Modern House Design Ideas From Around the World
Modern home designs set themselves apart from others with their style. To understand them better, here you’ll find inspiration from around the world. With modern homes, form follows function, so every feature has a purpose.
Refined lines are a hallmark of minimalist design.
What is a Modern House?
A modern residence centers on family living. These homes are meant to make one feel welcomed and comfortable. Modern house plans are simple but also beautiful and inviting.
Modern Interior Design Elements
Modern interiors favor ease among other features. They are distinct from contemporary types of buildings in a number of ways.
Here are a few traits of modern style:
Clean Lines And Shapes
Simple and basic shapes are staples of this type of home. The interiors will not have arches, fancy columns, or decorations. Modern home plans have basic and simple layouts.
Natural Light
Modern interiors rely on natural light. In this case, a home will have large open windows that allow for more sunlight. The lighting opens up the rooms so they feel bigger, which can also be the case in a contemporary layout.
Open floor plans
Most interiors have open floor plans. The layout connects the living and dining rooms, and kitchens. It creates a warm and open atmosphere.
Neutral colors
Modern interior design relies on neutral colors and textures. The focus is on the look and shape of each room. It’s easier to create focal points with color accents.
Natural materials
Natural materials like wood and stone are traits of this genre. Exposed concrete is also common.
Simple Principles
The concept of simple has many forms in the architecture of these homes. It’s based on ideas like:
- Follows function – the idea that something serves a purpose and doesn’t follow an ideal.
- Less is more – simplicity stresses function.
- Austerity – a theme from Ludwig van der Rohe who said a good designer should “honor an economy of means.”
- Open concept – columns create large and open rooms.
- Repetition – elements are basic. For example, each room will have the same window type.
3D Printed House
As 3D printing becomes cheaper, designers are learning how to use it better. A company in Texas, ICON, built a one-story 3D printed home in one day.
Made with cement, the building has a bedroom, bathroom, living room, and office. The company aims to make 3D printed homes cheaper in underdeveloped areas.
10 Popular Architectural Styles For Houses
Finding your style is the first step to living in your dream home. There are many styles of architecture to choose from when coming up with ideas.
Here are the 10 most popular home styles:
A-Frame Houses
A-frames have pitched roofs and angled sides that make the letter ‘A’ shape. The roof can go all the way down to the foundation. It’s practical for its snow-shielding ability.
Barn-style Homes
This style is from the American barn. Barn-style homes have gambrel roofs and sliding doors on the exterior. They also have windows and big outdoor areas.
Beach Houses
Beach houses use their surroundings for scenery. They have large windows to frame each view and outdoor living space. They sit on stilts that protect them from water damage.
Cape Cod Homes
Cape Cod houses were cottages with simple silhouettes and small porches. Today’s Cape Cod homes are a combination of modern and traditional. They’re also easy and simple as the front door.
Colonial Style Houses
Colonial-style homes are rectangular. Large columns support the roof and they have covered front porches. Colonial homes are balanced and have evenly-spaced elements. Many are often made from brick.
Craftsman Homes
A craftsman home looks warm from the outside. The homes have gabled roofs with overhangs and shingles and covered front porches on the exterior. Inside, craftsman-style homes feature exposed beams and rafters, pillars that line the entry and single dormers.
Farmhouse Homes
Farmhouse homes look rustic and traditional The homes have a second level with dormers and a gable roof. They look simple and cozy and sport shutters and a large front or wraparound porch.
Country-Style Homes
Country-style homes have steep roofs and big porches. Some will also have dormers and look informal yet elegant.
Bungalow Homes
Bungalow homes have one story and sometimes an attic that’s been converted. They’re often narrow lot and deep and have a detached garage. They also have gabled roofs with steep pitches and small porches with columns on the exterior.
Contemporary Houses
Contemporary homes use features that focus on the latest trends. This means they follow changing trends.
Modern Tree House Design
At first, treehouses were for children. But not all of them are like this design. Some versions serve as private retreats.
The example above is by Malan Vorster. It’s made of four cylindrical towers that look like treehouses. The front towers sit on stilts and have glazed walls that frame each view.
Design Ideas With a Modern Touch
Modern designs and home decor come in many forms worldwide. The ease and beauty of each one inspires and touches all those who view them.
