What is a Contemporary home? Here is a guide to the style.

This constantly evolving architectural approach prioritizes open layouts, natural light, mixed materials

By Katherine Lutge

Key takeaways

• Contemporary houses began their existence around the 1990s, owing their design to the innovations of computer-aided design software.
• "Contemporary" and "modern" are not the same thing.
• Buyers considering a Contemporary home should evaluate the long-term maintenance demands.

If you've been browsing listings and noticed homes described as "Contemporary," you may have wondered what the term actually means.

Classified within the Modern Era, or 1900s to present, Contemporary describes the architecture of the current moment. It emerged from the innovations of computer-aided design, or CAD, software in the 1990s.

Contemporary architecture is "more of an evolving conversation," said Yawar Charlie, director of estates at Christie's International Real Estate Southern California in Beverly Hills, California.

That flexibility is part of what makes Contemporary homes appealing to buyers who want something of the now. But it also makes the style harder to pin down.

"In direct response to decades of smooth, white-stucco boxes, architects sought to solve new challenges by leveraging turn-of-the-millennium CAD software to achieve novel complexity in architectural designs," said Michael Shafir, director of architecture and building classification for Homes.com.

This guide covers how to identify a Contemporary home, where the style came from, what daily life inside one is like and what to know about maintenance and costs before you buy.

Key characteristics

• The roofline often includes segmental vaults that contrast with the rectilinear lines of the rest of the house.
• Exteriors are built with natural materials such as wood, stone, brick or occasionally concrete block.
• The overall composition is commonly asymmetrical, and the entry door may be recessed or obscured rather than centered or prominently displayed.

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• A guide to the most popular home architectural styles

What are some distinguishing features of Contemporary homes?

Contemporary homes are characterized by simplicity, openness and an emphasis on natural light. Where older architectural styles tend to follow strict rules about symmetry, ornamentation and room separation, Contemporary design prioritizes clean and sometimes complex forms, flexible spaces and a visual connection to the outdoors.

"Contemporary homes span a wide range of expression, from multi-textured facades with clean, contrasting lines to stark, minimalist boxes of glass, concrete and metal," said Kriss Swint, design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products in Columbus, Ohio.

The style borrows selectively from earlier movements, particularly mid-century modern and International architecture, but it is not bound by any single set of design principles. A Contemporary home built in 2010 may look quite different from one built in 2025 because the style evolves with current trends and available technology.

Exterior elements

The easiest way to identify a Contemporary home is from the street. Common exterior features include:

• Flat or low-slope roofs: Unlike the steep gables of Colonial or Victorian homes, Contemporary rooflines tend to be flat, shed-style or gently angled. Some incorporate butterfly roofs (a V-shape that collects rainwater) or green roofs planted with vegetation.
• Large windows and glass walls: Floor-to-ceiling windows, window walls and sliding glass panels are standard. These maximize natural light and create visual continuity between interior spaces and the outdoors.
• Mixed materials: Contemporary homes sometimes combine two or more exterior materials on the same facade. Common pairings include wood siding with metal cladding, stucco with stone or concrete with glass. The mix of textures and finishes gives each home a distinct appearance.
• Minimal ornamentation: The trim, shutters and molding on Contemporary homes — unlike Victorians and Colonials — are not decorative. Visual interest comes from the interplay of materials, geometric forms and the relationship between solid walls and glass rather than from applied ornamentation.
• Asymmetrical facades: Contemporary homes rarely follow the balanced, centered layouts of Colonial architecture. Asymmetry in window placement, rooflines and massing is common and intentional.
• Indoor-outdoor integration: Covered patios, retractable glass doors, outdoor kitchens and rooftop decks extend the living space beyond the home's walls. The boundary between inside and outside is often blurred by design.

