Not quite modern, not quite traditional, contemporary homes take the best of both of these styles and combine them to create timeless, stunning, and adaptable spaces. Contemporary homes utilize the warmth and natural elements of traditional home design and blend them with the simplicity and functionality of modern home design.
In Park City, where the outdoors is a fundamental part of daily life for most locals, contemporary design makes a lot of sense for home builders. Plenty of natural light, outdoor living spaces, natural textures and elements, and a soothing color pallet are all contemporary design features.
Contemporary vs. Traditional Homes: Understanding The Difference
Contemporary design and traditional design are, in some ways, on opposite ends of the design spectrum. Traditional design is typically ornate, decadent, and full of details for the eye to absorb. Contemporary design is minimalistic and understated, using a more neutral or cool color pallet. Of course, there are many more differentiating details in both types of design, but generally speaking, ornate means traditional, and simple means contemporary.
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Contemporary homes are growing in popularity in the Park City area, not only because this style of design has been gaining popularity in recent years, but because it lends itself to Park City living.
Contemporary design focuses on simplicity, natural elements, plenty of light, open floor plans, and easy access to outdoor spaces. Home builders are gravitating towards contemporary design in the mountainous region of Park City, where outdoor recreation and stunning views are a part of daily life. Floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of natural light and panoramic views, blending natural textures to create a soothing visual space, and open floor plans all lend themselves to the lifestyle of Park City residents.
Key Elements of a Contemporary Home
In contrast to a strictly modern design, contemporary design takes a more nuanced and natural approach to home design. Incorporating straight and curved lines, manmade and natural textures, and a simple color pallet, contemporary design takes the minimalism and simplicity of modern design and adds a touch of softness.
Exterior
Contemporary exteriors incorporate multiple natural textures and one or two neutral colors, creating a striking visual. This home blends a bright white with a reclaimed wood exterior to give a contemporary feel to the home.
Using wood siding blending with the exposed slate of the chimney and black accents in the roof and railing, this home’s exterior is a stunning example of contemporary design.
Kitchen
Contemporary kitchens blend natural elements like wood and stone with simple lines and unique lighting to create a welcoming space. This home uses warm wood and an open floor plan to create a contemporary kitchen.
Using statement lighting, an open floor plan, and light wood cabinetry, this kitchen offers a lovely example of contemporary design.
Living Room
A contemporary living room is truly a “living” room, not only because contemporary design uses open floor plans that invite you to sit and rest, but because contemporary design uses living elements to shape the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, stunning views, easy access to the outdoors, natural fibers and textures in the flooring and fireplaces, and a neutral color pallet all create a contemporary living room.
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The natural light, use of plants, and a natural jute rug in this living room build a cozy, inviting spot to rest and socialize.
Again, we see the use of floor-to-ceiling windows in this contemporary living room. The stone fireplace, natural fibers in the rug, leather chairs, and open space create a contemporary design in this living room.
Dining Room
In traditional design, dining rooms are typically separate rooms just off the kitchen. In a contemporary design, where an open floor plan is a priority, dining rooms are part of the larger space, usually combined with the living room and kitchen.
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This dining room features a statement light with a lot of movement and curve, while the table and chairs utilize more straight lines and sleek finishes.
Showcasing the open floor plan of contemporary home design, this dining room is the bridge between the kitchen and the living room, creating a cohesive space.
Bedroom
Bedrooms are where contemporary design can create a relaxing space. With a focus on simplicity, lighting, and natural textures, contemporary design lends itself to a truly peaceful bedroom.
With plenty of natural textures in the wall hanging, footstools, and even nightstand, this contemporary bedroom blends the pops of blue into the design seamlessly.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, warm wood tones, and simple furnishings create a lovely, cozy contemporary bedroom.
Bathroom
Practicality and beauty meet in a contemporary bathroom. Contemporary bathrooms will feature simplicity, plenty of natural lighting combined with statement lighting, and decadent bathtubs and showers.
The natural light combines with the statement lighting in this lovely contemporary bathroom.
Practical Tips for Designing Your Contemporary Home
When designing your home, you have to consider how you will incorporate contemporary elements from the start, especially when it comes to the layout of the home. But that’s only the beginning; from the first blueprints to the final piece of decor, we have some solid tips to help you design a contemporary home.
The Right Light
Contemporary homes blend both natural and artificial lighting into the design. Add floor-to-ceiling windows, bold chandeliers, and unique accent lighting to create a contemporary design.
Wide Open Spaces
Contemporary design requires open floor plans, so your kitchen, living room, and dining room should be in one large space. Adding taller ceilings can also give the home an airy, open feel.
Simple Colors
Unlike modern design, where color pallets are almost completely devoid of color, contemporary color pallets use mostly natural tones and one or two accent colors. These are usually on the cool side of the color spectrum but certainly don’t have to be.
Natural Textures
Bringing the outdoors in is one of the best features of contemporary design. From wood tones, natural fibers in the rugs and textiles, and stone fireplaces and exteriors, contemporary design takes the beauty of nature and weaves it into the home.
Sustainability
It may not be a primary example of contemporary design, but at Tall Pines Construction, sustainability is a part of our design philosophy. We look to use sustainable materials and practices and, in doing so, honor the natural environment where we build homes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Contemporary Style Homes
We’ve taken our most commonly asked questions regarding contemporary design and put them all in one place to make it easy for you to decide if this style is right for your mountain home in Park City.
What defines a contemporary home style?
Natural light, mixed textures, simple design, open floor plan, and functional beauty combine to create a contemporary home design.
How can I update my house to a contemporary style?
Add features like a jute rug, wood-toned cabinets, and natural light to update your home to a more contemporary style.
What distinguishes contemporary homes from modern homes?
Contemporary homes use more accent colors, incorporate more curved lines in conjunction with straight lines, and have more natural textures and light.
Are contemporary homes more budget-friendly to build?
They can be. As with all home design, finding the right designer and builder who can truly understand your goals and vision is key to getting the right look and staying within budget.
How do I balance contemporary design with personal style?
Blending design styles are standard in the design world; very few homes are all modern or all traditional design. So, adding your own style to a contemporary home is simply a matter of finding furniture, decor pieces, and textiles that you love that are also simple, using natural materials, and matching the color pallet of your home.
How can lighting impact the contemporary feel of a home?
Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in any design, but in contemporary homes, it’s fundamental to the space. Natural lighting is important in contemporary design, as are statement lighting pieces.
What color schemes are typical in contemporary homes?
Contemporary homes have more neutral color schemes but usually incorporate an accent color or two.
How does contemporary design integrate with outdoor spaces?
Easy access to the outdoors is an important part of contemporary design, especially in Park City, where outdoor living is a huge part of daily living. Using floor-to-ceiling windows and well-designed outdoor spaces, contemporary design utilizes the beauty of nature to create a cohesive look.
How does Tall Pines Construction approach contemporary home building?
We approach contemporary home building the same way we approach all our projects—we spend a lot of time getting a clear vision of our client’s style, needs, and goals and then build a design around that vision.
Embracing Contemporary Home Style for a Timeless Appeal
Contemporary design is, in many ways, the perfect blend of natural and minimal for a Park City home. Using the natural beauty of nature with huge windows, easy outdoor access, and natural fibers and textures, combined with simplicity and functionality, contemporary design balances all the needs of a Park City home.
If you are looking for a Park City home builder to help you design a home you’ll love forever, contact our expert team at Tall Pines Construction. No matter your dream home, we can build it to your exact specifications. Don’t wait. Find out today how we can build your contemporary home in Park City.
