Modern? Contemporary? What's the Difference?

We spend a lot of time discussing the difference between the words Modern and Contemporary with designers, readers and folks who are just plain confused. Sometimes the words are used interchangeably but that usage doesn't sit well with most, especially DWR founder Rob Forbes. Here, Forbes details the differences for L.A. Times writer Janet Eastman.

Forbes is usually serious when he's discussing modern design. He can spend 20 minutes explaining the difference between the words "modern" and "contemporary" -- in a nutshell, modern is a lifestyle while contemporary is a time period. "Everything that is made at any current time is 'contemporary,' " he says.

"Modern is a progressive attitude that takes advantage of new technology and social purpose. It's a disciplined approach," he says.

The hybrid Toyota Prius is an example of solving an environmental problem "that's modern thinking." The iPod works for him with its reduction of gadgetry and gizmos. He says he respects Google for its simplicity. "It's smart, modern too," he says.

He rails against "stupid" objects, overcomplicated technological gadgets "like my programmable thermostat that I can't figure out" and new retro-looking cars that "focus on superficial styling."

"Modern simplifies our living so we can devote our time to things that add value; it adds to the pool of what makes us important as people. You could be living in a Craftsman and going to work on a bike and that's a modern lifestyle," says Forbes, who rides a Vespa the two miles between his office and city loft. "Modern is honest and helps you not be distracted by stuff that have no meaning to you."