What’s the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Design?

Ever wonder what the difference is between a modern and contemporary kitchen design? Modern and contemporary are often used to describe a similarly sleek and trendy look. But even with their similarities, it’s helpful to break down some of the differences to make sure you can design for whichever style you choose in your remodel! Here’s a few helpful distinctions using Medallion Cabinetry as examples.

Modern Kitchen Design

This design style began over a hundred years ago as the design and décor of the Modernism movement and gained a lot of ground from Scandinavian emphasis on simplicity and function over the last century. Modern designs usually include elements like:

• Historical, precise design styles
• Primarily slab-style doors
• Warm, mid-tone to dark wood colors
• Earth-inspired paint colors (water, trees, foliage)

Medallion offers a wide range of modern-style cabinetry that can give any room a sense of style and dignity! We recommend their Gold Cabinetry products, including their Bella cabinet doors, for a lovely, reclaimed look.

Contemporary Kitchen Design

Contemporary designs are becoming more and more popular with homeowners all over! Like its name suggests, this style is all about what’s current and is constantly changing as trends come and go. Changing trends make it a little more difficult to define contemporary design. Here are some key features to be aware of currently:

• The latest trending look of 2022: Calm, breezy blues and whites, plus pastoral earth tones
• Door styles: Slab and simple doors never really go out of style, but contemporary also includes more innovative styles in both design and material – this is where you can think outside the box and stretch those creative muscles!
• Mixed materials: polished metals on fixtures and hardware with various surface materials (doors and counters) such as glossy, matte, or a textured wood look You can find the perfect contemporary cabinetry at Medallion, too! Their Silverline Cabinetry products, which includes the Lancaster line of cabinet doors, are the perfect sleek and versatile option for trendy designs.

You can find the perfect contemporary cabinetry at Medallion, too! Their Silverline Cabinetry products, which includes the Lancaster line of cabinet doors, are the perfect sleek and versatile option for trendy designs.

Build Your Kitchen Getaway

Now that you have a better idea of the difference between modern and contemporary kitchen designs, you can start your design process! Whether you’re going DIY or hiring a contractor, if you have your style locked down, you can make it your dream kitchen a reality. Looking for more inspiration for your kitchen remodel? Stop by any Kelly-Fradet location to get design tips and learn more about our selection of cabinetry.

Looking for more inspiration for your kitchen remodel? Stop by any Kelly-Fradet location to get design tips and learn more about our selection of cabinetry.