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1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Nope It Is Not The Same ThingInterior design is all about creating a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. There are many different styles of interior design, but two of the most popular are contemporary and modern. While these terms are often used interchangeably, and the dictionary does not offer much help as they both are defined the same way. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1686143402860-Image+1-01.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Turns out that you can&rsquo;t depend on the dictionary from to define these 2 different styles In the design world, these two actually refer to two distinct design styles. Today, we&#39;ll have to take a time machine and explore the difference between contemporary and modern interior design (turns out modern style isn&rsquo;t as modern as you would think). 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Modern Is From The Past<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1686143437024-%C2%A9_FLC-ADAGP_-_ANTOINE_MERCUSOT_restaurationFran%C3%A7ois_Chatillon_%2824%29.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">You will never guess that the picture above was designed and built in the 1930s by architect, Le Courbusier (Source :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archdaily.com/904426/le-corbusiers-restored-parisian-apartment-opened-to-the-public" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Arch Daily</a>) First, let&#39;s take a look at modern interior design. Modern design emerged in the early 20th century, and to be absolutely exact, from 1924 - 1945 (<a href="http://designkmg.weebly.com/design-movements.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Design Technology</a>) and was heavily influenced by the Industrial Revolution (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Revolution">Wikipedia</a>). Basically a bunch of architects decided that they wanted to revolutionise the way design was always overly ornate and for the rich. The modern movement is exactly the opposite of colourful, intricate and ornate embellishment that was prevalent during that time.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1686143556496-teaser_5_iconic_designers.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Iconic Modernist furniture from the 1920s-30s (<a href="https://www.archdaily.com/982629/5-iconic-designers-and-their-furniture-milestones-aalto-gray-le-corbusier-van-der-rohe-and-panton" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Arch Daily</a>)&nbsp; As such Modern style, as an opposite to the former is characterized by clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on function over form. In modern design, the emphasis is on simplicity, with the use of neutral colors and natural materials like wood and stone. The furniture is often made of metal or glass, and may have a futuristic look to it. 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Contemporary Is Now!Well not exactly now as in present, but compared to Modern style, Contemporary interior design, on the other hand, is a more recent style that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, more specifically around the 1970s.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1686143607694-4677265985654-AIDesign-Project1-02.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A fine example of a contemporary design home, designed and built by AI Design (Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/spaces/view/aidesign-ultimate-luxury-sembawang-road">Ai Design</a>)&nbsp; It is characterized by a more eclectic mix of styles, with a focus on individuality and personal expression. Contemporary design borrows elements from many different styles, including modern, art deco, and even traditional design. The colours used in contemporary design are often bold and bright, and the furniture is often more organic in shape. 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Key DifferencesSo, what are some of the key differences between modern and contemporary design? Let&#39;s take a closer look.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1686143634618-7850734574591-LATODesign-Project5-04.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Modern colour palette is often monochromatic and neutral seen here, designed by Lim Ai Tong Architects (Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sixides.com/spaces/view/latodesigner-modern-attap-house-at-48-jalan-sukachit">Lim Ai Tiong Architects</a>)&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Colour Palette: The colour palette is one of the most noticeable differences between modern and contemporary design. Modern design tends to use a neutral colour palette, with lots of white, black, and gray. On the other hand, contemporary design uses more bold and bright colours, such as red, blue, and green. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1686149523608-1079919-feature-M.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A Contemporary style furniture designed by Bo Concept (Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boconcept.com/zh-sg/stores/find-your-local-store/singapore/boconcept-paragon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BoConcept</a>)&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Furniture: The furniture used in modern design is often made of metal or glass, and has a very minimalist look to it. In contrast, contemporary design features furniture that is often more organic in shape, with curves and angles that give it a more natural feel. &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Materials: Modern design often uses natural materials like wood and stone, while contemporary design may use more synthetic materials like plastic and acrylic. &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Patterns: Modern design tends to be very minimalist, with few patterns or textures. Contemporary design, on the other hand, often uses bold patterns and textures to create a more dynamic and interesting space. &bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Accessories: In modern design, less is often more when it comes to accessories. Contemporary design, on the other hand, embraces accessories as a way to add personality and character to a space. 6.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Minimalism vs Individuality <iframe scrolling="no" name="__tt_embed__v6828268207359413509" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7236928552451558657?lang=en-US&autoplay=1&mute=1" style="width: 100%; height: 680px; display: block; visibility: unset; max-height: 550px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>&nbsp;Source: Tiktok:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sixidesasia/video/7236928552451558657" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@sixidesasia</a> In conclusion, while modern and contemporary design share some similarities, they are two distinct styles with their own unique characteristics. Modern design is characterized by minimalism, a focus on function, and a neutral colour palette, while contemporary design is all about individuality, personal expression, and a more eclectic mix of styles. Whether you prefer the clean lines of modern design or the bold colours and patterns of contemporary design, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to interior design. Ultimately, it&#39;s all about creating a space that reflects your own personal style and makes you feel at home.

