The Modern Era, classified after the fact, was the period of time after the First World War - called the "War to End All Wars." Some historians believe the resultant explosion of world awareness and world-consciousness became a great burden for the people of the Earth to attempt to comprehend, and therefore the sometimes radical and frequently odd expressions of this feeling through the arts were explained as coming from this feeling.

Historical and artistic interpretations of "what is modern" aside, true modern interior designs have produced some of the most beautiful and expensive design accessories. Furniture was produced during the 1950's that served no functional purpose other than aesthetic attractiveness, and these creations are typical of what is considered modern interior design.

Modern design has progressed to be the expected in many parts of the Western World, and the use of the word "modern" has become almost interchangeable with the word "contemporary." While a contemporary design element literally means anything that is current or up-to-date, modern designs will, in theory, continue throughout the current era as designers work diligently to come up with newer and more exciting plans.

As the exchange of ideas and information across the world increases, perhaps the most from the Internet or other electronic media, the arts and skills of the interior designer will only grow stronger. American experts in Japanese kitchens will be able to converse and share plans with Saudi Arabian restaurant designers about Italian office furniture. The potential of the industry is to grow to amazing results, and it is certainly on its way there.