A contemporary home depicts the design and structure of the 21st century.
Constantly changing, it develops and changes with the world, adapting fascinating trends in the world of home design.
Many potential homeowners are looking for new home trends, and a contemporary home reflects the current architecture.
Contemporary homes define the ever-changing styles and representation of the present world. It doesn’t just adopt trends of designs but pushes the boundaries of what is yet to come.
Equally, it usually overlaps with other home blueprints; thus, it has similar features with other creations.
It is often confused with modern design, its precursor but both designs, though alike, are pretty different.
Differences and similarities between contemporary and modern homes
Contemporary plans are all about the present and the future, while modern plans refer to an elapsed era.
In the early 1990s, modern structures emerged through Europe and America but remained dominant in the years following the Second World War till the late 1990s.
It is distinguished by simple lines and nominal colors but looks industrial because it focuses more on the form than function.
However, contemporary design is a blend of various artistic creations featuring wide spaces and light. Even though it is similar to its predecessor, it also combines varieties of creativity, eliciting warmth and a sense of individuality.
The design sprouted from the postmodern framework in the early 20th century. At first, it was considered as a mixture of styles before it gained recognition on its own.
While modern homes were considered cold and machine-like, contemporary homes give a more comfortable feeling. This is due to its flexibility.
Its structure can be bent and changed with time to suit a family or individual needs. It is this same feature that makes it a preferable plan for homes.
Despite their differences, these two designs have identical characteristics.
This may explain why a lot of people get confused and sometimes are unable to differentiate them. Both styles favor simple, spacious, and uncluttered spaces with clean, smooth lines and a creative flair.
Both styles feature straightforward outlines and light elements. However, contemporary spaces can bend this regulation frequently as time changes.
Essential features of a contemporary home
Striking exteriors
Contemporary houses consist of remarkable and appealing facades.
The exterior features include huge windows and bold roof lines. The roofs are usually wide, flat, and placed at a dramatic angle that captures interest.
Unsymmetrical design is one key feature of contemporary houses together with bold geometrical shapes. Elements of nature are also a very vital characteristic of the structure.
Therefore, materials that best describes nature, such as wood, stucco, bricks, and cement, are commonly used.
Revolutionary interiors
Apart from its stunning exteriors, contemporary homes are made up of modern interiors. They have broad and open spaces that are inviting and enough to entertain visitors.
Due to family needs, the floor plans are made to be very flexible, allowing adjustment and subsequent changes. Its windows can also be designed to offer beautiful outdoor views while allowing natural light into the home.
Just as its exteriors, it favors a lot of easy and clean lines.
Modern kitchens
The contemporary house has a kitchen that most times give an industrial feel. Materials usually used include stainless steel, concrete, granite, or marble.
The countertops are smooth and reflective.
Often, home appliances and kitchenware are made of stainless steel. The cabinets are made effortless and free of adornment and sometimes feature flat, open shelves.
For efficiency, the kitchen is always spacious and has minimal ornamentation allowing easy movement and better organization.
The lighting, though conspicuous, is positioned in places where they are most needed.
Interior and exterior flow
A contemporary home provides a flawless flow from the exterior to the interior.
The house is usually made of bold lines and shapes but is diluted by pleasant, natural landscapes. The interior attributes always complement its exterior, giving a feel of being inside and outside at once.
Additionally, its even lines make the perfect transition from outdoor to indoor. The sliding glass door can be designed to open to a streamlined porch that fuses snugly with the house’s architecture.
Ways to design a contemporary house
Knowing that contemporary deals with the present, you can easily design your home to fit current trends. The following are some essential features you need to take into consideration:
Lighting
Contemporary houses accentuate both artificial and natural light. Thus, there should be lots of lighting wherever possible, particularly through the windows.
Also, pay attention to window treatments. These make a huge difference in regards to the penetration of natural light.
Go for cool shades of curtains and blinds, keeping them open during daytime to let in as much natural illumination as possible.
Ambient lighting is very crucial, but many people tend to neglect this little detail. In addition, if you do not have ceiling lights, use floor lamps to illuminate your space.
Colors
It is very paramount to choose colors wisely. White, black, and neutrals are the most commonly used colors of a contemporary home.
Floors
Ensure that your floors are up to date. Present floorings are all about clean and level surfaces. So, when flooring, wood-style vinyl is a good idea combined with rugs or carpets in certain areas.
Ceramic tiles like porcelain should be avoided. You can discuss with your home developer other options.
Décor
Contemporary home designs require that you avoid clutters but gives room for balanced, well-selected pieces. Some of these include potted plants, non-ornate framed artwork, glass accent pieces, and natural stones.
Avoid heavy elements like multicolored imprints, heavy curtains, and worn wood.
Interior designs should be based on personal or family preferences. Nonetheless, if you are looking to make your home a contemporary one, you should stick to contemporary aesthetics.