Modern Architecture In South Africa
This 2-story home in Cape Town by Malan Vorster sits on a steep slope and has a ground-level exterior that’s clad in natural stone.
Modern Three-Story House In Italy
Located close to Brescia, Italy, this home by LPArchitects and Flussocreativo has three floors in a separate apartment. The ground floor decor is bright, colorful, and cheerful.
Modern Coastal House In Santa Cruz
The Surf House by Feldman Architecture is in one of Santa Cruz’s best surf spots. The layout makes the most of the coastal view. One of the best features in this type of modern architecture is a large open deck that faces the Pacific Ocean.
Modern Rural House in Australia
Gawthorne’s Hut by Cameron Anderson Architects is a 40-square meter home with sustainable construction in Mudgee, Australia.
Modern Corten Steel Homes in Australia
The Birdhouses Studios are two buildings with modern architecture that sit on a steep slope in Tasmania, Australia. From Gillian van der Schans and clad in Corten steel, the exterior design of these buildings will weather and offer a rusty patina, matching the landscape’s colors.
Modern A-frame Cabin in Minnesota
The Minne Stuga House is a wooden chalet from the ’70s. It’s been modernized and brought back to life by studio Taiga Design+Build. They managed to turn it into a modern A-frame cabin for generations to come.
Modern Nautical-Themed Tiny House
This home on wheels is from Tiny House Baluchon. It has a simple form, red cedar exterior siding and a black aluminum roof. The nautical-themed vibe is a reference to its owner’s love for the sea.
Modern Cape Town House
When studio Jenny Mills Architects renovated this abode they replaced the old roof with a penthouse. This modern new addition transformed the home and helped it better communicate with its beautiful surroundings.
Modern Remote Cabin
Cabana is a small, modern cabin from Liga Arquitetura e Urbanismo. It’s made of durable and sustainable materials and suited for remote locations. The modular cabin floor plans can be transported by a single truck.
Modern Off Grid Ursa House
The Ursa house is small, mobile and packed with clever interior features. Madeiguincho designed the house plans to function off-grid. It has a rainwater collection system and solar panels on the roof.
Two-Story Cabin in Thailand
This modern cabin by Sher Maker has a long and narrow floor plan. It’s two stories tall, has lots of windows and a slanted metal roof. The cabin is also clad in burnt wood.
Small Prefab Home in Iceland
This modern cabin is in one of the most beautiful regions of Iceland. It was built off-site by studio Manta North to minimize its impact on the landscape. Assembling this home only took a few hours.
An Old Shed Transformed
This is a project by DAP Studio which began as a renovation of an old tool shed. It evolved into what is now a home with a rooftop swimming pool.
a href=”https://www.homedit.com/small-shipping-container-studio” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Shipping Container House
This studio house is by Plano Livre has a modular arrangement made from 2 repurposed shipping containers. The interior decor is fresh, modern, and color-coded.
Brick House in Canada
The Nanton Residence is a project by Wiedemann Architectural Design. It’s a four-story home in Vancouver clad in brick. The exterior design gives it an eclectic look and the brick helps it stand out in contrast with the landscape.
Board and Batten Home On Wheels
The Pacific Harmony house by Handcrafted Movement is tiny and built on a triple axel Iron Eagle trailer. It has a charming board and batten exterior and a small cedar porch. Inside it has a cozy, practical and versatile design.
Canyon Home in Texas
The High House in Austin, Texas by RAVEL Architecture sits on a steep slope with a magnificent view. The house plans were designed to follow the curvature and shape of the slope and receive support from a retaining wall.
Desert House in California
Originally built in 1987, this home from Landers was renovated by Karen McAloon and turned into a modern, sophisticated desert retreat. One of its best features is a swimming pool made from a shipping container.
Small Two-Storey Forest Cabin
The Metal Lark cabin sits on the edge of a Wisconsin forest. It’s small and built on stilts. Designed by Sala Architects, it has two floors and overlooks the valley.
Wood Siding Forest House in Russia
The Hill House by Horomystudio and has a black exterior. It blends into the forest and mountain and it has large windows that let the outdoors in. Its modern look is enhanced by natural materials.
Water Tower House
This place is unique for a very simple reason: it used to be a water tower. The transformation into a modern dwelling was done by architect Tonkin Liu. The UK home resembles a small and modern castle from a distance.
