They can look radically different from one another, and sometimes from anything that has come before.
Rapidly evolving building technologies and materials increase innovation and help to bolster moresustainable building practicesfor today’s new builds.
But contemporary architecture isnt always cutting edge or wildly experimental.
Design byArchitects Magnus/ Photo by Jenny Siegwart
It may include that house down the block that looks a little different from the others.
Or be used to update an existing home with an extension or renovation that does not involve a tear-down.
Check out these contemporary homes in a range of styles and options for inspiration.
Flourish Interior Design/ Photo by Jenny Siegwart
Want more design inspiration?
Thiswhite painted bricknew build from Kate Marker Interiors nods to earlier styles but has supersized current day volumes.
Glass doors open completely for an indoor-outdoor feel.
Louis Duncan-He Designs/Eymeric Widling Photography
Covered Back Porch
Contemporary homes often feature built-incovered porchesand back patios to maximize outdoor space.
This space from Urbanology Designs has a play on opacity and transparency that gives it a crisp graphic quality.
Mixed materials like natural stone add an earthy element that helps soften the facade.
Kate Marker Interiors
Contemporary Renovation
Design byGaia Inspired/ Photo byJenny Siegwart
Not every contemporary home is a new build.
Sustainable Landscaping
Complement a contemporary home with sustainable landscaping that is adapted to a changing planet.
The structure is made from steel, stone, and reclaimed timber.
Laura Brophy Interiors
Contemporary Outdoor Space
A contemporary home exterior should harmonize with the architecture.
An extended roofline and walls help protect the home from direct summer sunlight.
A contemporary house may include elements such as curved lines, rounded forms, and unconventional volumes.
Laura Brophy Interiors
It may feature asymmetry, free-form shapes, open floor plans, and an abundance of large windows.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but are different.
Modernism embraces a less-is-more minimalism approach and is still popular in today’s midcentury modern-inspired interiors.
Kate Marker Interiors
Contemporary homes may include a combination of innovative materials, forms, and sustainable practices.
Design byHandsome Salt/ Photo byJenny Siegwart
Design bySide Angle Side/ Photo by Likeness Studio
Design byHandsome Salt/ Photo byJenny Siegwart
KG Designs/ Photo by Larchspur Design
KG Designs
Michelle Berwick Design
KG Designs/ Photo by Sailor Delich
Urbanology Designs/Matti Gresham Photography
Laura Brophy Interiors
Design byGaia Inspired/ Photo byJenny Siegwart
Design byGaia Inspired/ Photo byJenny Siegwart
Design byStudio Ma/ Photo by Roehner + Ryan
Kendall Wilkinson Design
Design byGO Logic/ Photo bySarah Szwajkos
Design bySearl Lamaster Howe Architects/ Photo by Tony Soluri
Fantastic Frank
Design bySearl Lamaster Howe Architects/ Photo by Tony Soluri
Fantastic Frank
Kendall Wilkinson Design/ Locati Architects /Highline Partners / Gibeon Photography
House 9 Interiors
Kendall Wilkinson Design
Design bySearl Lamaster Howe Architects/ Photo by Tony Soluri
