Sleek, sustainable design, open concept floor plans, minimalism, and eco-conscious thinking are defining characteristics of modern architecture. These concepts were formed in the early to mid-twentieth century as part of the modern art movement which encompassed art deco interior design and mid-century modern architecture among other styles. Here’s a breakdown of the features that define modern architecture.

6 Features of Modern Architecture

1. Clean Geometric Lines

At the heart of modernist values lies the simplification of form. Ornate decorations quickly became a thing of the past as designers became focused on taking a no-frills approach to home design. Modernist homes have a very linear feel with straight lines and exposed building materials, as opposed to more irregular shapes that were popular in the past.

2. Multifunctional Spaces

Multifunctional living spaces are a foundational element of modern homes. Built-in storage is commonly used to reflect this multi-purpose, space-saving feel. This gives added significance to the spaces in a home by upping each one’s utility. It creates an environment where everything has purpose.

3. Eco-Friendly

Modern homes are well suited for technological and eco-friendly home upgrades, as well as eco-friendly building materials and energy efficient practices, and flat roofs to accommodate solar power. A new trend is to decorate each room with plants for a calming, soothing effect. Large windows are abundant in modern architecture, allowing light to fill and expand the interior space, bringing the natural world indoors.

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4. Post-and-Beam Structure

Exposed wood posts and ceiling beams are classic elements in modern architecture and modern offshoots like farmhouse interior design. Modern homes significantly emphasize the structure rather than hiding the bones behind drywall. In new modern homes the post-and-beam structure can be made of concrete, iron, or other materials. The visible horizontal and vertical beams reinforce the clean geometric lines of the space.

5. Open Concept

Modern design strives to “open” the space by eliminating enclosed rooms. A common design method is to open the kitchen and dining room into an open living space, allowing the spaces to flow into one another.

6. Minimalism

With open and connected modernist spaces, careful curation of furniture, décor, and household objects is paramount to incorporating the modernist aesthetic. Generally, modernist homes have art and furniture that reflects the clean geometric lines and the natural materials of the architecture, leaving less space for clutter. Minimalist philosophies encourage few household items that serve both form and function, which work well within this design and architectural style.

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Contemporary vs. Modern Architecture & Design 

The terms “contemporary” and “modern” are thrown around interchangeably. They do possess a certain degree of overlapping qualities, but specifically in the design world, “modern” refers to styles influenced by the early to mid-twentieth century movement, while contemporary design is what is popular in the present. Whatever interior design trends are at the forefront can be said to be contemporary, while modern interior design is still influenced by a specific period in the past.

For more information on home design, read about how to keep up with trends while decorating your home colorfully:

Colorful Modern Design Trends for Your Home

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The distinct rambler architectural style is known by several names: rambler, ranch house, California ranch, and more. Whatever you call it, it has played an important role in the evolution of the American home. From its spacious interior to its welcoming layout, these homes are tailor-made for a comfortable home life.

History of the Rambler House

It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the rambler became a staple of domestic American life as the suburban boom reached new heights. The intention behind the architecture was simple: design the perfect post-war American home. The term “rambler” was a reference to the way the single-story design sprawled—or rambled—across the landscape. This home design mirrored the landscape of the American West and allowed for expansive views of surrounding land on a level plain.

Over time, the rambler style began to take on elements of modern design and eventually evolved into split-level homes, creating variants such as “raised ranch style,” “suburban ranch style,” and “storybook rambler.” To this day, these homes are found in great numbers across the country.

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5 Features of Ranch-Style Rambler Homes

1. Low-Pitched Roof and Eaves

Similar to the Craftsman style home, it’s common for ranch-style homes to have low-pitched roofs and overhanging eaves. These architectural features help to give ranch-style homes their distinct sprawling look.

2. Open Floorplan

Ramblers are known for their open interiors that allow for easy movement throughout the home’s horizontal spaces. The spacious layout is often anchored by a central area which creates a feeling a continuity between rooms, a concept that was influenced by modern architecture.

3. One-Story Buildings

Though their wide layouts make for large footprints, the majority of rambler homes are one-story structures. The terms “rambler” and “ranch house” are used interchangeably. However, raised ranch houses and split-level ranch houses will often have a basement, whereas the classic rambler home is a one-story building with a ground-level entry.

4. Attached Garage

This was one of the first architectural styles to incorporate an attached garage into the home design. This evolution in home design perfectly suited the needs of the modern American family in the 1950s and 1960s.

5. Connection to the Outdoors

In another nod to modernist homes, ramblers often prioritized outdoor spaces for entertaining and gathering. This connection to the outdoors is reinforced by large windows and easy access to back patios to create a connection between nature and the home itself.

For more information on different home designs, check out our Architectural Styles page.

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Another year, another statement from the Pantone Color Institute, the leading authority on all things color design. The global color expert recently announced their Color of the Year for 2023: Viva Magenta. A beautiful hue of the red family, it is vibrant and soothing at the same time. Just like last year’s selection, Very Peri, it captures common feelings shared by modern homeowners while presenting a bounty of creative design solutions. Learn a bit more about this special color and how you can incorporate it into your home.

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Pantone Color of the Year 2023: Viva Magenta

Viva Magenta is a bright, crimson red that balances warm and cool energy. Pantone describes the color dynamically, calling it “fierce” and “rich.” They say it differs from last year’s selection in that Viva Magenta answers our “collective need for strength.” So, what does this mean for you as a homeowner? Viva Magenta is a color of unity. It has the power to embrace and make your guests feel welcomed while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Colors in the red family are known to make a home feel comfortable, especially in the dining room. It has often been said that reds can stimulate appetite.

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How to Use Viva Magenta in Your Home

This year’s interior design trends are showing a preference for colorful decorating. Viva Magenta fits this mold perfectly. It is a bold and vivacious choice for interior paint. Need a splash of energy in the living room? Looking to give your dining room a makeover? Viva Magenta may be the perfect solution.

In terms of complementary colors, Pantone specifically calls out pale grays, blues, and pastels. This shade of magenta can be a stunning accent color for homeowners that prefer a more neutral backdrop while incorporating elements of contemporary home design.  The typical accent pieces come to mind: pillows, blankets, and throw rugs. However, Viva Magenta is also perfectly suited for accent items in the kitchen—think glassware, candle holders, hand towels, etc. For those who are ready to dive into the deep end of the magenta pool, consider a velvet couch. Its boldness also goes well with interior design styles that are characterized by flair, such as Art Deco interior design.

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Viva Magenta is sure to lead the eye throughout your home. Its magnetic energy may be the missing ingredient to your interior design plans for 2023. For more information on color design tips, read our blog post on Colorful Modern Design Trends for Your Home.

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