Sicilian Retreat
Villa Cozzo Tre Venti is a remote retreat designed by Andrea Marlia. It has a simple and modern construction inspired by the local vernacular and landscape. The exterior is covered with lime plaster and helps it blend into the environment.
Minimalist Tokyo House
From Atoshi Kurosaki and APOLLO Architects & Associates, the home is small but also inspiring. It has a dark exterior that helps it stand out and a clean and airy interior. Inside spaces with different functions coexist in harmony.
Modern Container Home in Costa Rica
This exotic two-bedroom retreat from Uvita, Costa Rica is made from two shipping containers. Its prized feature is the enclosed courtyard. It has a big patio with outdoor seating and a dining area.
House Over a Pond
From Cutler Anderson Architects, the property was chosen for the beautiful artificial pond which became the main feature of its design. The home is like a bridge that stretches over the water.
Modern Concrete House
The 160 House is by MIDE Architetti offers a minimalist exterior appearance is given by the use of exposed concrete. Inside the ambiance is very warm and inviting thanks to the natural wood.
Australian House
This home designed by Luigi Rosselli Architects in Sydney is quite unusual. Unlike most Australian homes, the social spaces are on the upper floor of this contemporary home. This gives them a better view of the beautiful landscape.
Modern Waterfront Residence
Once in ruin, this building was transformed by architect Carlos Swick into a modern lakeside retreat. It is water-focused with big open spaces. Also, the building is raised above ground and seems to be floating.
Modern Off Grid Retreat
This dream home designed by architect Nadine Engelbrecht is completely off the grid. It’s located in a remote part of South Africa, small and practical. It has loft bedrooms and cozy multifunctional areas.
Multigenerational House
This modern and minimalist home designed by The Grid Architects is home to three generations of loving family members. It has multiple indoor-outdoor connections and a practical floor plan with both shared and private areas.
Cantilevered Concrete House
This modern shelter home from Portugal is designed by studio Carvalho Araújo. It’s cantilevered over the edge of a steep slope with gorgeous views of a mountain. The architecture is simple and organic. It includes a rooftop deck with a lap pool.
Modern Windmill House
This cool retreat in Norfolk, England used to be a windmill. It’s now a modern little place with a James Bond-inspired theme. The circular layout makes it feel extra cozy inside.
Arizona House
This family home from Phoenix, Arizona is designed by The Ranch Mine. Many of its indoor areas are mirrored outside. For example, there’s an outdoor kitchen, outdoor dining area and several lounge areas.
Concrete House in Paraguay
Studio Bauen went to great lengths to design a home with minimal impact on the land. They also made sure this beautiful retreat from San Bernadino, Paraguay gets to take advantage of its amazing surroundings.
Rural House
This wooden structure has a simple and linear design. It has minimal impact on the rural plot that it occupies. Inside, the small footprint elaves room for only the main necessities. This is a design by Fábrica de casas.
Modern Weekend Retreat
This home is located in India and built by studio SAK Designs. It serves as a serene weekend retreat. Its indoor and outdoor areas feel very nature-oriented and harmonious.
Minimalist House in Poland
This modern home occupies a flat piece of land in Poland. From studio RS+ Robert Skitek, the home features a minimalist and clean aesthetic. It features a double-height living room and a large kitchen with a massive island.
Modern-Industrial House
The Mao House by Di Frenna Arquitectos is in Colina, Mexico. It features a simple and raw palette of materials and a strong industrial look. The double-height entryway gives it a grand and impressive feel.
Modern Shipping Container Rental
The Green Creek Shipyard is a shipping container house that you can rent via Airbnb in North Carolina. It has a kitchen, a living and dining area, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The main entrance features a glass garage front door.
Modern Pavilion House
You can find this glass pavilion in Mangawhai, New Zealand. It’s designed by Cheshire Architects with solid concrete floors and glazed walls on all sides. The private areas are inside three tapered cylinders.
Sloped House in Portugal
The house from Hugo Pereira Arquitetos fits between the existing cork trees. Its modern design features sloped facades and clean and sharp geometric shapes. Floor-to-ceiling glass brings the glory of nature inside.
Mid-Century Modern Triplex in Montreal
Studio Dupont Blouin Architects gave this triplex a complete makeover. They went with a simple design with mid-century modern details. It features quirky design features such as a playful mural in the backyard.
