Contemporary Home Architecture and Design Features

Contemporary homes first gained popularity in the mid to late 1900s and have become increasingly common since then.

This architectural category includes a lot of different house shapes and styles. Some Contemporary homes have Postmodern influences and others have Neoeclectic elements.

The key to identifying a true Contemporary home is the presence of many tall windows. These homes generally have unique, custom shapes. Contemporary homes are rarely rectangular or L shaped.

One story is the most common height for a Contemporary home, although two story versions can also be easily located.

Contemporary Exterior Design Features:

• Roof may be flat or gabled
• Common exterior materials include stone or wood
• Very little exterior ornamentation: no shutters, columns or porches
• Numerous tall windows, sometimes in irregular or trapezoid shapes
• Since the exterior is minimally decorated, landscaping is key to creating curb appeal

Contemporary Interior Décor Features:

• Floor plans are usually open
• Common interior architectural details:
  • Cathedral ceilings and exposed beams in styles with gabled roofs
  • Crown molding
• Wood and ceramic tile are the most common flooring options. These homes often integrate rare artisan materials
• Gourmet kitchens with central islands are common
• Common countertop materials include marble, concrete, and stainless steel

Contemporary Decorating Suggestions:

• When it comes to decorating a Contemporary home, think clean lines and neutral colors. Add interest to your rooms with an unusual focal point: an abstract modern painting or sculpture, a pop of bright color in a cluster of objects on the mantle, or maybe an attention grabbing ceiling fixture
• Choose neutral furnishings in simple shapes. Update your rooms easily with accessories and paint when the urge strikes
• If you need to inject some patterns into your rooms, stick with modern geometric shapes. No fussy flowers or fluttery laces
• Some decorating schemes that work particularly well with Contemporary architectural design include:
  • Modern décor
  • Swedish décor
  • Asian décor