"The overall feel is sleek and understated, characterized by rectilinear geometry, sharp angles, overlapping or asymmetrical rectangular forms, little ornamentation and flat or low-slope rooflines," Swint said. "Exterior cladding stays intentionally [minimal], favoring clean siding profiles, such as V-groove or board-and-batten [wide vertical boards with narrow strips] that's accented with linear stone, concrete or wood-look aluminum in muted neutral tones of gray, white and taupe." She added, "Unlike Colonial homes which center on stately symmetry, side-gabled roofs, centered doors, shutters and decorative trim profiles like crown molding and pilaster casings, Contemporary design relies on geometric contrast rather than formal trim details or delicate woodcutting." Greg Field, a real estate agent at HomeSmart in the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area, put it this way.

"Glass is the key feature: huge floor-to-ceiling windows carefully designed to show specific views," Field said. "Polished stucco sits next to dark composite siding, natural wood or concrete block."

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The floor plan emphasizes open, flexible space

Inside, Contemporary homes typically feature an open floor plan in which the kitchen, dining area and main living space flow together without walls or partitions. This layout is a departure from the compartmentalized rooms found in Colonial, Victorian and other historic styles.

"Contemporary architecture reflects what feels relevant now, so the style continues to evolve," said Charlie. The homes also have "high ceilings, large-scale glass and strong indoor-outdoor connections. You may also find floating staircases, statement lighting, wide-plank flooring, integrated technology and kitchens incorporated into the main entertaining space."

Ceilings are often higher than average, and the use of large windows and glass doors brings natural light deep into the interior. Exposed structural elements, such as steel beams or concrete columns, may be left visible as design features rather than concealed behind drywall.

"Natural light is usually one of the stars of the show," Charlie said. "These homes are designed to feel bright, expansive and connected to their surroundings."

Storage is typically built in rather than freestanding. Clean sight lines and uncluttered surfaces are part of the design intent, so cabinetry, shelving and closets are often integrated into the walls. Bedrooms and bathrooms are usually separated from the main living areas, often on a different floor or in a distinct wing.

Where did Contemporary homes come from?

The Modern movement (1900s to 1960s)

Modern architecture emerged in the early 1900s as a rejection of the heavy ornamentation that defined Victorian and Beaux-Arts buildings. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier championed the idea that buildings should be functional, honest in their use of materials and free of unnecessary ornamentation.

Key principles of the Modern movement included open floor plans, flat roofs, large windows, the use of industrial materials like steel, concrete and plate glass and a belief that form should follow function. These ideas laid the foundation for what would eventually become contemporary residential design.

The shift to Contemporary (1970s to present)

By the 1970s, architects began moving beyond the strict rules of modernism. Contemporary design retained modernism's love of open space, natural light and material honesty but relaxed the rigidity. The canon of Modernism dictated rules around the correct way to build; Contemporary architecture demanded sensitivity to client, site and environmental cues.

Several developments accelerated this shift:

• New materials: Engineered wood, recycled composites, weathering steel, fiber cement and photovoltaic glass expanded the range of what architects could build with.
• Sustainability: Growing awareness of environmental impact pushed energy efficiency, passive solar design and green building certifications like LEED from niche concerns to standard expectations.
• Digital design tools: Computer-aided design and parametric modeling allowed architects to create complex, curved and cantilevered forms that were not practical or affordable to build in earlier decades.
• Smart home technology: Integrated systems for lighting, climate control, security and entertainment became part of the architectural plan rather than afterthoughts.

How is 'Contemporary' different from 'Modern'?

This is one of the most common points of confusion in residential real estate.

"'Modern' and 'Contemporary' are not technically interchangeable, even though people use the terms that way constantly," Charlie said. "Modern architecture generally refers to a defined movement from the early-to-mid-20th century, including Mid-Century Modernism and the International Style. Contemporary architecture reflects what [has been designed since the 1990s to] the present day."

Field agreed.

"Modern architecture had a strict rulebook: Form follows function, industrial elements and no decoration," Field said. "Contemporary design is about taking the same minimalist lines and bringing some humanity to it: introducing warm natural materials, dynamic interiors and advanced building technology. Modern architecture often seems clinical; contemporary design appears as a sanctuary."

What are the most common types of Contemporary homes?

