Carla Ayers7-Minute Read
UPDATED: May 20, 2023
If you’re looking for a home style that’s modern, clean, minimalist and unique, a contemporary-style home might be just what you need. Let’s look at a broad range of features, benefits and considerations to keep in mind as you search for your perfect home!
A contemporary house is a popular house style that reflects 21st-century architectural styles. Because it mirrors the trends of the time period it was built in, a contemporary-style house can encompass a number of different architectural and design styles. Current popular contemporary trends range from modern farmhouse to midcentury modern to bohemian. The trends of contemporary architecture are constantly evolving and changing.
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The exteriors of contemporary houses are varied, but share a lot of common characteristics, such as large windows and asymmetrical designs.
Here are some common features you might see on contemporary homes, no matter the style:
The interior design characteristics of contemporary houses are as varied as their exteriors. Here are some common features you might encounter:
Because the definition of a contemporary home encompasses so many types, there are a lot of benefits to choosing a contemporary place to live. The simplistic, generally very neutral home design appeals to a broad range of homeowners and home buyers. And because contemporary design encompasses many styles, you can mix and match styles to suit your tastes, whether you’re into sparking joy with minimal belongings or desire a boho paradise with plenty of plants and natural woods and fabrics.
Given that the words contemporary and modern are synonymous, it’s a common misconception that modern architecture and modern design are the same as contemporary architecture and design. In the world of architecture and design, they’re two different concepts.
Modern design refers to a specific period, generally the mid-1920s through the 1970s. One of the most popular design styles of this era is midcentury modern.
Contemporary design is an overarching term that covers all the design styles that are currently popular. While they share some general commonalities, these design styles are varied.
The concepts popularized by modern design, such as minimalism, natural light and open floor plans, are still used in contemporary designs today. These two design styles are very intertwined and don’t seem to be going away any time soon!
There are some key differences between traditional and contemporary houses. Traditional houses are designed with classical elements in mind. These include smaller doors and windows and a more symmetrical exterior. Historically, homes were hard to heat, so separate rooms allowed residents to heat the rooms they needed to without the expense and effort of heating a huge open space. Smaller windows kept the heat in as well.
Contemporary homes may incorporate some of these features, but generally include much more open, flexible spaces. Bigger windows allow more natural light, and energy-efficient appliances and building materials allow homeowners to heat and cool their homes efficiently.
Costs vary depending on where you live, but in general, the more popular a home design is, the more it’ll cost. Contemporary homes are inherently trendy (it’s the entire concept of them) and so can often fetch a higher price tag if there’s competition.
If you decide to start from scratch, you’ll have to consider the cost of building a house with a contemporary design or hiring a designer to create a contemporary house plan. Because so many features of contemporary homes are designed to be state-of-the-art, you may pay a little more than a basic, more traditional home.
Because contemporary design is so broad, though, all of these factors are variable. Taking a look at your local market can give you a good idea of the current trends and prices in your area.
If buying or building a new home is not in your plans or budget right now, you can still infuse your current living space with some contemporary design features. Contemporary homes tend to feel warm and inviting, even without a lot of stuff.
Because contemporary design is such a broad term and encompasses everything trendy, a contemporary home might be at the top of your list. They’re full of light, texture, open space, and you can personalize them however you’d like and still stay on-trend.
If you’re ready to explore your options, match with a Verified Partner Agent with Rocket HomesSM today!
Carla is Section Editor for Rocket Homes and is a Realtor® with a background in commercial and residential property management, leasing and arts management. She has a Bachelors in Arts Marketing and Masters in Integrated Marketing & Communications from Eastern Michigan University.
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