Waterfront Retreat
This family retreat began as a separate house and a cabin. The two structures were connected with a stone wall and turned into this waterfront house by Coates Design studio.
Tree House
This little house in Yucatan, Mexico known as “Life on the Tree.” It’s designed by studio LAAR and is raised off the ground, among the treetops.
Modern Family Resort
This family resort was designed by HMA2 Architects with flexibility in mind. It’s both a cozy everyday home and a wonderful retreat. Inside, each space is big and airy, with high ceilings and plenty of glass.
Modern Californian Ranch House
This ranch house was built in 1956. Studios Assembledge and Alexander Design Build transformed it into a stunning house. The project added a second floor to the existing structure.
Small Cliffside Cabin
The Clear Rock Lookout by Lemmo Architecture and Design sits on a cliff in Johnson City, Texas. It’s small and functions off the grid. The exterior features weathering steel panels.
Small Church turned Into A House In Spain
This abandoned 16th-century church was transformed by Garmendia Cordero Arquitectos. Today, it’s a stylish home. A big part of the space was preserved, like the exterior. The interior room is shabby but inviting.
Playful Family House in Australia
The Totoro House by CplusC Architectural Workshop takes its inspiration from the animation of Studio Ghibli. It has a playful and quirky design. The building features big circular windows and a cheerful overall vibe.
Arched Suburban House
The geometry of this suburban house is by Fabian Tan Architects. The house has an arched concrete extension with oversized wooden doors. Its simplicity is matched by its beauty.
Minimalist Family House in Malaysia
The Makio House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Fabian Tan Architects has a minimalist yet inviting style. One of its defining design features is a wooden custom staircase.
Barn Studio
The Art Barn is a studio in Dartmoor, UK. It was an agricultural building until architect Thomas Randall-Page converted it into a stylish art studio with a display space for sculptures and an archive room.
Modern House of Mirrors
The Invisible House in Los Angeles by architect Tomas Osinsk has a steel frame and is clad in mirrored glass panels. It blends into the landscape, becoming invisible from a distance.
Modern Hollywood Home
This private residence in West Hollywood was designed by Olson Kundig. It overlooks the mountains and ocean and features an expressive design characteristic of modern homes. The facade is a mix of contrasting shapes, colors and finishes.
Japanese-Inspired Australian House
The Shutter House in Wembley, Australia has a Japanese style. The showcase design is the result of the combined effort between studios Mobilia and State of Kin.
Modern Cottage House
The Rag Doll in Belgium features an updated cottage style with a white exterior. Designed by Delmulle Delmulle Architecten, the home is a combination of old and new. The bottom space is clad in glass while the remaining structure has opaque walls.
Prefab House in Latvia
Built off-site, this house by Open AD studio had little impact on its environment. The pre-fab structure was assembled on-site.
Modern Japanese House
The Eaves House by studio mA-style architects in Japan resembles a right-angled triangle. Its roof slopes on one side forming an eave. On the opposite side, a tall straight wall features prominently.
Green Lakeside House
This holiday home sits on the edge of a lake, surrounded by lush greenery. Designed by KRADS, it features a green roof which helps it blend into its environment.
Modern Concrete House in Georgia
Surrounded by structures, this house by NOA Studio features a tiered design. To ensure privacy, the living spaces sit between two gardens, with one at the top and the other at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What Is A Modern Clean Home Design?
A modern clean design features unbroken, simple lines. The clean lines represent architectural and design periods that use contemporary decorating styles.
A clean home is rectilinear in shape. Rectilinear homes have straight sides and right angles. They look like two rectangles joined together.
How Can I Give A Traditional Home A Modern Twist?
When redesigning a traditional home to give it a modern look, you want to expand upon open layouts. Increase the amount of daylight and indoor-outdoor setups. Install bigger windows with uninterrupted glass.
Wood floors and hard-wood bed boards look great with steel appliances and industrial lighting fixtures.
What Is Ultra-Modern Home Design?
Ultra-modern homes blend in with nature on the exterior. On the inside, the home offers wide interior views. The idea is you want the inside to feel like outside. But more than anything, comfort is the goal.
Modern Home Design Conclusion
Modern home layouts are spacious. They bring in natural light to your home which saves you money in the long run. As a design, modern houses are aesthetically pleasing and offer plenty of room to customize according to your needs. More than anything, they are environmentally friendly.