Because Contemporary architecture is defined by current practice rather than a fixed set of rules, it does not break into distinct sub-styles the way Colonial or Victorian architecture does. However, several recognizable variations appear frequently in the residential market.

Contemporary minimalist

These homes take the "less is more" principle to its furthest expression. Exterior forms are simple and geometric. Color palettes are restrained, typically white, gray and natural wood tones. Interiors are spare, with built-in storage and concealed systems designed to keep surfaces clear. The emphasis is on proportion, light and material quality rather than on decorative elements.

Contemporary farmhouse

This variation blends the clean lines and open layouts of contemporary design with elements borrowed from traditional farmhouse architecture, including board-and-batten siding, metal roofs, barn-style doors and covered porches. The result is a home that feels current but with a warmer, more rural character than a typical contemporary design. Contemporary farmhouse has become one of the most popular residential styles in new construction over the past decade.

Contemporary industrial

These homes feature exposed structural elements, such as steel beams, ductwork and concrete floors, as intentional design features. Metal cladding, brick and raw wood are common materials. The aesthetic grew out of the conversion of warehouses and factory buildings into residential lofts and has since been adapted for new construction. Large, open interior volumes and oversized windows are typical.

Contemporary organic

Organic Contemporary homes emphasize a connection to the natural environment through the use of natural materials, curved or flowing forms and site-specific design. The goal is to make the home feel like an extension of its surroundings rather than an imposition on them. Green roofs, living walls, reclaimed wood and stone are common features.

"Homeowners are often drawn to how Contemporary design connects them to the outdoors," Swint said. "Wide expanses of glass and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living bring the surrounding landscape inside, while natural textures like stone and wood soften the architecture's clean geometry so the home never feels cold or sterile."

Desert Contemporary

In the Southwest, a regional variation has emerged that adapts Contemporary principles to arid climates. Desert contemporary homes typically feature stucco and natural stone exteriors, deep overhangs for shade, earth-toned color palettes and outdoor living spaces designed around the dry, warm climate.

Andy Gibbs, an architectural engineer and founder of RemodX with 50 years of design-build experience, is currently transforming a 1985 home at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, into what he described as a desert-Contemporary residence. The projected transformation, at roughly $100 per square foot, will convert a compartmentalized floor plan into a connected Contemporary environment with approximately 2,000 square feet of new outdoor living space.

"Since the climate allows, the 2,000 square feet of new Contemporary outdoor living area will effectively double the home's usable living environment," Gibbs said.

Contemporary transitional

Transitional homes split the difference between Contemporary design and a more traditional style. The floor plan and overall massing may follow Contemporary principles, with open layouts and large windows, but the exterior may incorporate elements like pitched roofs, symmetrical windows or traditional cladding materials. This approach appeals to buyers who want a current look without fully committing to a strictly Contemporary aesthetic.

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Where can you find Contemporary homes?

Contemporary homes are built throughout the United States, but they are most concentrated in areas with active new-construction markets and in regions where the climate, terrain or local design culture favors the style.

"Contemporary homes can be found throughout the country, but they are particularly prevalent in California and other parts of the West Coast, including Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest," Charlie said.

"They are also popular in the Southwest, Mountain West, Texas, South Florida, urban infill markets and luxury resort communities," he added. "The style works especially well in areas where views, natural light and indoor-outdoor living are major parts of the lifestyle."

Field, who works in the Phoenix area, said the style has strong roots in the desert Southwest.

"Contemporary designs work wherever the nature is abundant," Field said. "You'll find clusters of this style in coastal California, Pacific Northwest and our local Desert Southwest: Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Phoenix, Arizona."

Swint noted that the style also extends into mountain and prairie settings.

"Northwestern homes tend to favor cooler tones, crisp lines and a more minimalist aesthetic, while natural texture and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape remain common threads across the region's Contemporary homes," Swint said.

In Southern California, Charlie said, Contemporary architecture is especially common in hillside neighborhoods.

"Buyers want dramatic views, open entertaining spaces and a strong relationship between the home, pool and landscape," he said.

