When figuring out how to style your home, it can be difficult to decide between traditional and modern designs. In this article, we will outline exactly what a modern home vs. traditional home is and discuss the differences between them as they pertain to various design elements. We will also discuss combining elements of both styles to help you make a decision on what style suits you better or if perhaps a blend of these modern and traditional aesthetics would be best instead.
Key Takeaways
What is a Traditional Home Design?
Traditional home architecture is known for its elegance and focus on symmetry. It is rooted in the 20th century, but takes inspiration from the 17th and 18th centuries, blending colonial, farmhouse, and neoclassical styles for a more historic aesthetic that promotes a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Common features include window shutters, columns, arches, and a great deal of ornamentation. A traditional home also has wide porches with overhanging beams and rafters, and tall, pointed roofs with at least one gable.
What is a Modern Home Design?
Modern home architecture is known for its pragmatism and focus on minimalistic designs. It is against any kind of ornamentation or decorative features, as well as colour mixes, instead favouring industrial materials, such as concrete and steel, and plain, neutral colours.
Common features include simple and clean lines, geometric shapes, and large, unadorned windows. In using industrial materials, a modern home tends to leave them bare to keep their natural forms exposed.
Modern vs. Traditional Design
Now that we have explained exactly what modern vs. traditional home design is, let’s dive deeper into their differences by examining some of their essential elements:
Floor Plan
A traditional floor plan contains single-purpose rooms. It sees every room as its own separate space. There are distinct definitions of what the use of each room is, from the living room to kitchen to dining room and beyond, and they have clear barriers between one another.
A modern floor plan, on the other hand, is open-concept and contains multi-purpose rooms. This means that each room can be used for different reasons and is connected to one another with slight transitions from space to space instead of defined barriers. Inner spaces and outer spaces are also connected, integrated together to provide a more harmonious feel to the house.
Windows and Lighting
Traditional windows are small, all symmetrically placed and typically uniform in their size and shape. Due to having smaller windows, traditional homes rely more on artificial lighting and may compensate for the lack of natural lighting through the use of stained glass and woodworking details to increase the aesthetic appeal of the windows themselves.
Modern windows are large, almost entirely glass, and have a minimalistic design. Due to having larger windows, modern homes bring in a lot of natural light. They make the windows as expansive as possible and also have skylights to allow for even more natural light in the home.
Furniture
Traditional furniture is often made from wood materials with ornate details, like hand-sculpted elements, that add character to the space. Craftsmanship, durability, and symmetry are the focus of each and every piece. Antiques are also used to add to the historical and classic aesthetic of the home.
Modern furniture is often made from a combination of metal and glass for a sleek and simple look. Functionality is prioritized just as much as aesthetics, meaning the pieces are more maneuverable and have room for lots of storage. Modern furniture also tends to be more low maintenance than traditional furniture.
Exterior and Materials
Traditional homes often have a brick exterior and are built using local materials. Architectural details like wood trim, stone accents, and gabled roofs add charm and depth to the façade. In contrast, modern homes prioritize clean lines and favor industrial materials like concrete, steel, and glass, often left in their natural form.
These materials support the structure’s overall minimalist feel, creating a polished yet utilitarian look. Flat roofs, metal framing, and bold geometric shapes are also frequently seen in modern exteriors, creating a striking difference from the softer, more textured look of traditional homes.
Kitchen Design
Traditional kitchen designs emphasize comfort, warmth, sophistication, and luxury. Features include high-end stone countertops, wood cabinets with intricate designs and ornate molding, and statement lighting fixtures.
Modern kitchen designs emphasize efficiency, convenience, and minimalism. Features include energy-saving appliances, clean lines, a simple layout that optimizes space, and an increased amount of storage solutions.
Finishes
Traditional home finishes tend to be a classic wood-grain, often featuring rich, darker stains or painted moldings that offer warmth and a sense of heritage. Decorative trim, crown molding, and paneled walls are also common.
Modern home finishes are more restrained, relying on contemporary shades such as white, black, and muted neutrals like slate or beige. These finishes typically emphasize smooth surfaces and matte textures. While traditional finishes bring in visual weight and detail, modern finishes help to maintain a sense of space and simplicity, highlighting structural form over embellishment.
Combining Traditional and Modern Designs
Overall, when it comes to traditional vs. modern designs, there are some stark differences. However, you don’t necessarily have to choose between one or the other for your home. You can instead combine elements of both types of design to create a modern and traditional house that suits all of your needs.
For example, you may want a traditional exterior, but would prefer a modern, open-concept interior. You could also combine a traditional floor plan with modern windows to have single-purpose rooms with increased natural light. Perhaps you really like wood finishes, but still want the minimalist, clean look of a modern home and so you design your kitchen with that in mind. The possibilities are truly endless for the combinations that you can create.
Final Thoughts
Throughout this article, we have discussed traditional vs. modern homes, defining both types of architecture and outlining the differences in a variety of design aspects. At Aria Build, we are here to help you create the ideal home for you and your family. So, whether you are leaning more towards a traditional home design or a modern home design, we are committed to providing you with exceptional full home renovations or building you your own custom home. Contact us today!
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