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Interior design is all about creating a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Isn't Modern And Contemporary Design Style The Same Thing?

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If you had been doing some serious research about interior design styles, chances are you will come across names like “Japandi”, “Muji Look” or maybe you’ve heard of “Wabi Sabi?” 

WABI SABI Is Not WASABI Design la

If you're planning to renovate your apartment and you're sifting through a list of shortlisted designer firms, you may encounter badges at the bottom of their websites or name cards. 

Guide To All Interior Design & Renovation Verification And Accreditation Schemes In Singapore

1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Brutally HonestBrutalist style is a form of architecture and design that emerged in the mid-20th century and continues to influence contemporary design today. This style is characterized by its use of raw, unrefined materials and exposed structural elements, creating an industrial and utilitarian aesthetic. Some of the folks like to call it the &ldquo;Industrial Design&rdquo; or &ldquo;brutalist industrial design&rdquo; theme.&nbsp; One of the key features of brutalist style is its use of concrete and other raw materials. Brutalist buildings and interiors often feature exposed concrete walls, floors, and ceilings, leaving the rough texture of the material on display. This creates a sense of honesty and authenticity in the space, as the materials are not hidden behind layers of decoration. The use of raw materials also allows for a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior of a building, as the materials used in the construction of the building are reflected in the design of the interior.&nbsp; <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689302841476-house-of-concrete-experiments-samira-rathod-design-atelier-india-residential_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1143.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A Brutalist Interior Design &ndash; Image source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2022/06/11/house-of-concrete-experiments-samira-rathod-india/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dezeen</a> 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Brutal HistoryBrutalism originated in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the ornate and decorative styles of the past. Architects and designers sought to create buildings and interiors that were honest and utilitarian, eschewing the decorative flourishes of the past in favor of a pared-down aesthetic that celebrated the beauty of raw materials and the functionality of the space.&nbsp; Brutalism was popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in Europe and North America. It was embraced by architects and designers who sought to create buildings and interiors that were honest and functional, eschewing the ornate and decorative styles of the past. Brutalist buildings were also quite popular during the 70s in Singapore. The Golden Mile Complex, the Singapore State Courts and OCBC Tower are all icons of the brutalist movement. Source:&nbsp;TimeOut - Singapore <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689302929097-golden_mile_complex_3.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Golden Mile Complex &ndash; Image source:&nbsp;<a href="https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-19/issue-2/jul-sep-2023/golden-mile-complex/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Biblioasia</a> 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The Brutal LookBrutalist interiors often have a minimalist feel to them, with furniture and decor kept to a minimum. The focus is on the space itself, with the materials and structure of the building taking centre stage. Furniture pieces are often simple and functional, with clean lines and a lack of ornamentation. Decor items are similarly pared down, with a focus on functionality over aesthetics. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689302982256-ludwig-godefroy-casa-alferez-architecture_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1065.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Some may argue that a &ldquo;brutal&rdquo; themed home may be too cold or raw looking. However, if complemented with warm hues and accessorising, it can actually be very appealing and full of character. Image Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2023/04/30/brutalist-mexican-homes-concrete-lookbooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dezeen</a> Today, brutalist style can be seen in a variety of interior design contexts. Residential spaces, such as apartments and houses, often incorporate brutalist elements such as exposed concrete walls or floors. Commercial spaces, such as restaurants and offices, also embrace brutalist style, using raw materials and exposed structural elements to create a sense of authenticity and utilitarian beauty. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689303032318-brutal+design.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Somehow, the brutalist industrial look had also inspired me in some of my earlier works (Seen @ Holland V) a design and built project designed by me. You can still see the timeless quality of the design. <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689303053583-seen+holland+v.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> One of the reasons for the continued popularity of brutalist style is its versatility. While the aesthetics of brutalism may seem harsh or industrial at first glance, they can be adapted to a variety of spaces and lifestyles. The use of raw materials and exposed structural elements can be softened with the addition of warm lighting, soft furnishings, and natural elements such as plants. When incorporated into a space with care and intentionality, brutalist elements can add a sense of depth and character that is unique and compelling. 4.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Be Brutally Daring!With all the saturated Scandinavian styled homes popping up everywhere, perhaps you can explore this interesting style! Brutalist style may be raw and harsh with its use of concrete and other raw materials, it is really a versatile style that can be adapted to a variety of spaces and lifestyles. Singaporeans like to &lsquo;rojak&rsquo; a bit with their interior styles. You can quite literally do a 50/50 mix of &ldquo;Oriental x Brutalism&rdquo; style to add a touch of character to your space! As we continue to seek out authenticity and simplicity in our lives, brutalist style offers a refreshing and grounding approach to interior design, and oh, there&rsquo;s an actual additional benefit to add, raw surfaces cost lesser to build, and that&rsquo;s an honest, brutal truth! <iframe scrolling="no" name="__tt_embed__v6828268207359413509" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7263016216791371010?lang=en-US&autoplay=1&mute=1" style="width: 100%; height: 680px; display: block; visibility: unset; max-height: 550px;">&nbsp;</iframe>