Contemporary homes are less common in areas dominated by older housing stock, such as New England and the Mid-Atlantic, where Colonial, Victorian and other traditional styles make up the majority of available inventory. However, Contemporary new construction can be found even in these regions, particularly in suburban developments and custom-built homes.

What is it like to live in a Contemporary home?

The open layout encourages a connected lifestyle

The open floor plan that defines most Contemporary homes creates a sense of spaciousness and encourages interaction. Cooking, dining and relaxing happen in the same general area, which works well for households that want to stay connected throughout the day.

"When Contemporary homes are designed well, the lifestyle can feel effortless," Charlie said. "Rooms flow into one another, natural light becomes part of the design and the interiors connect beautifully with outdoor spaces."

"They are especially appealing to people who entertain because the kitchen, dining and living areas usually function as one larger social space," he added.

"Contemporary design removes all visual clutter," Field said. "Huge windows provide plenty of natural light and change the mood of the house depending on the position of the sun. Open floor plan creates an atmosphere of ease and hospitality while hosting guests."

But open plans have real trade-offs

The same features that make these homes appealing can also create daily challenges. Sound carries. Cooking smells spread. There is no door to close between the kitchen and the living room.

"Living in such interiors requires effort every day," Field said. "There is no wall space to hide any mess." If your kitchen counter is messy, your entire main floor will also look messy, he said. "Sound reflects off the polished concrete floor and high ceiling, so rugs and acoustic management are necessary to prevent sound from resonating."

Charlie offered a similar perspective.

"Open floor plans may cause issues with noise, privacy and temperature control," Charlie said. "A double-height living room can be beautiful, but it may also be expensive to heat and cool, difficult to furnish and nearly impossible when it's time to change a lightbulb."

"Storage may also be limited because clean sightlines are often prioritized over closets and cabinetry," he added. "Buyers need to consider where they will actually put luggage, coats, cleaning supplies and everyday clutter."

Gibbs, who has lived in two Contemporary homes that have been renovated and is beginning work on a third one, said the connected layout affects everything, including how you manage a renovation.

"In an open-plan home, every room and every project is connected to every other room and project," Gibbs said. "There are fewer doors to close."

The best designs balance openness with privacy

For households where people work from home, study or keep different schedules, the lack of enclosed rooms can create friction. Some Contemporary floor plans address this by placing bedrooms and home offices in separate wings or on different floors, but buyers should evaluate how the specific layout works for their daily routine.

"The best Contemporary homes balance openness with privacy," Charlie said. "Where does someone take a private phone call? Where do children do homework while someone watches television? Where can guests gather without seeing every dish in the kitchen sink?"

What maintenance does a Contemporary home require?

Contemporary homes are generally newer than Colonial, Victorian or Craftsman homes, so they are less likely to have the structural and system issues common to older construction. However, the materials and design features that define the style come with their own maintenance demands.

Flat and low-slope roofs

Flat roofs are a signature element of Contemporary design, but they require more attention than pitched roofs. Water does not drain naturally from a flat surface, so these roofs depend on membranes, drainage systems and regular inspections to prevent pooling and leaks.

"Flat roofs require special care: foam, TPO [thermoplastic polyolefin] or rubberized membrane roofs need to be checked on sealing regularly and repainted every few years to accommodate the standing water after unexpected rainstorms," Field said.

"Water intrusion is one of the biggest concerns, particularly with flat roofs, rooftop decks, balconies, oversized openings and transitions between exterior materials," Charlie said. "These homes depend heavily on proper drainage, waterproofing, flashing and sealants. When one detail is executed poorly, water has a remarkable ability to find it."

Large glass surfaces

Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass walls are visually striking but require regular cleaning, inside and out. Depending on the home's orientation, large glass surfaces may also need high-performance coatings, low-E glass or exterior shading to manage heat gain and UV exposure.

"Tracks in multi-slide doors collect dust and sand, which will eventually damage rollers," Field said. "Replacing cracked, specially-made double-pane glass wall is quite costly compared to a standard window."

