Your home is more than a place to lay your head at night. When guests step through the door, they get a sense of your style and personality. While some prefer more contemporary homes with modern amenities, others enjoy a more conventional style with quaint, simple attributes.
When it comes time to build your luxury custom home in Calgary, one of the first and most important choices you’ll make is deciding between a modern vs. traditional house style. Both styles offer distinct advantages, but which is right for you and your family? As an award-winning custom home builder in Calgary, we’re here to help you navigate this decision and build wow into your new custom home.
What Defines a Modern Home?
Modern homes are the top choice for progressive homebuyers who appreciate clean lines, minimalist designs, and innovative features. They’re defined by a philosophy that prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and innovation. Key characteristics often include:
- Clean lines and bold forms: The use of simple, geometric shapes creates a sleek and uncluttered aesthetic.
- Minimal ornamentation: A “less is more” philosophy, avoiding decorative elements for a clean and sophisticated look.
- Expansive windows: Large windows are a hallmark feature, maximizing natural light and creating a seamless connection with the outdoors.
- A focus on natural and industrial materials: You’ll often find a blend of materials in modern homes, including concrete, steel, and glass.
What Defines a Traditional Home?
A traditional home is ideal for those who love a timeless aesthetic and a sense of history. Inspired by classical architecture styles like Colonial and Victorian, these homes are family-oriented and possess plenty of character. Key attributes often include:
- Symmetrical facades: A balanced, structured exterior creates a look that’s classic and welcoming.
- Pitched roofs and covered porches: These elements add a classic charm and a sense of coziness..
- Decorative trim and mouldings: Intricate details and embellishments are used to highlight architectural features.
- Warm, classic materials: The use of natural materials like wood, brick, and stone is common, creating a timeless feel.
Layout and Flow
The interior layout and flow are where the differences in modern vs. traditional house styles are most apparent.
A modern home embraces an open-concept layout. Walls are minimized to create large, multi-functional spaces that connect the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This design promotes a seamless flow and makes the home feel more spacious and airy, perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.
In contrast, a traditional home typically features a more segmented layout. Rooms are separate and distinct, each with a specific purpose. This design provides a greater sense of privacy and structure, which many homeowners find comforting and practical for family living.
Technology and Sustainability
One of the most significant differences in modern vs. traditional home design is the integration of technology and sustainability features.
In general, modern homes are designed to incorporate the latest smart-home technologies and energy-efficient features. From automated climate control and smart lighting to solar panels and green roofs, these homes are often built to be sustainable and future-proof.
While it’s possible to retrofit older traditional homes with new technology, their construction isn’t always optimized for cutting-edge sustainability features. However, with a custom home builder, you can renovate or start fresh, creating a home you’ll love for years to come that blends the classic charm of traditional design with modern, energy-efficient solutions and smart technology.
Build Your Legacy with Riverview Custom Homes
Ultimately, the choice is yours. As Calgary’s premier custom luxury home builder, Riverview Custom Homes will help you create your dream home regardless of your preferred style. With a custom build, it’s easy to combine the traditional look with a modern feel to give you the best of both worlds.
Connect with us today and let us help build your legacy.