Knowing the difference between a modern vs traditional home can save you a whole lot of time when designing, renovating, or just changing things up in your home.
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What are contemporary style homes?
Contemporary style homes have certain characteristics that can be spotted immediately if you know what you’re looking for. The formal definition is anything that is designed in modern times rather than centuries ago.
Technically, though, a contemporary house can take from the past, present, and future. There is a difference between contemporary and modern design.
Where ‘modern’ design adheres to a particular style era in the 20th century, contemporary design can take inspiration from any time period. Though, they can be used interchangeably most of the time.
Because a contemporary home can draw from anywhere, many people get creative and specific with what they want in their home. In the discussion of a modern vs traditional home, traditional homes are typically considered more conservative while modern homes use various designs and materials to create a new aesthetic for the home.
Levity in design
Levity in design refers to the ability to create a sense of stillness or serenity in a home based on the cleanliness of the design. Even when using heavier materials such as stone and marble, the geometry of the home makes it seem immaculate.
Levity in design is key for a contemporary style home. Levity allows people to inspire a contemporary home design based on their personality and preference. Check out Leneeva home designs for custom home inspiration.
The objects of the house ranging from fixtures to decor can be based on a common theme or aesthetic without the concern of one room seeming too busy or cluttered.
Lines of sight
Another aspect of a contemporary home is the lines of sight. This is when interior designers and architects intentionally use lines in tandem to produce a flow of movement throughout the home.
A contemporary style house is meant to invite light into its space and draw attention to certain aspects of the home. By including focus lines that naturally garner your focus, the subtlety in design is able to shine through.
Movement, light, and patterns are huge staples of this kind of home, which differs in a traditional home. The modern vs. traditional argument is more so about what you want out of a house rather than which is better.
In the question of, what is the difference between traditional and contemporary homes, consider if the house prioritises movement, light, and patterns. If so, you are most likely looking at a contemporary home.
Minimalism is key
The blank canvas that is your contemporary home allows for as much creativity as you would like. Unlike in a traditional home, you won’t feel overwhelmed with clutter or business.
When asking yourself, what is considered a contemporary home, try looking at it with virgin eyes. The geometry and minimalism of a house will most likely give you your answer.
Freedom with the design
Although you are granted freedom to design your home with both styles of home, contemporary design allows for greater use of shapes, materials, palettes, and forms. This is because a specific era isn’t limiting you in your creativity.
If the modern vs traditional debate is getting to you, you don’t even have to choose really! Contemporary design allows you to pull from a variety of styles including the traditional style.
What is a traditional home?
What is considered a traditional home? There are two answers to that. You can base your traditional home designs on how homes appeared prior to the 20th century or you can opt to base them on what has become the norm in modern design.
If you’ve stepped foot in a residential home, you most likely came face-to-face with this new norm. It is called traditional because, in a sense, it has become the particular aesthetic that has become so traditional to use.
When it comes to modern vs. traditional, a traditional home is simply referring to the tons of homes you’ve seen stylised similarly.
Compartmentalised design
A common characteristic of traditional houses is the compartmentalisation. This makes it more difficult to mix it up with contemporary design.
In this case, rooms would have a specific, individualistic purpose with all the pieces, fixtures, and décour in tune to fit that purpose. It allows for a sense of cohesiveness in each room.
Traditional symmetry in design
On the other hand, traditional symmetry refers to the kind of symmetry that is a huge characteristic of these types of houses. Symmetry suggests safety and solidity within a home.
In the modern vs. traditional home debate, traditional houses usually take the cake when it comes to a feeling of balance and familiarity. If you prioritise these two aspects over all else, experimenting with the typical traditional aesthetic may be worth it.
Timelessness
A traditional design can be deemed as contemporary because of its minimalism. You always have the option of taking from traditional designs and adding your own minimalist points of attention in order to achieve exactly what you want.
Choosing Between Modern Vs. Traditional Home Design
Modern and traditional home designs represent contrasting architectural and interior styles, each with distinct considerations. Modern design is characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and minimalism, featuring industrial materials like concrete and glass. In contrast, traditional design embraces classic elements such as pitched roofs, ornate detailing, and natural materials like wood.
The choice of materials is a key divergence. Modern homes favor industrial materials, while traditional homes showcase natural materials with rich textures. Color palettes differ, with modern design leaning toward neutrals and traditional design incorporating a broader range of warm tones. Furniture in modern homes is functional and minimalist, while traditional homes feature more ornate, classic designs.
Layout and space also vary—modern design emphasizes open floor plans and seamless indoor-outdoor integration, while traditional design often includes compartmentalized rooms. Technology integration is prominent in modern homes, incorporating smart features and energy-efficient solutions, whereas traditional homes may integrate technology but prioritize classic design.
Culturally, modern design reflects a contemporary, forward-thinking lifestyle, while traditional design draws on cultural and historical influences. Sustainability practices differ, with modern homes often incorporating eco-friendly solutions.
While modern homes require less maintenance and reflect current trends, traditional homes often stand the test of time. Homeowners frequently opt for a blend of both styles, creating transitional or eclectic designs combining modern and traditional elements.
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