What is Modern House Design? Discover 15 Innovative Ideas

Modern house design is an architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century. This architectural style continues to influence contemporary residential and commercial design because its simple lines transcend traditional boundaries and integrate well with many other styles. Modern house design remains one of the most relevant in building design and allows designers to craft homes that reflect the past, look relevant in the present, and anticipate the future

Modern House Design Ideas From Around the World

What is Modern House Design?

The modern house design movement emerged in the mid-20th century as a result of industrial and social changes that were happening all over the world. Industrialization had introduced modern materials that architects could manipulate in a variety of ways. These simple and clean shapes that were prized in the modern movement rejected former styles like Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movements, which prized ornamentation and historical influences. 

Modern home design focuses on practical living. This fits well with modern home use and family life. Modern homes are meant to make one feel welcomed and comfortable. Modern house plans are simple but also beautiful and inviting.


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

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. Notice the straight lines of the home, the use of natural materials, and its integration with the natural environment.


Modern Three-Story House In Italy

Modern Three-Story House In Italy

Located close to Brescia, Italy, this home by LPArchitects and  Flussocreativo has three floors in a separate apartment. With its neutral color palette of white and gray, the home embodies simplicity and sophistication.


Modern Coastal House In Santa Cruz

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 seamlessly integratesfaces the backyard and view of the Pacific Ocean.


Modern Corten Steel Homes in 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 Remote Cabin

Modern Remote Cabin

Cabana is a small, modern cabin from Liga Arquitetura e Urbanismo. It is made of durable and sustainable materials and suited for remote locations. Modular homes and buildings are more popular in modern architecture than in other styles.


Sicilian Retreat

Modern House Design Ideas From Around the World

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, which allows it to blend into the environment.


House Over a Pond

House Over a Pond

The property from Cutler Anderson Architects was chosen for the beautiful artificial pond which became the main feature of its design. For modern architects, the setting of the house is almost as important as the design of the home itself.


Modern Concrete House

Modern Concrete House

The 160 House is by MIDE Architetti offers a minimalist exterior appearance is given by the use of exposed concrete. The large windows of this home create light and visual space while connecting the indoors with nature.


Modern Off Grid Ursa House

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.


Concrete House in Paraguay

Concrete House in Paraguay

Studio Bauen went to great lengths to design a home with minimal impact on the land. The simple design and shape of the San Bernadino, Paraguay, retreat allow the inhabitants to take advantage of its amazing surroundings.


Modern Weekend Retreat

Modern Weekend Retreat

This home is located in India and was built by the studio SAK Designs. It serves as a serene weekend retreat. Its indoor and outdoor areas feel connected and harmonious.


Minimalist House in Poland

Minimalist House in Poland

This modern home occupies a flat piece of land in Poland. The home from studio RS+ Robert Skitek features a minimalist and clean aesthetic. It features a double-height living room and a large kitchen with a massive island.


Modern Family Resort

Modern Family Resort

HMA2 Architects designed this family retreat with flexibility in mind. It is both a cozy everyday home and a wonderful retreat. Inside, each space is large and airy, with high ceilings and plenty of glass.


Modern Hollywood Home

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.


Modern Concrete House in Georgia

Modern Concrete House in Georgia

This house by NOA Studio features a tiered design and innovative use of concrete. To ensure privacy, the living spaces sit between two gardens, with one at the top and the other at the bottom.


Modern Home Design Elements

Modern home design’s central elements can be summarized as elevating function over form. In other words, the form of modern architecture always follows functional design. The functionality of these homes is what has made them popular over time.

Clean Lines and Shapes

Simple and basic shapes are staples of this type of home. Modern homes emphasize straight and clean lines and avoid excessive ornamentation. Thus, the interiors will not have arches, fancy columns, or decorations. This gives the home a sleek and uncluttered look. Simple geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, and circles feature prominently in patterns and decor. 


Natural Light

Modern interiors feature an abundance of natural light. This is due to the emphasis that modern architecture places on large windows. This design feature not only increases the internal light but also blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. 


Open Floor Plans

This layout connects all the common living spaces, including the living and dining rooms and kitchens. This design element increases the sense of space and induces connectivity between members living in the home. 


Neutral Colors With Bold Accents

Modern interior design relies on neutral colors and textures. Using colors like white, gray, and earth tones increases the focus on the look and shape of each room. It also increases the atmosphere of calmness, simplicity, and timelessness. While neutral colors form the primary color palette, bold colors like aqua, orange, and gold in wall art, furniture, and accessories add visual interest and personality to the space. 


Material Selectons

Natural materials like wood, brick, and stone are traits of this genre. Modern design also incorporates innovative materials like steel, glass, and concrete. These materials create more durable structures, and they also contribute to the sleek and simple aesthetic. 

  • Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces – Many modern homes often integrate indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Patios, decks, and sliding glass doors help create a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment and increase entertainment space. 
  • Technology Integration – Modern homes today feature a wide range of technology integration. These might include smart home features, energy efficient technology, and home automation that increases convenience and sustainability.