Understanding The Elements Of These Different Architectural Styles

Contemporary architecture and home design is innovative and reflects the aesthetics, style, and thinking of a particular moment in time. It is ever changing and incorporates materials and technologies that are current and often cutting-edge. Contemporary architecture grew out of the very defined style of the modern movement that was popular in the middle of the 20th century. Midcentury-modern and contemporary styles have some characteristics in common, but these types of architecture and design are not exactly the same.

MidCentury-Modern Architecture And Home Design

"Modern" architecture, also known as midcentury design, refers to a distinctive type of home that was built from the early 1950's to the 1970's. The modern style grew out of the industrial revolution, is minimalistic in design, and is now considered to be "retro" because it is tied to a specific period in time. This type of architecture features wide open floor plans and emphasizes function over ornamentation. Midcentury-modern homes were designed to blur the lines between the indoor living space and the outdoors by incorporating large expanses of glass windows or walls. 

Interiors and Exteriors

Bold, geometric shapes, asymmetry, and clean, straight lines are all hallmarks of midcentury-modern design. Exteriors feature flat, rectangular roofs, cantilevers, overhangs, whitewashed stucco, steel, and concrete. Modern-era interior design uses materials such as wood, molded plastic, glass, and polished metal to create spaces with minimal embellishment and clutter. It's common to see artwork or accent pieces with bold pops of color such as red, blue, or yellow combined with an overall neutral palette in a midcentury-modern style home.

Midcentury-Modern Kitchens

Midcentury-modern kitchen design combines elements from the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's with contemporary appliances and amenities. This retro style prioritizes a minimalist aesthetic by using wood, simple hardware, and flat-front cabinets. Midcentury-modern kitchens often incorporate bold and vibrant accent colors, statement lighting fixtures, and geometric backsplash or floor tile into the overall design to create visual interest.

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Midcentury-Modern Bathrooms

This iconic design style—characterized by clean lines, bold accent colors, and organic, nature-inspired textures—tends to emphasize minimalism. So, it is perfect for executing in small, functional spaces like bathrooms and powder rooms. Embrace the midcentury-modern style by mixing natural and manufactured materials to create a timeless look for your new bathroom, whether you are remodeling or building a new custom home.

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Contemporary Architecture And Home Design

Contemporary architecture is ever-evolving, relevant, and new. It borrows elements from the midcentury-modern movement and blends them with function and design that are distinctly from the current era. There is an emphasis on strong lines and geometric form, but some curves and softer lines are integrated so that the overall effect is less severe than that of true modern design.

Interiors and Exteriors

The exterior of a contemporary home will feature materials like steel, brick, concrete, and glass to create a sleek, edgy look. Inside, there will be plenty of natural light, an open floor plan, and a minimalistic style. The color palette found in contemporary homes is comprised of earthy neutrals like stone grey, sandy brown, charcoal black, and cloudy white, while deep jewel tones are used sparingly to add some drama.

Contemporary Kitchens

Kitchens in contemporary homes have cabinetry with flat panels and simple or even hidden hardware. Appliances are either stainless steel or fitted with cabinetry panels for a seamless look. Most contemporary kitchens have cooktops with overhead venting instead of ranges. Countertops can be crafted from man-made materials, natural stone, concrete, metal, or glass. For a truly unique look, include an integral sink in a custom-designed island that becomes the focal point in your new kitchen.

Contemporary Bathrooms

Clean lines and a neutral, monochromatic color palette are essential to contemporary bathroom design. Add a sculptural, freestanding tub, floating vanity, wall-mounted toilet, and glass shower enclosure to create a spa-like space that feels ultra-luxurious. Materials used in contemporary bathrooms run the gamut, but typically include marble, stone, laminates, and light-colored wood.

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Connecting Indoor Living Spaces To The Natural Surroundings

A principal tenet of both midcentury-modern and contemporary architecture and home design is the feeling of connectedness between the indoor living space and the outdoors. Often, glass walls or retractable doors open up to outdoor living areas with full kitchens, fireplaces, decks, or patios, making entertaining effortless. 

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At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury remodeling and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.