Whether you’re in the market to purchase a house or you’re a homeowner considering some home remodeling, you’ve probably heard a lot about home design styles. The two most common types of home design are modern and traditional. Sometimes these terms refer to architectural styles, but more often they’re used to describe the interior look, feel, and functionality of houses. Read on to learn the true difference between modern and traditional homes. 

Modern vs. Traditional Homes

Floor Plans

Perhaps the most important difference between modern and traditional styles is the floor plans. Lots of home remodeling is targeted at altering floor plans that have come to feel awkward or less than functional, particularly when it comes to kitchen design and dining and living areas. Traditional floor pans tend to favor room separation, whereas modern ones tend to be more open. A home in which the kitchen is open to the dining and living areas is probably modern; a home with a separate “formal dining room” is probably traditional. 

Finishes

Home finishes include flooring, cabinetry, countertop materials, sinks, trims, and even doors. A full home remodeling project would probably target all of these areas because of how much they can alter a home’s look and feel. Traditional homes often have wood-grain doors, cabinetry, flooring, and trim, and favor pale neutrals for painted surfaces. Modern homes often use bolder neutrals like white and black, with painted cabinetry, laminate or concrete flooring, and more minimal trim options. 

Lighting

Lighting doesn’t only refer to the electrical lighting in a home, but also the size, shape, and placement of windows. Modern homes often have larger windows, in part because there are stronger glass options now that make larger panes possible. Modern homes also favor recessed light fixtures, also called “can lights,” that are set into the ceiling. Traditional homes may have more and smaller windows divided into a larger number of panes. They also tend to have more hanging light fixtures like chandeliers. 

Devine Creations Design Center in Middletown, NJ, is Monmouth County’s go-to company for home makeover projects, including full home remodels, kitchen and bath remodels, and more. Whether you know exactly what you want or don’t know where to begin, Devine Creations Design Center can help you achieve the home you dream of. Visit their website to learn about their showroom, and call (732) 856-9661 for more information.