Understanding Custom Home Design Styles: Contemporary, Modern, Mid-Century Modern, and Modern Farmhouse

Author: Jack Baldwin

Custom Home Design Styles

Putting style and taste into words has always been a challenge. After all, "rustic" may mean something specific to one person and entirely different to another.

While custom home design style terms may be subjective, they are helpful in the architectural home design process because they inform intent. Understanding design intent is the most essential thing an architect can do while guiding you in the design/build process. When our architect James Knight and I interview new clients together, we love to hear (and see) what they mean by "Modern" and "Contemporary."

Still, these words have a basis, and defining terms within your design team can be very helpful. It's like speaking the same language when engaging with design.

I want to continue to delve into the few commonly used design words and explore their origin and current use in the design world to better lay a baseline for you when you speak with an architect about your style and taste for your home.

For this article, I'm looking at "Contemporary," "Modern," Mid-Century Modern," and "Modern Farmhouse " and their distinctions. These words get lumped together in design conversation, but they actually mean something unique in their own way. You can combine contrasting styles, for example, by incorporating the clean lines of a contemporary design with the warm, inviting elements of a modern farmhouse to create a new aesthetic. Understanding the "root word" for these trends is very helpful as you become a better home designer.

Contemporary Home Design

Overview: Contemporary design, often mistaken for modern design, is a distinct entity. It's not just a design style, but a reflection of the current architectural and interior trends. This makes it a dynamic and adaptable choice, allowing homeowners to stay ahead of the curve and personalize their space to their liking.

"Transart" is a recent home designed by James Knight of Reynard Custom Homes and shows off this client's taste in contemporary design elements.

Current Contemporary Key Features:

• Clean lines and minimalist aesthetics.

• A focus on open floor plans and natural light.

• Eco-friendly materials and sustainable design.

• Neutral color palettes and bold accents.

• Latest technology and smart home setup

• Bold, unique materials like statement walls with textured finishes like concrete, plaster, or wood slats.

• Unique tile patterns and bold marbles in kitchens and bathrooms.

Who It's For: Homeowners who want sleek, current, trendy styles that can also be a backdrop to adapt to current trends.

Modern Home Design

Overview: Modern design is rooted in the early—to mid-20th century and is characterized by its focus on simplicity, functionality, and the rejection of ornate details. The modern style can find its root in the art movements of Futurism, Bauhaus, Neo-Dada, Cubism, Minimalism, and Abstract Impressionism, which influenced what became known as "modern." Modern design is a distinct style that can be adapted to other trends in design.

Key Features:

• Flat or low-pitched roofs and large windows.

• Open concept floor plans with a focus on functionality.

• Natural materials like wood, stone, and leather.

• A neutral color palette, often with earth tones.

• Emphasis on "form follows function," where design serves a purpose.

Who It's For: If you love a timeless, minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes practicality and geometry, this style is for you.

A-Frame designed homes are a good example of a design style that evolves out of modern aesthetic

Mid-Century Modern Home Design

Overview: My favorite design style, emerging in the mid-20th century (1940s–1960s), is mid-century modern design, a subset of contemporary design. It's known for a "retro" charm that can just as easily hark back to James Bond or the Brady Bunch. The Space Age and the advent of technology in the mid-1900s heavily influences this design style. Kitchens highlighting ease of use and gadgetry can make this design style go in a kitschy direction or just as become effortlessly elegant and eye-catching. Sci-fans like me love this era's movies and roadside attractions, and cultural elements can be fun to incorporate from this time.

Some typical design elements of mid-century modern style are clean lines, iconic geometric shapes and a touch of whimsy.

Key Features:

• Iconic geometric shapes and asymmetrical designs.

• Floor-to-ceiling windows to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Bold use of color alongside natural elements like wood and stone.

• Functional furniture that highlights clean lines and elegance.

• Open layouts that maximize space and light.

Who It's For: Anyone who is pure at heart, enjoys the fun of retro-inspired or technology designs and loves a natural connection between their indoor/outdoor spaces.

Modern Farmhouse Home Design

Overview: Modern farmhouse design blends the rustic charm of traditional farmhouses with the clean lines and sophistication of modern design. It's warm, inviting, and highly functional. In North Georgia, we see this design style the most frequently. It's a great way to charmingly blend the feeling of open-acreage farm living with up-to-date and clean interior styles.

A modern farmhouse style home designed by James Knight of Reynard Custom Homes. Hiawassee, GA

Key Features:

• Exposed beams, ship-lap walls, and barn doors.

• Neutral and earthy color palettes, often with black or metallic accents.

• A mix of natural materials like wood and stone with industrial elements like metal.

• Large, open kitchens with farmhouse sinks and oversized islands.

• Cozy, functional spaces that prioritize comfort and family living.

  
  

Who It's For: Homeowners who love a cozy, rustic aesthetic with a modern twist. Lovers of wide open spaces and the great outdoors.

So, what's your favorite style of these? Which styles would you like us to cover next?