5 Design Tips For Contemporary Living
When it comes to finding inspiration for your home, whether you’re building, renovating, or simply refreshing your interior, the abundance of options can feel overwhelming. From determining room sizes and functionality to selecting wall colors, furniture, and decorative elements, it’s challenging to know where to begin.
To streamline your choices, start by identifying what is important to you and the ambiance you wish to create in your home. Taking the time to write a design brief can help you prioritize your preferences and articulate your vision. You can refer to our article on Four Key Considerations When Writing a Design Brief for Your New Home for guidance.
To ignite your creativity, we have compiled ten modern home plans and ten design tips for contemporary living. These resources aim to provide inspiration and assist you in conceptualizing your ideal modern home design.
To help get your creative juices flowing, we’ve shared ten modern home plans and ten design tips for contemporary living:
1. Apply earthy and neutral tones to create a harmonious palette
Earthy and neutral tones are favoured for their ability to establish a balanced, simple, and welcoming atmosphere. This aesthetic is characterised by a subtle and refined palette featuring concrete and natural materials like timber and stone.
With its natural growth rings, gum veins, and ambrosia, each type of timber possesses a distinctive and captivating appearance, brimming with character. The variations in grain patterns and natural imperfections make every piece of timber truly one-of-a-kind. Stained timber offers the opportunity to enhance its inherent beauty, developing a deep and rich colour that can complement various design schemes. while unstained timber embraces a more rustic aesthetic that showcases signs of wear and the patina of time. On the other hand, leaving timber unstained embraces a more rustic aesthetic, allowing the wood to showcase its unique history with the charming signs of wear and the graceful patina that develops over time. This celebration of timber’s natural features adds warmth, texture, and a sense of authenticity to any space.
2. Look to past architectural styles as a source of design inspiration
Mid-century modern architecture is characterised by minimalist design principles, featuring clean lines, flat or gabled roofs, dramatic edges with generous eaves, and large picture windows that invite ample natural light into the living spaces. These architectural elements create a sleek and contemporary look, emphasizing simplicity and functionality.
With a focus on minimal decoration, the emphasis is placed on the clean lines and natural beauty of the materials. When it comes to space, big floor to ceiling windows or curtains can be enough to make a room look more spacious and the generous incorporation of natural light contributes to a bright and airy atmosphere, further accentuating the modern ambiance.
3. Think long-term
When it comes to selecting materials for a home, thinking long-term is crucial. Investing in high-quality, durable materials can have a significant impact on the lifespan and performance of a property. By choosing materials that can withstand the test of time, you can avoid the need for frequent repairs, replacements, and costly maintenance.
Durable materials contribute to the overall resilience of the home, ensuring its ability to withstand various environmental factors and everyday wear and tear. Considering the long-term implications of material choices not only provides financial benefits but also promotes sustainability, reduces environmental impact, and creates a solid foundation for a comfortable and lasting living space. By prioritising longevity and durability in material selection, you can have peace of mind that your home will stand strong and continue to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for years to come.
4 . Light, light and more light
Never underestimate the transformative power of natural light. Bright and airy spaces bathed in sunlight have a remarkable ability to uplift our mood and enhance our overall well-being. When considering energy efficiency and creating a comfortable living environment, the design and orientation of your home play a pivotal role. By carefully aligning your house with the best aspects of your climate zone, understanding the path of the sun and wind, and strategically planning the placement and size of windows, you can optimise the benefits of natural light while incorporating appropriate shading and thermal capture techniques. This thoughtful approach not only enhances your comfort but also has the potential to significantly reduce your heating and cooling expenses.
Additionally, when selecting window treatments, it is important to strike a balance that allows ample light to enter without obstructing its flow. By considering these aspects, you can create a harmonious space that maximises the beauty and benefits of natural light.
The Australian love for the outdoors is undeniable, and it’s only natural to desire outdoor living spaces that are just as comfortable as indoor ones. To achieve this, proper sun-shading solutions, such as a motorised vergola, can be a great choice. These adjustable shading systems allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your outdoor area, creating a pleasant and enjoyable environment throughout the year.
In addition to sun-shading, incorporating outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and comfortable living room-style furniture can further enhance the comfort and appeal of your outdoor space. An outdoor kitchen provides the convenience of preparing meals and entertaining guests in the fresh air, while a fireplace adds warmth and ambiance during cooler months.
By investing in smart features and thoughtful design, you can transform your outdoor space into a comfortable and inviting extension of your home. Whether it’s enjoying al fresco dining, hosting gatherings, or simply unwinding in nature, a well-designed outdoor living area allows you to make the most of Australia’s beautiful climate.
5. Eco-friendly features
Opting towards environmentally friendly options not only contributes to the collective effort to combat climate change but also reflects a socially responsible choice. Exploring sustainable alternatives like low-flow toilets, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and tankless water heaters further enhances the eco-consciousness of your home. While the initial costs might seem higher, the long-term savings you’ll enjoy make it a financially wise decision. By prioritising sustainability, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create a more cost-effective and energy-efficient living environment for years to come..
Franklinford house by Modscape
To discuss your new modern house design and plans, feel free to contact a member of our team on 03 9316 6000 or info@modscape.com.au
