There are few design aesthetics as distinctive as the contemporary style. Clean, sleek and minimalist, contemporary homes have the right vibe and features to accommodate modern family life without sacrificing fashion and elegance.
If you’re looking to transform your home in Morristown with a contemporary style, you have some latitude with your architectural and design elements. However, there are also several distinguishing features that you should consider including to truly capture the spirit of the style.
In contemporary homes, less is often more. Residential spaces, from kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms, forego excessive frills in favor of practicality and chic minimalism. For example, you’ll want to do away with decorative trims, moldings, ornate columns, arches and window shutters.
Whether you plan to give your whole home in Morristown a makeover, or you’re only updating a couple areas, here are a few distinctively modern elements to think about incorporating into your plan:
The contemporary style puts a big emphasis on functionality, which is why open floor plans are so popular. They establish a sort of easy flow throughout your home and do away with unnecessary architectural obstructions. For the most part, you will see this feature manifested through an open living, dining and kitchen area that accommodates daily household life, as well as comfortably entertaining guests or hosting large social events. Contemporary master suites are another area where you are likely to see an open concept applied.
Glass is basically a staple of the modern design style. In conjunction with that, you should consider adding some large, floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome a generous amount of natural light into your New Jersey home and also show off great views of the surrounding area. Large glass doors leading to your yard or deck can also strengthen your connection to nature and allow for robust indoor-outdoor living.
Unique and unconventional roofs are another popular contemporary architectural characteristic. Rather than utilizing the traditional triangle-shaped roof, consider installing a roofing system with multiple lines across various levels. Overhangs and vaulted ceilings can be added to the mix for a balance of creativity and complexity.
Like glass, metal is also a material that is typically found in surplus when it comes to modern home features. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of metal is likely stainless steel, and using that material for your kitchen and bathroom faucets, appliances, shelving and even furniture will certainly help you achieve your desired design aesthetic. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to that type of metal. Nickel and chrome are also exceptionally popular because of their sleek finish and durability.
You will rarely find plush carpeting or thick rugs in a contemporary style home. If you do, it tends to be a non-fuss, commercial-grade carpet that still looks smooth and sleek. Instead of carpet, you can opt to remodel with materials that can be laid flat, such as tile, wood and vinyl. To add a bit of flair and warmth to your bathroom or kitchen without getting too ornate, go with a plain rug or one that features geometric patterns to complement the rest of your design.
Speaking of clean geometry, simple shapes and intentional asymmetry with strong horizontal and vertical elements are typical features in a contemporary home. Play around with line and space by blending large, unadorned windows, high ceilings, bold color blocks, and geometric shapes into your architecture and décor. The idea is to showcase strong visible lines that create a sense of hierarchy without undermining the function of your interior and exterior spaces.
To modernize your home in Morris County, tend toward natural materials and a simple color palette that cultivates a calming and serene environment. For example, muted whites and grays are typically used in abundance. In recent years, black has also taken center stage for modern homes. It is the perfect backdrop to ground your space, and you can add a pop of bold color here or there for a stunning visual effect.
Since function is the focal point of modern design, that involves integrating cutting-edge technology to make your space more energy efficient and convenient. During your home remodel in Morristown, explore the idea of installing upgraded, smart appliances; automated security, heating and cooling systems; eco-friendly bathroom fixtures; wireless speakers; smart lighting that can be controlled remotely; and other home technologies that are sure to make your daily life easier and more carefree.
If the contemporary aesthetic appeals to you, you can decide how much to embrace it when upgrading your home in the Morris County area. For example, you can focus solely on the interior remodeling of a few rooms or undertake a massive project involving your whole home to achieve a more modern building design. As a design-build contractor, JMC Home Improvement Specialists can assist you with any type of home remodel, large or small. We collaborate with you to clearly define your vision, goals, priorities and scope and then create a customized plan for your residential renovation that meets those personal expectations.