Postmodern and contemporary design are loose and difficult to define style sisters which can dramatically transform your space. From contemporary crystal chandeliers to whimsical postmodern pendants, explore through this blog how to spot these styles and best incorporate them into your space for some modern excitement through lighting!
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Postmodernism | Contemporary Design | Contemporary Lighting Considerations
Postmodernism
Postmodern design is an excellent way to inject the unexpected into your space with colourful and whimsical lighting elements. It exists well within contemporary design codes and is full of nostalgia.
Postmodern design emerged in the 70s as a reaction to the strong design codes and rules present in movements such as modernism, minimalism and brutalism. It subversively mocked the idealism of these styles with theatrical, exaggerated designs which clashed, bent expectations, and were incredibly individualistic. Ironically, postmodern design was a more cynical and dystopian approach to design with anti-authoritarian aspects and yet swiftly became the face of consumerism and corporate culture in the 80s and early 90s, collapsing the divide between high and pop culture. This often kitschy and colourful style is hard to define but carries with it undeniable feelings of nostalgia.
While postmodern style has never really ended due to it essentially meaning anything that comes after modernism, there are some standout features that differentiate it from contemporary design, with contemporary design somehow being even more fluid and trend-based. Therefore, postmodern lighting pieces work perfectly in a contemporary context to play into that pop of individuality and to effortlessly incorporate a conversation piece.
Postmodern lighting is the best choice for when you want something that is unique and standout. Try a colourful wall light for an easy postmodern addition.
Key elements to look out for when searching for a postmodern piece are:
Clashing concepts
A great example of postmodern design are the new collections Pop and Neo by David Hunt. With the collection taking classic postmodern references through the use of playful clashing colours paired with iconic retro forms.
Pop style pieces
Adding strong pops of colour in bold and clashing colour is an effortless way to incorporate a postmodern influence. With postmodernism all about bending rules, create the unexpected through brightly coloured table lamps in clashing hues or unique shapes.
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Figurative Elements
The comical nature of postmodern design resulted in playful figurative designs including faces and statues, completely decorative aside from being functional.
Explore whether statuesque whimsical table lamps might work for your postmodern approach!
Comical touches
Individuality can be explored through comical and again figurative lighting choices, because is life really that serious?
Discover the full whimsical lighting range.
Contemporary Design
Contemporary design cannot truly be defined other than by what is currently in fashion when it comes to interior design. It flows and transmutes itself with each trend, but there are still some current signifiers we can tap into to best achieve an up to date look in your home with lighting.
Contemporary interiors blend styles and references creating an eclectic environment. But this is done to a sophisticated and subtle level, with current key elements of contemporary design including clean lines, natural textures and less ornament, meaning current contemporary trends fall somewhere between modernism and postmodernism. Clean paired back spaces with moments of artistic flair.
Contemporary designs take codes from modernism such as the use of natural materials and high-quality craftsmanship but pairs this with the postmodern desire for individuality.
This can be effortlessly achieved by adding pops of colours into neutral spaces for a dynamic and pleasing contrast, without compromising on a calm environment.
Contemporary Lighting Considerations
Contemporary lighting leans towards functionality and sophistication when it comes to design. Its keys include:
- Simple but effective
- Unpretentious
- Neutral
- High quality
- Accent colours (maybe)
Aiming for sophisticated and calming colour palettes, choose beautifully crafted clean lined lights which will flood gentle light into your space. Minimalist lighting will do this perfectly.
Wall washing with lights is a beautiful contemporary way to achieve the sophisticated modern touch to your space, this can even be pushed to include a soft colour for an individual but mature accent in your space.
Spotlights can be a perfect way to achieve a simple and effective contemporary lighting look, but this doesn’t have to be boring. They can be a perfect accompaniment to a more interesting accent pendant or table lamp so you can still achieve effective lighting in your space.
Pops of colour in a beautiful neutral space is most fashionably achieved through a thoughtfully chosen pendant light or table lamp. Opt for something colourful yet mature to achieve the best harmony in the space, however contemporary lighting trends are about expressing the individual! Blending your favourite styles and designs together harmoniously is the key to unlocking this style at its full potential. Shop colourful lighting!
This blog is part of a series exploring iconic 20th century lighting styles and how you can easily incorporate them into contemporary homes. Explore more below: