporary interior design in Singapore for example embraces the use of natural materials, which are often mixed in with industrial-style materials such as concrete and steel. On the other hand, modern design has a streamlined image that features an abundance of wood and eco-friendly, natural materials.

Equally, modern design places a strong focus on ensuring that everything in the room has a purpose; meaning that everything you see has a set function and is not simply there for aesthetics. This is in contrast to contemporary interior design which places more focus on the beauty and form of objects as part of the wider styling objective.

Although modern-designed homes are created to ensure that everything has a purpose, they are not cold or empty spaces. Minimalism does not mean that you cannot install warmth and many modern interior homes feature natural, earthier colours that feature natural hues with common shades including turquoise, brown and green. 

Contemporary designed homes however focus on using a strict palette of black, grey or white to create a stark contrast between rooms. That is not to say there cannot be splashes of colour within the design though – with bright colours such as red, blue or orange being a frequent choice for interior designers.

Another major difference between the two is the fact that contemporary interior design places a strong focus on blending comfort and sophistication, using materials such as stainless steel and chrome to create a smooth flow throughout the property with fluid, curved lines. Modern interior design tends to focus more on strong, straight lines.

What about similarities?

Both designs have clear styling differences, but they do still share a number of similar design hues. Contemporary interior design often borrows inspiration from modern design and because of that both styles place a strong emphasis on minimalism; using clean lines to help create a timeless feel.

Equally both tend to open each room out, helping to create a spacious feel for the homeowner by maximising the layout and creating an open plan design throughout the property. This helps to create a relaxed, comfortable feeling for homeowners, allowing a smooth transition through the home.

Another similarity that modern and contemporary interior design shares, is their preferences for a simple and uncluttered styling; ensuring no heavy or patterned designs or large cumbersome furniture. Equally they both focus on the use of wood floorings, exposed brick and furniture legs as well as the use of reclaimed natural materials.

So which is right for your home?

When it comes to choosing which style to incorporate into your home, it depends on a multitude of options. There is no right or wrong decision, modern interior design has been a popular choice for a number of decades and is featured in homes throughout the world and the fact that the styling hues have remained similar, helps ensure that the styling is static in nature; meaning it will help to ensure that your home will remain in style for a number of years.

On the other hand, contemporary interior design focuses on what is currently popular; ensuring that the style is incredibly fluid and changes with each and every year that passes. This means that what might have been popular in 2015 is not necessarily the case today so if you want to remain on trend and in keep with what is currently the most fashionable choices in the world, then contemporary design is perfect for your home.

Both contemporary and modern interior designs share a number of stylistic hues, incorporating a range of influences from multiple sources, but if you are not sure which is most suited to your home then get in touch with our experienced team today.