What is the difference between Contemporary and Modern?

This is a question that comes up a lot and can be quite confusing. Contemporary and Modern often get used to describe the same things. I hear people say all of the time "I want Contemporary furniture" Yet when they are shown sleek, chrome, leather, or bright punches of color, they want to run and hide! What they really mean is that they want an updated look. This is exactly what "Modern" is,a "time" and not really a "style", unlike Contemporary which is certainly a style.So Contemporary is a style and Modern is a period of time. I am highlighting Kelly Hoppen the Notable British guru of design because I think she exemplifies "Modern" interiors. She has the uncanny ability to take a space, furnish it beautifully with a "nod" to the past but definitely caps it all off with a cool, fresh modern look.