Contemporary vs Modern Home Design: 4 Key Differences | Sustainable9 (2024)

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Contemporary vs Modern Home Design: 4 Key Differences | Sustainable9? ›

Modern homes are structured and balanced, while contemporary homes offer more flexibility and allow architects to take greater artistic liberties in adopting a freeform approach. Although modern designs can be innovative, contemporary homes tend to be more unique in terms of their shape and aesthetic appeal.

Contemporary style concept is more fluid.

These designs air on the eclectic since it tends to take inspiration and styling cues from different eras. On the other hand, a modern design concept follows a strict format of minimalism, balance, and clean lines.

At their most literal, "contemporary" is the architecture being produced now, the architecture of the moment. "Modern" architecture breaks with the past — specifically the traditional styles of before the Industrial Revolution.

The 20th century modern architecture movement was defined by the importance of function above all else. With the exception of a few more unorthodox styles, the majority of modern architectural styles are characterized by simplicity of form, minimalism, practicality, and clean elegance.

Contemporary homes feature larger windows and doors and the interior looks open and airy with improved natural lighting. Even though with smaller windows, traditional constructional ideas offer proper air circulation. The traditional design is well evolved and suitable for our climatic conditions.

Modern home design emphasizes clean lines and geometric shapes. No more are features such as arches, ornate columns, window shutters, or any outlandish ornamentation. In place of these features that at one point spoke of luxury and wealth are simple shapes and intentional asymmetry.

Contemporary design is a more general term, referring to styles of the present and future. “Modern design refers to a movement that began in the early-20th century and lasted through the post-war era,” Alessandra Wood, design historian and Vice President of Style at Modsy, says.

Contemporary means the art of the current day. In language terms contemporary means 'of now' of 'of this time' however it doesn't literally mean the present as the 'now' could be any point in history. Modern literally means the present, the period we are passing through.

In essence, the term “modern” refers to a period in history, while “contemporary” pertains to the present or current times. Distinguishing between these two terms is pivotal in comprehending the evolution of human society, culture, and technology.

Contemporary landscape design isn't exactly the same thing as modern landscaping. While modern landscapes are defined by their clean, hard-edged minimalism and use of materials such as concrete and metals, contemporary landscape design goes for a natural look with wood accents.

What are the 5 points of modern architecture? ›

In the course of his work as an architect, Le Corbusier developed a series of architectural principles, which he used as the basis of his designs. The design principles include the following five points by Le Corbusier: Pilotis (pillars), roof garden, open floor plan, long windows and open facades.

What Is A Contemporary-Style Home? A contemporary home is a house with design elements and features that reflect today's architecture style. Although similar to a modern home, contemporary houses come with common characteristics such as clean lines, natural lighting and a minimalist feel.

Contemporary style embraces minimalistic elements highlighting grays, beiges and shades of white. Sleek, thoughtful, hidden details emphasize an edited aesthetic. Contemporary style offers an 'everything in its place' interior featuring designs that are high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.

Modernism is a 20th-century style defined by clean lines and minimalism. Contemporary architecture refers to structures built from the late 20th century to the present that are marked by unconventional forms, asymmetry, open floor plans, and innovations like smart home technology.

Modern architecture, on the other hand, rejects those classical flourishes in favour of a simple, clean design. Where traditional homes are adorned with elegant details, modern homes strip away the frills to let the basic structure speak for itself.

Contemporary style embraces minimalistic elements highlighting grays, beiges and shades of white. Sleek, thoughtful, hidden details emphasize an edited aesthetic. Contemporary style offers an 'everything in its place' interior featuring designs that are high on function and simplicity and low on collections and fuss.

In both cases, the materials and finishes used for a Contemporary home are many times commercial-grade, which is naturally more costly than traditional home building materials. Another defining characteristic of Contemporary homes is the low roofline - most typically either flat, very low gables, or hipped roofs.

Modern houses, often known as mid-century modern, are gaining popularity among homeowners. These residences were built between 1935 and 1975 and are divided into two types: ranch and split-level. Features: Connected garages and open kitchens. Interior design is based on functionality, arts and crafts style era.