Modern architecture flourished between the two World Wars, when it particularly made its mark in the inter-war period. The Art Deco influence is strongly evident in modern house designs, with their streamlined forms, symmetrical shapes, and rich, lustrous finishes. Influenced by the 'modern movement' and artists like Frank Lloyd Wright, these houses are made distinct by their minimal decoration, straight lines, and rectilinear shapes. At the same time, modern designs feature natural materials like wood and stone, and often incorporate curved lines as well. Modern and contemporary house designs are often one and the same, so for the purpose of this article, we look at them as one.Modern House Designs
Today, contemporary house designs are all about building a sleek and stylish residence, often making use of asymmetrical spaces and a combination of modern materials like steel, glass, stucco, and concrete. Emphasis is placed on horizontal lines, lots of natural light, and open floor plans, with a heightened sense of sophistication and minimal plumbing systems. Modern house design still incorporates some Deco design influences, however more in terms of composition than construction. Contemporary and luxury house designs often come hand-in-hand too, making them popular with property developers and investors.Contemporary House Designs
Cottage house designs are all about creating cozy spaces, often with plenty of decorative detailing to give it that cozy, inviting feel. While cottages are sometimes thought of as having outdated features and spaces, modern cottage house designs incorporate a few classic elements while also capturing the look of more contemporary, open-plan layouts. Here, touches of Vintage and Art Deco elements help to bring the cottage style to life with added amount of charm. The use of vibrant colors, thick carpets, and eye-catching wallpaper all become focal points in cottage house designs.Cottage House Designs
Craftsman house designs originated in the late nineteenth century, with the majority of the designs incorporating certain design elements borrowed from the English country style. This is most evident in the use of large windows, paneling, brick fireplaces, and exposed wood beams, all of which give these houses an air of timelessness and authenticity. While craftsman houses boast traditional detailing on the outside, the inside of the home often includes more modern touches since the spaces tend to be open and airy. The exteriors of these house designs also usually feature decorative gables, cornices, and barge boards.Craftsman House Designs
Bungalow houses are typically one-and-a-half-storied homes with a wide front porch and a simple roofline. The Art Deco influence is seen in these house designs with the use of decorative lighting fixtures, paneled walls, and patterned brickwork, as well as an emphasis on comfort and practicality. Bungalow house designs also tend to include large, inviting windows to flood the interior of the home with natural light. The exteriors often feature simple gabled roofs, horizontal detailing, and shingle siding for a more rustic look.Bungalow House Designs
Victorian house designs carry the name of the monarch of the era: Queen Victoria. These elaborate and extravagant homes are typically two-storied and boast grand romantic students, as well as intricate detailing on the roof and exterior. Often, the Arts and Crafts movement provided much of the inspiration for Victorian house designs. These homes include covered porches, elaborate windows, and complex rooflines. Ornamental trim, bay windows, and asymmetrical features are all often seen on Victorian homes. Interiors are similarly opulent, with lavish wallpaper, decorative moldings, and ornate fixtures.Victorian House Designs
Traditional house designs are often inspired by the periods of the family that previously lived in the property. Characteristics of traditional designs include grand entrances, high ceilings, intricate window treatments, and symmetrical shapes. Touches of the Art Deco period are also common, such as arched doorways and elegant lighting. On the inside, traditional house designs generally have spacious, well-defined rooms and timeless furniture. Wood floors, cozy fireplaces, and intricate woodwork are also often seen inside Traditional homes.Traditional House Designs
Luxury house designs often pull from many different eras and inspirations. We can see elements of both modern and traditional house designs, with grand entrances, open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, and intricate detailing on both the inside and the outside. These homes often feature gourmet kitchens, high-end appliances, lavish bathrooms and spa facilities, and sometimes even staff quarters. Of course, the external details on these properties often nod to the Art Deco period with its use of bold, elegant shapes and materials.Luxury House Designs
Tuscan house designs are inspired by the Italian countryside and feature an abundance of natural materials. From ancient Roman villas to 18th century mansions and rustic farmhouses, modern Tuscan houses bring together the best elements of all. High ceilings, open spaces, and plenty of natural light all become integral parts of this house design. Stone, terracotta, and plaster all feature heavily in the walls and exteriors of Tuscan houses. Stucco interiors and murals depicting pastoral scenes are also often seen here, offering a classic, Mediterranean feel.Tuscan House Designs
The Cape Cod house style originated in the 17th century and saw a renaissance in the 1930s when Art Deco influenced many aspects of design. This style of home typically features a steeply pitched roof, single story, symmetrical windows, and a central front door. On the inside, these houses are generally comfortably appointed, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. The distinctive elements of the Cape Cod style of house design can also be seen in the traditional colors used for exterior paint jobs and other design elements.Cape Cod House Designs
Farmhouse house designs merge the old and new, bringing together classic design elements like wood beams, large windows, and stone fireplaces along with modern features like open floor plans and lots of natural light. In its most basic form, a farmhouse is a two-story home surrounded by white-washed walls and log-framed windows. Today, farmhouse house designs often seamlessly blend traditional elements with contemporary features, such as glass walls, stainless steel appliances, and walls of windows. Design elements like art deco-style lighting, rustic wooden fixtures, and dark cabinets also serve to give farmhouse properties a unique look and feel.Farmhouse House Designs