Contemporary Architecture and Interior Design

Design by Carter Burton Architects
Construction by Bielski Design - Build

Contemporary architecture and interior design are catch-all categories that mean different things to different people. Not as stark as modern, not as fussy as traditional and beyond transitional the contemporary age begins at roughly 1940 and is still with us today. Included in contemporary are the suburban stalwarts, the ranch, rambler, and the split level. Here's a look at the interior.

Contemporary interior design is generally more colorful, abstract, free form, ad hoc, and eclectic than the clean simple lines of modern. For people not turned on by traditional and left cold by modern, there is safe refuge in contemporary. The style allows greater latitude in stretching styles and tastes and the nature of the architecture allows for updating a house without having to result to the unfortunate occurrence of neighborhood "McMansionization."

Interiors tend to be light and airy with splashes of color. Natural materials are often featured especially concrete and natural wood. Interiors tend to be light and airy with splashes of color. Natural materials are often featured especially concrete and natural wood. Here's a stunning rendition of a contemporary interior executed by a DC-based architect who studied in Peru.

The results can also be more understated but the effect is usually achieved by the standard elements of contemporary design, open floor plans, lots of natural light, accent walls, and furnishings that feature clean simple lines. Here's a more in depth look at homes with open floor plans.

Kitchens in older homes can go contemporary while incorporating elements from other design schemes, including the use of dark woods and vintage modern furniture. Here's a story of kitchen that went all contemporary when a dishwasher gave up the ghost. Take a look...

For some background on what came before contemporary architecture and interior design.