Brutalist style is a form of architecture and design that emerged in the mid-20th century and continues to influence contemporary design today.

It’s a BRUTAL Design!

1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Oh No! Not Again!<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689927800257-20232007_RenovationFirmHack_Stomp.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Image extracted from Stomp Article. Source: <a href="https://stomp.straitstimes.com/singapore-seen/renovation-company-hired-by-pregnant-woman-stops-work-after-getting-90-of-payment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stomp</a> We stumbled upon yet another tale of woe in the renovation realm, and this one takes the cake for audacity. A pregnant woman wrote in a recent STOMP article that she had hired a Design and Build firm to transform her home, only to be left high and dry with 96% of the payment already swiped from her pockets. Seriously, it seems like the good guys in the industry must deal with the nonsense of the bad hats. <blockquote>&ldquo;A company hired by a pregnant woman to renovate her home left the work unfinished after receiving most of the payment. The Stomper has since found others who were similarly left in the lurch by the company, R3 Design and Build. She recounted: &quot;I engaged them when I was in the third trimester of my pregnancy last September. They hacked my house, left it and were gone after taking about 96 per cent of the payment.&quot;She told Stomp the full amount was $58,000 and she had paid $55,608.&rdquo; She added, &quot;I&#39;ve approached my MP for help, but they said it was not a scam as work did start though not completed. Hence, it was a &#39;dispute&#39;.&rdquo;</blockquote> Homeowners facing rogue interior design and renovation firms are caught in a tough spot, burdened with proving scams. They often realize too late they&#39;ve been deceived, lacking a strong audit trail to hold these errant renovators accountable. Let&#39;s empower homeowners with knowledge to outsmart these crafty culprits! 2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;So It Falls Onto The Homeowners To Do Their Homework<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689927896678-finance-adult-stress-businesswoman-girl.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Homeowners facing rogue interior design and renovation firms are caught in a tough spot, burdened with proving scams. They often realize too late they&#39;ve been deceived, lacking a strong audit trail to hold these errant renovators accountable. Let&#39;s empower homeowners with knowledge to outsmart these crafty culprits! <ul><li>Licenses and Accreditations - Make sure they have gotten their green lights with HDB, BCA or accredited by RCMA CASETRUST or SIDAC. We had written an earlier article about these accreditations and you can read more here <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore">(</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore">Guide to all interior design renovation verification and accreditation schemes in Singapore</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/guide-to-all-interior-design-renovation-verification-and-accreditation-schemes-in-singapore">)&nbsp;</a></li></ul> <ul><li>Portfolios - If their Company is new, make sure to check on the founders&rsquo; backgrounds and portfolios. The tell-tale sign of a &lsquo;fly by night&rsquo; operation is the lack of credible portfolios. </li></ul> <ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Peek At Ongoing Projects &ndash; Don your Sherlock caps and ask to see their ongoing projects on site. A legitimate firm will always have ongoing projects at any given time. Once you visit the site, make sure to check on the HDB permit, or Condo renovation permit stuck on the entrance of the apartment. Red flags if the company on the paperwork does not match. In most circumstances the homeowners of the ongoing site will not mind a visit since they would be happy to share experiences if the experience with the designer/renovator is good.</li></ul> <img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689928174304-Screenshot+2023-07-21+1539239.