"Large custom windows and doors may require specialized repairs, and replacement glass, hardware and automated systems can cost substantially more than standard components," Charlie added.

Exterior cladding and mixed materials

Contemporary homes often combine multiple exterior materials, such as wood, metal, stucco and stone. Each material has its own maintenance cycle. Natural wood siding needs staining or sealing every few years. Metal cladding can scratch or develop patina depending on the alloy. Stucco may crack and require patching. Where two different materials meet, the joint or flashing between them is a potential point of water infiltration and should be inspected annually.

Swint said that buyers should look for materials designed to reduce long-term upkeep.

"High-performance building systems including tightly sealed envelopes and mechanical ventilation for continuous fresh air, keep these homes comfortable across seasons," Swint said. "Daily living is further elevated by low-maintenance materials like cellular composite siding, poly-ash trim and aluminum accents, which eliminate traditional repainting and caulking schedules while offering high moisture resistance and long-term durability."

Mechanical systems and smart technology

Newer homes generally have modern HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, but the complexity of Contemporary homes can mean more systems to maintain. Radiant floor heating, whole-house ventilation, solar panel arrays and smart home platforms all require periodic service.

"Technology ages much faster than architecture, so a system that felt revolutionary 10 years ago may now be obsolete or difficult to service," Charlie said.

Keep documentation for all installed systems, including warranty information, service schedules and the names of the contractors or manufacturers involved. This is especially important for smart home technology, which may require software updates, subscription renewals or compatibility adjustments as technology evolves.

Replacement materials may be hard to match

One challenge specific to Contemporary homes is maintaining visual consistency when materials need to be replaced.

"Owners may have difficulty matching discontinued flooring, stone, cabinetry, exterior cladding or custom hardware," Charlie said. "Contemporary design relies heavily on consistency, so one mismatched replacement can stand out like a bad facelift."

What should you consider before buying a Contemporary home?

Inspect the house, not just the view

A home can look Contemporary without being well built. Clean lines and simple forms can conceal shortcuts in framing, insulation, waterproofing or material quality.

"Do not become so distracted by the glass, views and dramatic staircase that you forget to inspect the house," Charlie said.

"Hire inspectors who understand flat roofs, waterproofing, custom windows, decks, balconies, hillside drainage and sophisticated mechanical systems," he added. "Ask about the age and serviceability of the automation equipment, and review permits for additions, rooftop decks, converted spaces and structural modifications."

"A poorly waterproofed roof deck or improperly installed window may be almost invisible during a showing but lead to major repairs later," Charlie said. "With this style, the simplest-looking architectural detail often requires the most complicated construction."

Pay attention to orientation and climate

The large glass surfaces that define Contemporary homes can work for or against energy efficiency, depending on the home's orientation, glazing quality and shading.

"The climate problem is solar heat gain," Field said. "Your wonderful west exposure glass wall will make your living room a hot place without deep exterior shading or low-e coating."

"Pay attention to the orientation," he added. "See how the sunlight impacts those big windows. Inspect the roof membrane carefully. Make sure the HVAC system has enough tonnage and zoning capabilities to condition a large-volume space."

Buy the envelope, not the interior

Gibbs said buyers should focus on the structure and building envelope rather than interior finishes.

"Buy the envelope, not the interior," Gibbs said. "Finishes can be replaced, but Contemporary interiors often need to be opened. Buyers should assume wall removal may be structural."

In his recently completed Oro Valley, Arizona, renovation, Gibbs temporarily supported the roof, removed a major load-bearing wall and installed an approximately 15-foot engineered laminated veneer lumber or LVL beam to open the kitchen to the living area. Within the same footprint, the redesign eliminated upper cabinets while increasing counter space by approximately 300%, pantry capacity by 150% and overall kitchen storage by 125%.

Think honestly about how you live

"Buyers initially fall in love with the drama, but they make final decisions based on livability," Charlie said. "A spectacular view may bring them through the door, but privacy, storage, natural light, noise and functionality determine whether the house truly works."

