Contemporary homes are characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and minimal ornamentation. They often feature open floor plans, large windows, and natural materials. Contemporary homes can be found in various styles and settings, from urban lofts to rural ranches. In this article, we will explore 10 types of contemporary homes that you should know about, and what makes them unique and appealing.
Contemporary Ranch Home
A contemporary ranch home is a single-story house that combines the traditional elements of a ranch house, such as a low-pitched roof, horizontal layout, and attached garage, with the modern features of a contemporary home, such as large windows, open floor plan, and sleek design. A contemporary ranch home is ideal for those who want a spacious and comfortable living space that blends with the natural surroundings. Some examples of contemporary ranch homes are:
The Ridge House by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, located in Sonoma County, California. This house features a long and narrow plan that follows the contours of the site, and a series of sliding glass doors that open to a covered terrace and a pool. The house is clad in wood and metal, creating a contrast between the warm and cool tones.
The Ranch Mine by Cavin Costello, located in Phoenix, Arizona. This house is a renovation of a 1950s ranch house that preserves the original structure and adds a new wing that contains the master suite, a guest room, and a home office. The house is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, and to create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Contemporary Home Accents
Contemporary home accents are decorative items that add personality and style to a contemporary home. They can be anything from artworks, sculptures, pillows, rugs, lamps, vases, plants, or books. Contemporary home accents are usually chosen to complement the color scheme, theme, or mood of the room, and to create a focal point or a contrast. Some tips for choosing contemporary home accents are:
Choose accents that reflect your personal taste and interests, and that make you happy. For example, if you love traveling, you can display souvenirs, maps, or photos from your trips. If you love music, you can showcase your instruments, records, or posters.
Choose accents that match the scale and proportion of the room, and that balance the visual weight and distribution of the elements. For example, if you have a large sofa, you can add some smaller pillows or throws to create a cozy and inviting look. If you have a small table, you can add a large vase or a sculpture to create a dramatic and eye-catching effect.
Choose accents that create harmony and contrast, and that enhance the overall look and feel of the room. For example, if you have a neutral or monochromatic color scheme, you can add some pops of color or pattern to create some interest and variety. If you have a busy or colorful room, you can add some simple or minimalist accents to create some calm and balance.
Contemporary Mountain Home
A contemporary mountain home is a house that is designed to blend with the mountainous landscape, and to provide a comfortable and cozy retreat for the owners. A contemporary mountain home often features a sloped or pitched roof, a stone or wood exterior, and a large fireplace. A contemporary mountain home also incorporates modern elements, such as large windows, open floor plan, and contemporary furniture and fixtures. A contemporary mountain home is perfect for those who love nature and adventure, and who want a relaxing and luxurious getaway. Some examples of contemporary mountain homes are:
The Summit House by Whipple Russell Architects, located in Beverly Hills, California. This house is perched on a hilltop, and offers panoramic views of the city and the mountains. The house features a curved roof that mimics the shape of the hill, and a glass wall that slides open to connect the living room and the pool deck. The house is furnished with sleek and elegant furniture, and decorated with natural and organic materials.
The Mountain Retreat by Fearon Hay Architects, located in Central Otago, New Zealand. This house is nestled in a valley, and surrounded by mountains and rivers. The house features a simple and rectangular plan, and a metal and glass facade that reflects the changing colors of the sky and the landscape. The house is designed to be flexible and adaptable, and can be opened or closed depending on the weather and the season. The house is furnished with cozy and rustic furniture, and decorated with local and handmade items.
Contemporary Japanese Home
A contemporary Japanese home is a house that incorporates the traditional elements of Japanese architecture, such as simplicity, harmony, and nature, with the modern features of a contemporary home, such as functionality, comfort, and technology. A contemporary Japanese home often features a minimalist and modular design, a sliding or folding door system, and a tatami or wooden floor. A contemporary Japanese home also showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of natural materials, such as wood, bamboo, paper, and stone. A contemporary Japanese home is ideal for those who appreciate the elegance and tranquility of Japanese culture, and who want a serene and zen-like living space. Some examples of contemporary Japanese homes are:
The House in Kamakura by Suppose Design Office, located in Kamakura, Japan. This house is inspired by the traditional Japanese tea house, and features a simple and rectangular plan, a low-pitched roof, and a wooden facade. The house is divided into two zones: a public zone that contains the living, dining, and kitchen areas, and a private zone that contains the bedrooms and bathrooms. The house is designed to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and to allow natural light and air to flow through the house.
