I know Pal knows the difference! I would defer to him.

I think "Contemporary" refers more to MCM decor through 70's, but modern is now. ????

But what to put on RE listing? I know when I say "Contemporary" people think of the Brady Bunch house.

I agree on transitional, but is this a term that the general public would be familiar with? I've only heard the word here and in one furniture store.

And I'd have said "Modern" was Bauhaus-through MCM-- through the 70's (as long as it wasn't over-ornamented)to styles that recall those areas. Otherwise--what's up with the furbelows and swirls and obvious ornamentation of "Post-modernism"? But then...where does Brutalism fit in? Hmmmm....

Whereas I think of "Contemporary" as of-the-moment-but-wouldn't-look-at-home-on-the-set-of-Mad Men. ;^)

Heh. Words. So MALLEABLE!

When I think of Modern decor, I think minimalism - stream-lined furniture and few accessories. I also see a room with tension...contrasting elements to create it and that is where the designer wants your focus.

Contemporary is the blend of the traditional and modern. Say, taking the general shape of an 18th century chandelier and using this stripped down silouette as the inspiration for a new fixture. I also think of it as a bit softer and having less tension than a strictly modern room.

Yours I would definitely describe as contemporary in a listing. That word has a much broader appeal with the average home buyer than "modern". I would also avoid the word "unique" even though it decribes your home. When I see that it usually means an element that's hard to use or decorate around! :) Not that I see this in your home, but it's a code word...like cozy meaning really small.

I would describe it something like "contemporary decor with many upscale elements" or "sophisticated blend of tradtional and modern".

"Modern" in design, as I understand it refers to "modernism" --probably deco through mid-century-modernism. At least by the current definition.

"Contemporary" refers to whatever is happening now, excluding, I would think, any style that is clearly a revival of a historic style. So, while the white subway tile, paneled door, stone top kitchen is popular right now, it is referential to a historic kitchen style. The shaker door, euro bar, glass backsplash is probably "contemporary."

There was (and probably still is,) some discussion at places like the Museum of Modern Art, about whether the older pieces should be decommissioned. I believe MoMA decided that Modernism was a movement so it encompassed modern works of history.

Other places, like my local museum of Contemporary Art only have shows, no permanent collection, since contemporary means "now".

Things like Brutalism, Minimalism, Deconstructionism are all movements within Modernism.

In Real Estate speak I would describe your house as having Contemporary interiors in the listings.

Trying to learn more about what makes things modern vs contemporary, a great "discussion" ensued.

Here is a link that might be useful: Modern Kitchens Over the Years

Thanks, Pal!

There once was a store named Contemporary Trends. The store got a shipment of goods from an Italian supplier addressed to Temporary Trends.
On the other hand, in 1940 Dunbar Furniture had a line called Enduring Modern. It looks as fresh today as it did then.

I don't think I've seen a piece of Dunbar or Directional that I have disliked. Some of it can be recognized as non-classic MCM, some of it I would not use personally, but it is all pretty nice looking. They were good at selecting what to produce.

OK, I had it backwards! I knew Pal would know.

Astute summation, palimpsest.
I would also call my decor choices transitional, bee. A bit rustic, a bit modern. I an obsessed with Restoration Hardware and their weathered neutrals with layered textures and architectural elements. I do, however, strongly dislike the term "transitional." It sounds like an accusation. Like I haven't quite decided what it is I like yet. Liek I have comittment issues, (which I may, but I still don't like it.) Eclectic sounds to flakey. Shabby chic, nope, def. not. I would like to change the term to "Encompassing" design. Or "Harmonic". Any thoughts? LOL

Well, that is sort of what I was thinking.

Time to coin a new term maybe.

Modemporary.

Anybody? anybody?

I'm off to Alaska for a vacation! When I get back I'll be listing my Modemporary house for sale. (I will not be posting the link to the listing too early. Why? Because if there are too many hits and not as many showings they will want to lower the price!!! Seriously.)

-Bee

Those terms have always drove me nuts. Ever since we went to a showing of a contemporary and modern house that the inside had not been touched since the 60's.

itltrot~ So funny and true! I guess, when you are in sales, especially realty, you have to embelish upon what you are working with.I almost purchased an 1860's farm house whose kitchen was listed as semimodern because it had indoor plumbing. LOL Oh, I loved that house but it slipped through our fingers...