Why People Love Modern Architecture

By Shelley Little
Updated June 13, 2022

Andreas von EinsiedelModernist/ Getty Images

 Andreas von EinsiedelModernist/ Getty Images

Modern architecture has something for everyone. Even if your taste may veer
towards the opposite side of the design spectrum (i.e. rustic country)— there
are still elements of modern design that will appeal to you. Don’t believe it?
After reading this article, you may change your mind.The fundamentals of
modern architecture are clean and simple. Its ever-present philosophy abides
to the ideal that form follows function. Therefore, modern architects express
themselves through simplicity, clear views of structural elements and by
eschewing unnecessary design details.Modern architecture boasts the actual
structure and materials used in the building vs. covering them up with ornate
designs. That is why most modern designs feature elements of wood, steel and
glass, in order to show-off these industrial structural materials.Let’s look a little
further into this amazing architecture and what makes people fall in love with it:
 John Edward Linden/ Getty Images

What Defines Modern Architecture?

The terms— modern and contemporary — have been intermingled in the
design world, resulting in a bit of confusion. A kind of confusion that leads us
to ask: Is contemporary architecture/design the same as modern
architecture/design? The answer is no, and a little bit of yes.  To be very literal,
contemporary means now, while modern refers to technological and
engineering developments that date back to the turn of the 20th Century.To
keep it simple, modern architecture focuses more on industrial metals such as
steel, concrete and glass (innovative industrial developments of the time).
While contemporary design may use these same elements, its designs are
considered new, re-thought, or forward-thinking.  Clear as mud?  With all that
being said, the two designs will always mix and mingle with one another—even
in the images in this article.Overall, modern architecture is defined by clean
lines and minimalist interiors that allow the structure to speak for itself and
take center-stage. The image below is a perfect example of clean and simple
modern architecture.

John Edward Linden/ Getty Images

Modern Design is Unique

Despite its simplistic styling that avoids extra fluff, modern architecture
remains unique. In fact, modern architects have created some of the most
unique designs to date. Just look to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and
numerous other iconic architects.Yes, some of these modern designs may have
flat roofs and boxy style, but they certainly manage to be anything but boring.
Look around your city streets and neighborhoods—which architectural designs
stand out to you the most? The unique one-of-a-kind modern ones, or the
traditional designs that tend to mimic one another row upon row? Modern
architecture is anything but cookie-cutter.Look to the originality of the bold,
angular roof lines that are so prominent in modern design—these are very
unique.  Everything from the vaulted ceilings, to the exposed structural
elements, to the unusual linear elements— all equate to a unique, artistic
design that you cannot help but be amazed by.

Peter Cade/ Getty Images

Restrained Palette In Modern Architecture

Less is definitely more when it comes to decorating a modern home. After all,
why would you want to hide all the amazing architectural details of the design
by adorning it with a lot of extra ornamentation? These designs were meant to
speak for themselves, making their own statement through their structure and
functionality.In the image below you can see that the interior decor of this
home is kept simple, clean and natural. The furnishings feature elements of
steel and wood, and are incorporated to help highlight the real hero—the
architecture. Everything is kept simple so that the blueprint of the home and
the materials used in its design are allowed to take center-stage.This is not to
say that a modern home cannot have pops of color or added character
through decor. It is just that it needs to be done in a manner that adds to the
architecture rather than takes away from it.
 Martin Barraud/ Getty Images

Warmth in Modern Architecture

A misconception that critics often have of modern architecture is that it’s cool
and cold. However, the opposite could be argued.  A large number of modern
designs feature elements that are naturally warm and inviting, such as wood
and stone.Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, large windows that let in natural
light and vaulted post and beam ceilings— what could add more character and
warmth than these wonderfully modern features?  While the pattern may be
linear, clean and uncluttered—there is definitely warmth to be found in
modern architecture.Also, most modern plans contain fewer walls, thereby
creating a more welcoming, open living space that most people crave. Are you
loving modern architecture yet? If you still desire a bit of traditional style, then
keep reading….
 Stephen Simpson/ Getty Images

Traditional and Modern Architecture Mix Well Together

They can co-exist. Mixing traditional and modern architectural elements works
well when done properly and with a slight hand of restraint.There are
numerous examples of successful meshing of these two, seemingly opposing,
styles together into one cohesive design.  Look to the image below— it’s a
exemplary illustration of a modern and traditional union. The mixture of cedar
shingles with modern structural elements creates a very unique and appealing
home.Of course, this is not a design marriage for the faint of heart. One would
have to be daring in order to have the nerve to try it.  Obviously, it is best to
attempt this only under the supervised watch of a skilled design architect. The
good news is that you can have the best of both worlds —modern and
traditional.

What’s not to love about modern architecture! We have proven that modern
designs are unique, warm, inviting and open creations of structural beauty.
Even better, you can add traditional elements into a modern design and get
the best of both design worlds.Use the above images and text to inspire the
modern home of your dreams. Research local architects in your area to see if
you can find one to build you a modern mecca, or help you remodel your
current home into a modern version of itself. For further inspiration try
reading 10 ContemporaryWhat elements of modern architecture are your
favorite? We would love to hear from you!