Modern House Design for 21st-Century Families
Modern house design is characterized by unique architectural styles, innovative materials, and forward-thinking principles. These homes are designed to meet the needs of 21st-century families.
Open floor plans are a common feature in modern house designs. Large windows bring in abundant natural light and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Open Floor Plans
Modern house plans feature open floor plans, which break down barriers between rooms to create a seamless flow of living spaces. This contemporary trend offers homeowners a multitude of benefits, from boosting social togetherness to increasing entertainment possibilities and energy efficiency.
To accentuate the separate yet connected feel of your modern home plan, use furniture with varying styles to define each area. Using a mix of furniture in different color palettes also helps achieve this look while maintaining consistency. Another no-fail way to add distinct definition to an open floor plan is by incorporating built-in millwork. This is typically found in dining and living rooms, but can be seen in the home office as well.
Large Windows
Large windows bring natural light and framed landscapes into modern house design, transforming interior spaces into bright, spacious living areas. The use of these expansive windows also helps reduce energy bills and improve indoor comfort.
The popularity of these large windows has increased with the growing emphasis on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. This new trend also promotes a more healthful and uplifting lifestyle through a seamless connection with the natural environment.
There are many different window styles to choose from, such as bay windows that add seating and a cozy atmosphere, awning windows for ventilation on rainy days and picture windows to soak in the scenery. Energy efficient windows are a great way to maximize daylight and minimize heat gain.
Industrial Materials
If you like a home that looks rugged, raw and unfinished, modern industrial is the design style for you. This style relies heavily on iron and steel accents to accentuate the architectural shape of a home.
Wood is also a popular material for furniture in this design style, especially when it has been distressed or used with metal tables. Framed vintage photos and artwork also work well with the industrial look.
This contemporary design features a mix of brick and siding materials to evoke industrial character. With angular rooflines and warehouse-inspired fixtures, it’s sure to turn heads. Large windows and a neutral color palette help this home feel grounded.
Multifunctional Living Spaces
With the changing lifestyles of families, multifunctional living spaces are a key feature in modern house design. For instance, rooms with built-in storage can serve multiple purposes depending on the needs of the household. This helps keep the space clean and organized while giving each room a distinct purpose.
Flat or low-pitched roofs are also common in modern house plans. These designs emphasize the structure and highlight natural lighting and open spaces.
For example, this modern home uses a unique cube-shaped design that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces to create a sculptural effect. These homes also use large windows to allow light to fill the interior.
Sustainable Systems
The use of sustainable systems in a house design can greatly reduce its environmental footprint and improve its occupants’ well-being. These systems can include solar panels, energy-saving appliances, and heating and cooling systems.
A greener home is also more cost-efficient. Less material is required to build a building, and smaller houses require less energy for heating and cooling.
MRTN Architects designed this energy-efficient, eco-friendly extension for an existing period property in Victoria’s Hepburn Shire. Featuring solar panels, a heat pump hot water system, and double-glazed windows, this structure achieves an impressive 8 star NatHERS rating. The nature-centric design also increases the house’s resale value.
Minimalism
Modern minimalism focuses on decluttering spaces and ensuring that each element serves a purpose. This style often features sleek, streamlined furniture and storage solutions that complement the clean lines of the home’s exterior.
Minimalism also emphasizes exposing natural materials. Concrete and steel are left bare to enhance their raw appeal, creating a sense of visual intrigue in the living areas. Brutalism is another form of minimalist design that showcases raw textures through large frameless windows.
South America offers a unique canvas for minimalism, with many homes seamlessly blending traditional architecture with the surrounding landscape. For example, "Casa Tunquen" in Chile, designed by DX Arquitectos, is a wooden retreat that's harmoniously integrated with its tropical surroundings.