Find 66+ Impressive Contemporary And Traditional House Design Top Choices Of Architects

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This article is a showcase of the best contemporary and traditional house designs in terms of their form, function, and aesthetics. Contemporary designs have begun to push the boundaries of architecture, while traditional designs remain timelessly popular. Each house in this list is iconic for its unique style while being practical for modern homes.

Modern House Designs

Modern house designs draw inspiration from the early 20th-century Art Deco movement, characterized by strong lines, intricate geometric patterns, and minimalistic interiors. Modern house designs celebrate architectural and structural influences from a variety of styles, including contemporary, Mediterranean, and farmhouse. With its emphasis on a clean, minimalistic aesthetic, modern house designs often replace traditional features with contemporary fixtures, from clean lines and dark colors to chic designs and modern amenities.

Modern House Designs

Contemporary House Designs

Contemporary house designs are a modern take on Art Deco-style homes, with characteristics that are both contemporary and timeless. Contemporary house designs feature minimalism, clean lines, and an open floor plan. These designs emphasize the importance of natural lighting in a living space, creating a bright and relaxed atmosphere. Contemporary house designs also include minimalist fixtures and furniture, resulting in a serene environment with plenty of natural beauty.

Contemporary House Designs

Mediterranean House Designs

The Mediterranean house designs commonly found among today's contemporary homes are drawn from a variety of historic architectural movements, including the ornate Baroque style and the eclectic Victorian decor. Mediterranean house designs draw heavily from Mediterranean and Italian culture, highlighting large columns, rich aromas and natural beauty. Mediterranean house designs usually feature a white-washed color palette and hardwood floors, while terracotta tiles and ornate rugs are common touches.

Mediterranean House Designs

Farmhouse House Designs

Inspired by rural areas, farmhouse house designs have been a popular style choice in recent years. These cozy home designs draw from the past, creating a charming living space and embracing a warm and inviting atmosphere. From barn-style doors and windmills to wide porches and whitewashed walls, farmhouse home designs feature plenty of rustic charm. Farmhouse house designs typically include exposed wood beams and a comfortable, inviting interior.

Farmhouse House Designs

Victorian House Designs

The classic Victorian house designs embrace the ornate styling of the late 19th century. With a heavy focus on symmetry and intricate details, these designs commonly feature steeply pitched roofs, wraparound porches, and grand entranceways. From elaborate, luxurious remodels to quaint and romantic touches, the Victorian house designs are a timeless choice for any home.

Victorian House Designs

Cape Cod House Designs

A timeless Cape Cod house design is a classic choice for coastal living. These cozy designs draw from 19th-century architecture with sloping gable roofs, simple interiors, and cozy color palettes. Cape Cod house designs evoke a sense of nostalgia and grandeur, with tall, white-washed ceilings, large windows, and vintage-style fixtures. Common features of a Cape Cod house design include wide porches, inviting pathways, and oceanside views.

Cape Cod House Designs

Craftsman Bungalow House Designs

The Craftsman bungalow house designs are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a historic style. Rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century, these houses feature a wide variety of character and charm. Common characteristics of Craftsman bungalow house designs include low-pitched roofs, open porches, intricate trim, and unique fixtures. Craftsmanhouse designs also often feature cozy living spaces with exposed stained wood beams and rustic accents.

Craftsman Bungalow House Designs

Tudor House Designs

The Tudor house design has been popular for centuries. Characterized by half-timbered walls, decorative accents, and steeply pitched roofs, these house designs are inspired by the architecture of medieval England. Features of a Tudor house design include decorative leaded window frames and herringbone stonework, while ornately detailed exteriors, intricate tracery, and hand-carved details provide homeowners with plenty of character.

Tudor House Designs

Georgian House Designs

The Georgian house designs have been popular in the United States for centuries. Combining symmetrical architecture with stately designs, these houses feature symmetrical lines and precise proportions. From raised porticos and full-width balconies to Palladian windows and classical details, Georgian house designs have been a luxurious addition to many homes.

Georgian House Designs

Colonial House Designs

Inspired by colonial America, colonial house designs have been a traditional choice for many homes. These classic designs draw from the architecture of early settlers, featuring an abundance of wood, shuttered windows, and shuttered dormers. Colonial house designs often feature a symmetrical floor plan and classic elements, such as wide doorways, wide porches, and quoins on the exterior walls.

Colonial House Designs

Prairie-Style House Designs

Inspired by Midwestern homes of the early 1900s, Prairie-style house designs are characterized by low-slung roofs, wide eaves, prominent porches, and delicate railing details. Common features of a Prairie-style house include horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and asymmetry. Prairie-style house designs often feature spacious interiors with large windows, allowing for abundant natural light.

Prairie-Style House Designs

Qualities of Contemporary House Design

contemporary and traditional house design Contemporary house design merges new ideas, technology, and materials to create updated designs that can blend with traditional areas or stand out in modern neighborhoods. Today’s modern homes make use of open floor plans, technology, and natural elements to create living areas that blend modern and traditional aesthetics. One of the key features of contemporary design is the use of open space. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from the removal of walls and other barriers to open layouts with spaces designated for multiple purposes. Open-space plans often use the flow of energy to create separate living, working, and eating areas. To maximize functionality, this can be further enhanced with the use of efficient lighting, heating, and air conditioning solutions.

Tech-Centric Interiors

contemporary and traditional house design The modern era of house design often incorporates smart technology to give homeowners more control over their living space. Utilizing automated systems such as lighting, security systems, and home audio solutions can make the most of the open space. Connected TVs, home appliances, and other amenities can also be included in a modern design , creating a tech-centric space that’s easy to operate and maintain.

Earth-Friendly Materials

contemporary and traditional house design As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for sustainable building practices, contemporary house design is trending towards eco-friendly materials and design considerations. From the use of recycled materials and furnishings to sustainable energy systems, there are plenty of options to integrate green elements into a modern home.

Modern Bolder Colors and Textures

contemporary and traditional house design A contemporary house design can incorporate many bold features, from bright colors to earthy textures. Neutral colors are still popular with modern design, but they are often paired with bold accents to create a stand-out look. Natural materials such as wood and stone are also making their way back into modern homes, giving a cozy yet upscale feel.

Traditional House Design

contemporary and traditional house design Traditional house design hearkens back to a more classic aesthetic, often seen in historic homes, country cottages, and places of culture and worship. Traditional design is known for its ornamental characteristics, often blending the natural elements of a home with its traditional design features.

The Use of Symmetry

contemporary and traditional house design Symmetry is a major element in traditional house design . It is often used to create a deliberately balanced look to the home and each room within. Placing items next to each other in pairs can create harmony, especially when combined with other features such as mirrors, floral patterns, and architectural fixtures.

Functional Layouts

contemporary and traditional house design Layouts are important in house design . Traditional home interiors are often based around simple, functional layouts that make use of the space within the home. Usually, all key elements of the room (such as furniture, appliances, and windows) are placed in the most efficient manner possible.

Traditional Finishes and Color Schemes

contemporary and traditional house design Traditional rooms tend to make use of softer tones and muted color schemes. This can be taken a step further with traditional finishes such as wallpapers, moldings, and plasterwork. These elements create a detailed look that stands out from other more modern home designs.

Conclusion

contemporary and traditional house design House design can range from traditional to modern, depending on the needs and preferences of the homeowner. Different elements such as symmetry, tech-centric interiors, natural elements, finishes, and color schemes can help create a unique and beautiful space.

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