He said buyers should ask practical questions before committing.

"Where will the television go? Is there enough storage? Does the primary bedroom feel private? Will noise travel throughout the house? Can the HVAC system handle the volume of the rooms and the amount of glass?" Charlie said.

Prioritize durable cladding and materials

"Buyers considering a Contemporary home should prioritize durable, low-maintenance exterior cladding materials that maintain crisp architectural lines without requiring ongoing repainting or heavy upkeep," Swint said.

"To keep sharp geometric lines and stark shapes from feeling cold, homeowners are encouraged to mix textures and materials," she added. "Combining smooth white or gray composite siding with warm wood-grain aluminum accents or tactile linear stone adds contrast and visual interest, giving the modern structure a warm, grounded and elevated feel."

Know that older Contemporary homes can be historic

Buyers looking at earlier Contemporary or Modern homes should be aware that some may carry historic significance.

"Contemporary and Modern homes can absolutely be historic," Charlie said. "Architectural significance is not limited to Victorians, Craftsman homes or buildings covered in decorative details. Many earlier Contemporary properties now qualify for historic designation, especially if they were designed by a notable architect or represent a significant development period."

Charlie, who served for more than a decade as a historic preservation commissioner for the City of West Hollywood, said buyers should involve preservation staff before the design process goes too far.

"Do not spend months developing plans only to discover the proposed windows, roofline, addition or exterior materials are inconsistent with the home's historic character," he said.

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Pros and cons of buying a Contemporary home

FAQs

Are Contemporary homes energy efficient?
Many are, but it depends on the specific home. Contemporary design often incorporates energy-efficient features like high-performance windows, insulated wall systems, LED lighting, solar panels and efficient HVAC equipment. However, the large glass surfaces that are common in Contemporary homes can increase heating and cooling costs if the glazing is not high quality or if the home is not oriented to manage solar heat gain. Ask for the home's energy performance data before buying.

Do Contemporary homes hold their value?
Generally, yes, particularly in markets where buyer demand favors current design and newer construction. However, Contemporary homes that are highly customized or use unconventional materials may appeal to a narrower pool of buyers at resale. Homes with flexible layouts, neutral finishes and durable, standard materials tend to hold value better than those with extremely specific design choices.

Can I renovate a traditional home to look Contemporary?
Yes, and many homeowners do. Common updates include opening up floor plans by removing interior walls, replacing small windows with larger ones, updating kitchens and bathrooms with clean-lined cabinetry and fixtures and re-cladding the exterior with contemporary materials. The feasibility and cost depend on the home's existing structure. Some changes, like removing load-bearing walls or adding large window openings, require structural engineering. Gibbs' Oro Valley renovation is one example: Within the same footprint, removing a single load-bearing wall and installing an engineered beam transformed a compartmentalized kitchen into a connected living space.

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Are flat roofs a problem?
Flat roofs are not inherently problematic, but they require more maintenance and attention to drainage than pitched roofs. They depend on waterproof membranes rather than gravity to keep water out, so regular inspection and maintenance are important. In areas with heavy rain or snow, flat roof design must account for drainage and load. A well-designed and properly maintained flat roof can last 20 to 30 years, but neglecting maintenance can lead to leaks and costly repairs.

"Buyers should never assume a flat roof is simple or inexpensive merely because it looks minimal," Charlie said.

Are Contemporary homes cold or sterile?
Not when they are well designed. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the style.

"People believe that Contemporary houses are cold, sterile and impractical for families," Field said. "Truth is, once you match those sharp angles with natural stone, warm wooden tones and layering lighting, Contemporary style becomes as cozy and inviting as possible."

"Contemporary does not necessarily mean trendy or disposable," Charlie said. "The strongest examples are thoughtful, site-specific and designed around how people actually live. Trends may date quickly, but good proportions, quality materials and excellent natural light rarely go out of style."

If you are currently searching for a Contemporary home, browse homes for sale on Homes.com.

This article was featured on Homes.com.