Is modern the same as contemporary? Not in the design world. Modern design typically refers to a style popularized in the 1920s to 1950s, sometimes called mid-century modern. Modern furniture is light and airy, with clean, unadorned lines. Natural materials are used in modern furniture, as well as plastics and metals. Colors are neutral, with bolder colors used in moderation. Floors are bare or covered with neutral wool rugs. Everything in the mid-century modern style is designed to make things light, open, and clean. Modern design refers to a fixed time period; it is well-defined and does not change.
Contemporary design, on the other hand, does change. Contemporary design is of the moment, fluid, always changing. Contemporary style borrows from other styles and combines different elements to create a look that’s timely and current. Today, for example, contemporary designs might include large windows, open floor plans, and eco-friendly materials. Twenty years from now, contemporary design will be totally different.
At Schoenfeld Interiors, we can help you find your style, whether it’s modern, contemporary, or somewhere in between. We have contemporary furniture in Seattle and as well as modern interior décor and everything in between. Come in today and find something just right for you.
Are you considering updating and modernizing your Seattle, WA, home? Whether you just bought a fixer-upper or you are tired of the old linoleum and shag in your current home, there has never been a better time to transform your home into your dream home. While there are plenty of ways you can update and modernize, not all of them will provide you with the best bang for your buck. Before you make any changes to your existing home, read this first.
Getting the Most out of Modernizing
The first thing you need to consider before modernizing your home is why you are doing so. If you are trying to sell your home, you are going to need to take a different approach than if you plan on living there for the rest of your life. When you prepare your home to sell, not every update or addition will provide you with a large return on your investment or entice buyers. That being the case, you need to make sure you know what your plans are before you spend a single dime.
Selling Your Home:
If you are planning to sell your home, the first thing you want to focus on is modernizing any parts of your home that cost you money. Water heaters, appliances, insulation, HVAC systems, and windows all contribute to your total monthly bills and costs. Modern appliances, heaters, coolers, windows, and other features are designed to save energy and money. By replacing any (or all) of them, you will modernize your home in the best possible way and entice buyers to spend their money.
If you don’t have an unlimited budget, begin replacing the oldest or most heavily worn parts of your home first. For example, if your HVAC system is more than 15 years old, replacing it might be costly, but you should see every penny of that returned. Likewise, an old fridge can use more energy than you might realize and will definitely save you money and encourage buyers to spend their money on your home.
When it comes to aesthetic touches, make sure you pick modern designs and furniture that actually match your home’s layout. Clean lines and a minimalist approach are popular in most modern homes. However, if you have a 100 year old home, the layout itself isn’t going to lend itself to an angular, modern theme. You can find modern furniture in your favorite Seattle furniture store that will match your home’s layout (along with some suggestions and help from the staff).
Staying Put:
If you are staying in your current home, you can (and should) do everything listed above in your home. By replacing appliances and energy-hungry devices, you will cut your bills every month and eventually see all the money you invested returned to you.
Beyond the things listed above, you can get creative with your additions. Modern design elements include unique sinks and showerheads, furniture that is connected to the Internet, and sofas or sectionals that include built-in storage. Modern countertop options like quartz can provide you with a durable surface and a unique look as well. Technology is also changing the way homes are built and used. From remote operated blinds to security systems that adjust your lights while you are away, modernizing is easy, and there are options for any budget.