When considering an exterior home redesign, you’ll frequently encounter two terms: contemporary and modern. Although many people use these words interchangeably, they actually pertain to two different styles, each with its unique characteristics.
Let’s explore the differences between these two designs to help you create a cohesive and appealing home exterior that reflects your taste and enhances your property’s surroundings.
Modern Design
This motif is fundamentally inspired by modernism, a movement from the early 20th century that focused on abstract concepts, functionality, and clean, simple forms. Modern design turned away from the ornate style of Victorian design in favor of a philosophy where form follows function.
Its origins can be traced back to the influences of the German Bauhaus and Scandinavian design. The Staatliches Bauhaus was a German design school and an influential art movement that aimed to blend fine art with practical functionality across visual arts, decorative arts, and architecture.
The aesthetic principles of the Bauhaus emphasized minimalistic practicality and experimentation with shapes.
- Architecture and Form
Modern design is characterized by its structured and formal look, prioritizing strong, clean lines and minimalism. It values functionality over intricate decorations.
Typical of modern homes are open floor plans, expansive windows, and simple geometric forms. These large windows and open layouts facilitate abundant natural light and make a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor areas.
- Accents and Materials
This style favors a range of materials, including glass, steel, and concrete, while also incorporating natural elements like wood, stone, and leather. These are often blended with innovative materials such as acrylic and chrome, resulting in functional and minimalist forms that exude a warm, inviting ambiance.
Additionally, modern design boldly explores the use of groundbreaking materials, such as molded plastic.
- Color Palettes
In modern design, color palettes often use warm and neutral tones, featuring earthy shades such as brown, rust, and olive. Bold colors are typically introduced in moderation, serving to create accent pieces or to emphasize architectural elements.
The emphasis is on strong color blocks rather than detailed patterns. Natural hues blend beautifully with a vibrant primary color splash on the front door or in other highlight areas.
Contemporary Design
This dynamic and ever-changing style reflects what is relevant in today’s design landscape. Unlike modern design, which is rooted in a specific historical period, contemporary design draws inspiration from various movements, including modernism and postmodernism, while also incorporating current trends and values. This style is characterized by its flexibility and openness to new ideas and materials.
- Architecture and Form
Contemporary design embraces clean lines while also encouraging creativity and experimentation. It often includes unconventional shapes, asymmetrical facades, and curves, resulting in a more dynamic and visually interesting appearance.
Contemporary homes frequently showcase a mix of materials in their exteriors, such as stone and wood. Additionally, it’s common to see exposed construction elements like brick and concrete in contemporary architecture.
- Accents and Materials
This style celebrates natural materials in a fresh and innovative way. It often features polished wood, sleek metals such as steel, and organic materials like plaster and concrete. Additionally, the incorporation of reflective surfaces and unique shapes in furniture and accessories brings a dynamic visual appeal to contemporary home exteriors.
- Color Palettes
Although contemporary design incorporates neutral shades, these are often presented in their natural tones, like soft sandstone or sun-kissed driftwood. Bold contrasts, especially between black and white, along with bright whites, are frequently seen in contemporary exteriors.
Vibrant colors are applied as striking highlights to emphasize architectural features or to infuse the design with character.
Elevate Your Home’s Curb Appeal
No matter if you favor modern or contemporary design, there are numerous ways to turn your vision into reality. Collaborating with a skilled team can help you understand the unique aspects of each style and create a unified and impressive exterior design.
If you’re ready to give your home a fresh look, get in touch with a trusted exterior remodeling company to discuss your ideas and requirements. Their professional team will help you achieve the perfect exterior home redesign. You can count on them to guide you through every step of the process and create a welcoming atmosphere that you’ll love for years to come.