Are you planning your dream modern home? Modern architectural designs have a timeless appeal—but only when designers avoid several common pitfalls. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating, avoid these five critical modern design faux pas. You will end up with the house of your dreams when you know which common mistakes to avoid.
In architecture, modern houses and contemporary homes are not the same thing. People commonly confuse “modern” and “contemporary” design. In actuality, the modern architectural design movement began in the mid-1900s. Using clean lines and bold shapes, modernist designers also worked to ensure the home blended with the surrounding environment (think Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater). This style has roots in Cubism, employing a variety of geometric forms in unexpected combinations.
Further, modern designers often use materials such as steel, concrete, and glass, instead of just wood and plaster. For example, a home might have exposed steel beams.
Finally, modern homes often have an open floor plan. However, that doesn’t mean the interior is just one big open box. Rather, architects design spaces to flow into one another, prioritizing functionality while making the layout aesthetically pleasing.
The modern architectural style calls for architects to take guidance from the environment around the space where the house will be built. The surroundings should guide the design. However, too many modern houses show a lack of foresight in regard to this important design element.
A well-designed modern home may have large, well-placed windows overlooking attractive views, for instance. It may also have a porch in a location that allows people to watch the sunset. The lines of the surrounding hills or mountains might guide the lines of the building. Rather than blocking views of the natural surroundings by towering over the landscape, the house gracefully blends into the natural scenery. This makes the home appealing to look at as well as live in, invoking the sense that it belongs in this place.
Homes in the modern architectural style are often asymmetrical, but they should have balanced proportions. Modern architectural designs experiment with forms while still maintaining harmony. Stacking multiple layers on one side while having a single story on the other would probably look disjointed. Similarly, this may seem obvious, but designers must think three-dimensionally in terms of balance. A home that has a balanced look when viewed from one angle but not from others misses the mark.
Having small windows in a modern home also tends to look odd. In the absence of ornate accents on a house’s facade, the windows take center stage, so getting the proportions right is vital. Large windows also enhance the connection with the surrounding environment.
Juxtaposing styles that clash will compromise the simple elegance of a modern home. For instance, trying to merge farmhouse and rustic styles within a modern architectural design would overwhelm its clean, geometric lines. Likewise, avoid overloading the space with too many different materials, particularly if they don’t complement each other. For example, using stone, metal, wood, and glass together will typically result in a disjointed appearance. Create a cohesive look and feel for the entire home by using the same types of materials throughout the building. Think of it as creating a theme that defines the overall look and feel of the home.
Similarly, including too many different design elements, even when made from complementary materials, will overload a modern home. For example, avoid using ornate moldings in favor of clean, simple lines. Focus on creating a streamlined structure rather than filling it with an endless array of extras. In comparison to traditional styles’ detailed accents, the modernist home takes a minimalist approach.
In terms of interior design, you don’t need to adhere strictly to styles from the modern era just because your house has a modern style. In other words, you don’t need to choose vintage furniture from the 1960s era unless you want to. Just try to define your personal style before getting started so you won’t end up with too many contradictory elements. Taking a streamlined approach to interior design will accentuate the beauty of your modern home.
We know that this discussion of design mistakes in the architecture of modern houses may cause more questions to arise. Thus, we answer some pertinent questions below.
If an architect has made a mistake in the design specifications, it will likely become apparent during discussions with the client and contractor. You can avoid most mistakes by maintaining strong communication with your architect. However, architects do typically carry liability insurance so that if they make a mistake that cannot be resolved without extensive expenses, the client can be compensated appropriately.
If you’re interested in a modern home, select an architect who specializes in this style. Look for strong examples of previous work before making the commitment. By doing your research before making the leap, you’ll help ensure that the process unfolds smoothly.
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