Contemporary Design in Maryland

A rule of thumb would be, less is more!  Basics, bare, bold and structural, nothing cute and small and stay away from excessive details and floral or busy prints.  Let furniture and accessories make a bold statement.  Choose a favorite piece that will stand out and your favorite color with a neutral background.   The flooring should be wood, tile or vinyl, smooth and bare, but if you need to add carpet for sound reduction or warmth choose a geometric patterned rug.

Contemporary homes many times have an unusually shaped frame, an open floor plan, over-sized windows, and use re-purposed components.   The use of natural light also plays a big role, so large and expansive windows are a common feature of such homes and the design tends to fit into the surrounding landscape. The elements that characterized modern architecture were thought to be too cold and impersonal by many.  The contemporary style, as is recognized today, was developed due to this opinion.  Much like the modern style, contemporary style connects indoor and outdoor spaces, but it adds some personal touches and warmth throughout the living space. Although people sometimes use the terms “contemporary” and “modern” architecture interchangeably, they technically are not synonymous.  Modern architecture refers to the building style of the early to mid-20th century and featured clean lines with an emphasis on function.

Contemporary/Modern architecture often seeks to take old buildings and structures and reuse them in innovative and fresh ways. This might entail extensive renovations that dramatically change the look, layout, or function of the space. This style often ties easily to work by previous architects and designers.  This is especially true, since it often uses fairly traditional materials, such as steel and concrete.