The House in Yamasaki by Tato Architects, located in Hyogo, Japan. This house is influenced by the traditional Japanese farmhouse, and features a complex and irregular plan, a gabled roof, and a metal and glass facade. The house is composed of several volumes that are connected by corridors and courtyards, and that contain different functions and levels. The house is designed to create a dynamic and playful spatial experience, and to offer various views and perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Contemporary Modern Home
A contemporary modern home is a house that follows the principles of modernism, which emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the industrial and social changes of the time. Modernism emphasizes function over form, rationality over ornamentation, and innovation over tradition. A contemporary modern home often features a geometric and abstract design, a flat or shed roof, and a concrete or steel structure. A contemporary modern home also incorporates the latest technologies, such as smart systems, renewable energy, and prefabrication. A contemporary modern home is perfect for those who value efficiency and convenience, and who want a cutting-edge and futuristic living space. Some examples of contemporary modern homes are:
The Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, located in Plano, Illinois. This house is considered one of the icons of modern architecture, and features a simple and rectangular plan, a flat roof, and a steel and glass structure. The house is elevated above the ground, and consists of a single open space that contains the living, dining, and sleeping areas. The house is designed to create a minimal and transparent space, and to blur the boundaries between the inside and the outside.
The Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier, located in Poissy, France. This house is regarded as one of the masterpieces of modern architecture, and features a complex and cubic plan, a flat roof, and a concrete and glass structure. The house is supported by pilotis, and consists of five levels that contain different functions and features. The house is designed to create a functional and flexible space, and to express the five points of architecture: pilotis, roof garden, free plan, free facade, and horizontal windows.
Contemporary Victorian Home
A contemporary Victorian home is a house that combines the historical elements of a Victorian house, such as a steeply pitched roof, a bay window, and a decorative porch, with the modern features of a contemporary home, such as large windows, open floor plan, and sleek design. A contemporary Victorian home is ideal for those who love the charm and character of a Victorian house, but also want a spacious and comfortable living space that suits their contemporary lifestyle. Some examples of contemporary Victorian homes are:
The Victorian Remix by MCK Architects, located in Sydney, Australia. This house is a renovation of a 19th century Victorian terrace house that preserves the original facade and adds a new extension that contains the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The extension features a curved roof, a glass wall, and a timber cladding. The house is designed to create a contrast and a dialogue between the old and the new, and to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Victorian Townhouse by Scott Architects, located in London, England. This house is a refurbishment of a 19th century Victorian townhouse that retains the original structure and adds a new wing that contains the master suite, a study, and a roof terrace. The wing features a sloped roof, a brick wall, and a steel frame. The house is designed to create a balance and a harmony between the historic and the contemporary, and to offer natural light and views of the city.
Contemporary Home Design Plans
Contemporary home design plans are architectural drawings that show the layout, structure, and features of a contemporary home. Contemporary home design plans can vary in size, shape, and style, depending on the preferences and needs of the owners and the characteristics of the site. Contemporary home design plans can help the owners visualize their dream home, and guide the builders and contractors in the construction process. Some benefits of contemporary home design plans are:
They allow the owners to customize their home according to their taste, budget, and lifestyle. For example, they can choose the number and size of the rooms, the type and location of the windows, the materials and colors of the walls and floors, and the fixtures and appliances of the kitchen and bathroom.
They enable the owners to optimize their home for efficiency and sustainability. For example, they can incorporate passive solar design, natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and green roofs, to reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of their home.
