As you begin to design your dream home, you’re likely to find all kinds of house plans, design trends, and opinions on what works best for your family.
It can all get very confusing if you’re not sure what you want, and that’s why the team at Regional Home Builders supports you through the entire process.
From choosing your block size to your interior style, we’ll help you to make decisions that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
If you’re curious about contemporary home design, this article will show you exactly what we mean. Then, after reading through, you should feel more prepared for meetings with builders, architects, designers and everyone else that comes with building a new home.
A History of Contemporary Design
The good thing about contemporary style is that it’s always “in.” Since the 1970s, that is.
Contemporary design arose to shake up the modernist trends of the mid-1900s. In doing so, elements of modernism, postmodernism and art deco were used to create a new style which celebrated a combination of cultures. It truly was and is an artistic representation of the globalism which now influences every corner of society.
We could hardly pin the beginning of contemporary design down to one year, country, or person. Instead, we see it as an evolving style which represents the current decade’s most tasteful trends. That’s why contemporary design is always a safe choice because it truly represents the present day.
Aren’t Modern and Contemporary the Same Thing?
Don’t be confused. Modernism was a trend in the mid-1900s to describe a functional minimalism that became popular in a post-war era. People wanted affordable, simple, functional, and honest design that didn’t try to be anything more than it was. It felt modern because it did away with the glitz and glam of the roaring ‘20s and added a pop of character and colour to weary wartimes.
On the other hand, contemporary design simply describes the current trends of the past five to 10 years. It may sound synonymous with modernism, but it is far from it.
Now that we’ve cleared up the difference, let’s get into the specifics of contemporary design.
Elements of Contemporary Design
In 10 years, this section of the blog will be rather outdated, and your home may undergo the typical process of renovation.
For now, however, there are a few key trends that sum up contemporary design in the 2020s. As you design your new home, we encourage you to incorporate these elements with your own personal style.
Natural light has become a staple of many modern homes as people crave a connection with the outdoors. This trend is also helped by the rise of working from home, causing people to brighten their home offices with natural light instead of the artificial feel of a corporate office.
Open floor plans are a common feature of the floorplans offered by Regional Home Builders. We recognise that a nice blank slate is far more functional than breaking the home into smaller pieces. An open floor plan allows you to dictate the feel and function of every square metre, rather than the other way around.
Natural materials like wool, timber, and stone are another great inclusion to connect your home with nature. As many of our homes are built in the Greater Bendigo region, we know many of our clients are craving an escape to the country. Short of using a haybale for a couch, natural materials are a great way to feel that connection with the land.
Deliberate, functional lighting should be found in any home of contemporary design. It’s the kind that turns on in the perfect place before you even know you need it. This includes statement pendants in key places of work and play, as well as subtle inclusions that light thoroughfares like hallways and entrances. Of course, natural light is important, but it won’t always be daytime.
Clean is contemporary. As our lives become busier, messier, and more unpredictable (hello young families), the home should become a place of stability and predictability. You may not know what toy your child will play with today, but you’ll know where it will be stored when they’re finished. Ample storage can be tucked away in every nook and cranny of a contemporary home. So much so that you hardly realise it’s there. Then, when everything is stored, the clean home offers clean lines that are satisfying to the eye.
Contact RHB
We may be experts in contemporary home design, but we’re more excited to learn about your style! Get in touch with our expert team to begin designing a home that suits you and your family. There may already be a design waiting for you on our Home Designs page so go take a look today.
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