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <ul><li>Comparison is Key &ndash; It is an absolute must for homeowners to research, meet <a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/5-reasons-to-meet-multiple-interior-designers-for-your-dream-home">(</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/5-reasons-to-meet-multiple-interior-designers-for-your-dream-home">5 reasons to meet multiple interior designers for your dream home</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/articles/5-reasons-to-meet-multiple-interior-designers-for-your-dream-home">)</a>&nbsp;and compare at least 3 firms&rsquo; pricing to get a good sense of how much your renovation will cost. It helps that you confirm on a certain look, theme, and use of materials. If you would like some help on this, try our <a href="https://www.sixides.com/equote">EQuote</a>.</li></ul> <ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Too Good to Be True&nbsp;&ndash; Normally a responsible renovator will spell out all the deliverables in the renovation quotation. This will include the area of work, item description, quantity, unit rate and subtotal of the cost. If there are lots of generic descriptions of the scope of works, &ldquo;lump sums&rdquo; and estimates, or even crazy rock bottom pricing between the competitors for the same scope of work, then this is where you need to be logical, and not be tempted by the cheaper rates.&nbsp;</li></ul> <ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Variation Orders Vigilance &ndash; Keep an eagle eye on the Vos during the renovation process. Sneaky, rouge renovators will try to exploit ambiguous descriptions and terms. An example of a sketchy description is, &ldquo;to supply and install kitchen cabinet 10ftr&rdquo;, the ideal way to describe this would be, &ldquo;to supply and install top and bottom kitchen cabinet in laminate finish 10ftr&rdquo;.</li></ul>&nbsp;<ul><li style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Recommended payment terms &ndash; as a guide and this depends on each case, we recommend that payment for your project be split into 4 payments:</li></ul>1st payment&nbsp;&ndash; 10-15% (commencement of design and preliminary work)2nd payment &ndash; 30 -40% (commencement of physical work and upon successful application of permits)3rd payment&nbsp;&ndash; 40% (progressive claim upon completion of all site works, such as demolition, wetworks, doors and windows and carpentry confirmation)4th and last payment &ndash; 5 - 20% upon satisfactory completion of all said works including VOs and defects. 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Research and Research<img src="https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sixides-us/uploads%2F1689928447826-Screenshot+2023-07-21+153929.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> I&rsquo;ll be absolutely frank with you, renovations will cause headaches, but that doesn&#39;t mean we&#39;ll let the rogues run rampant. Embrace the art of research! Arm yourself with knowledge about industry lingo, materials, timelines, and budget planning. It&#39;s the best way to safeguard your interests. So, dive into the vast ocean of information available online &ndash; visit social pages, peruse portfolios, and check out the designer directory. Become an informed homeowner and be the hero of your renovation tale! Better still, you can find out more of our verified designers listed in or our designer directory (<a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers">Professional Interior Designers</a><a href="https://www.sixides.com/professionals/interior-designers">)</a>.&nbsp; Let&#39;s banish these renovator rogues to the past! United, we&#39;ll raise the standards and make sure these &#39;cowboys&#39; won&#39;t get a chance to pull off their disappearing act anymore. Happy renovating, savvy homeowners!

We stumbled upon yet another tale of woe in the renovation realm, and this one takes the cake for audacity.

Isn't Modern And Contemporary Design Style The Same Thing?

Interior design is all about creating a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

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