They provide the owners with a clear and accurate representation of their home, and help them avoid any errors or misunderstandings that may arise during the construction process. For example, they can check the dimensions, measurements, and angles of the rooms, the alignment and connection of the pipes and wires, and the compliance with the building codes and regulations.
Contemporary Home Plans Single Story
Contemporary home plans single story are contemporary home design plans that consist of one level or floor. Contemporary home plans single story are popular among homeowners who want a simple and convenient living space that is easy to maintain and access. Contemporary home plans single story are suitable for various types of sites, such as flat, sloped, or narrow lots. Contemporary home plans single story can also accommodate different functions and features, such as a garage, a basement, a loft, or a patio. Some advantages of contemporary home plans single story are:
They offer more privacy and security, as there are no stairs or elevators that may expose the owners to unwanted visitors or intruders. They also reduce the risk of accidents or injuries that may occur from falling or tripping on the stairs.
They provide more comfort and accessibility, as there are no barriers or obstacles that may hinder the movement of the owners, especially those who have mobility issues, such as the elderly, the disabled, or the children. They also allow the owners to enjoy the views and the natural light from all directions, as there are no upper floors that may block or shade them.
They save more money and time, as there are less materials and labor required to build and maintain them. They also consume less energy and resources, as there are less heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical systems, and roofing and siding materials needed.
Contemporary Ranch Home Plans
Contemporary ranch home plans are contemporary home plans single story that are inspired by the ranch houses that originated in the United States in the 1920s. Ranch houses were designed to accommodate the needs and lifestyles of the ranchers and farmers who lived in the rural areas of the country. Ranch houses typically feature a long and low profile, a horizontal and sprawling layout, and a casual and informal style. Contemporary ranch home plans are modern adaptations of the ranch houses that incorporate the features and elements of a contemporary home, such as large windows, open floor plan, and sleek design. Some characteristics of contemporary ranch home plans are:
They have a simple and rectangular shape, with a low-pitched or flat roof, and a wood or metal siding. They may also have a gable, a hip, or a shed roof, and a brick or stone facade, to add some variety and interest to the exterior.
They have a spacious and flexible interior, with a central living area that contains the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, and a separate wing or wings that contain the bedrooms and bathrooms. They may also have a fireplace, a skylight, or a vaulted ceiling, to create some warmth and height to the interior.
They have a seamless and harmonious connection with the outdoor space, with a series of sliding or folding doors that open to a covered porch, a deck, or a patio. They may also have a pool, a garden, or a courtyard, to enhance the beauty and functionality of the outdoor space.
Contemporary Home Sale
Contemporary home sale is the process of buying or selling a contemporary home in the real estate market. Contemporary home sale can be influenced by various factors, such as the location, size, condition, and price of the home, the demand and supply of the market, and the preferences and expectations of the buyers and sellers. Contemporary home sale can also involve different steps and stages, such as the listing, marketing, showing, negotiating, inspecting, and closing of the home. Some tips for a successful contemporary home sale are:
For sellers, it is important to prepare and stage the home to make it attractive and appealing to the potential buyers. For example, they can declutter and clean the home, repair and update the home, and decorate and furnish the home, to highlight the features and benefits of the home.
For buyers, it is important to research and compare the home to find the best deal and fit for their needs and budget. For example, they can check the location, size, condition, and price of the home, review the market trends and statistics, and consult with a real estate agent, to evaluate the value and potential of the home.
For both sellers and buyers, it is important to communicate and cooperate with each other, and with the professionals involved in the transaction, such as the agents, lawyers, inspectors, and lenders, to ensure a smooth and satisfactory outcome.
Conclusion
Contemporary homes are diverse and versatile, and can cater to different tastes, needs, and lifestyles. They can also reflect the personality and style of the owners, and enhance the quality and comfort of their living space. Contemporary homes can be found in various types and settings, such as ranch, mountain, Japanese, modern, and Victorian homes. Contemporary homes can also be designed, built, and sold in various ways, depending on the preferences and expectations of the owners and the market. Contemporary homes are more than just houses, they are expressions of art and culture.