The modern home and you

Can contemporary homes be cosy?

Most people outside of the architectural design world tend to have the same kind of reaction to contemporary homes and that view is that they are great in principle and look attractive in a glossy magazine but are just not practical to live in and seem cold, clinical and unhomely.

Modern homes on trend generally comprise straight lines, open spaces, minimalistic interior designs and glass, glass, glass but can this concept stigma be lifted with a little creativity and a more personal touch? Many architects are now specifying cutting edge new materials that are eco-friendly, organic and natural that also give a softer finish to the usual hard line modern approach, also opting for locally sourced materials where possible.

The one-size-fits-all approach is becoming a thing of the past and overtaken by a serious demand for individuality. Unique styling options and the opportunity for personal creativity and choice reflect how the modern day homeowner wishes to reside in their own unique setting – creating a home rather than a house.

So what makes a house a home you ask? Well by contrast the answer appears to be as simple as having luxurious bedding and the freedom to make a mess in your own personal space. A home is a place to retreat from the frantic, bossy outside world, don your favourite pyjamas and simply relax. For most of us the feeling of creating a home is less about the building itself and much more about the connection with family and comfort we’re able to create behind closed doors- our safe haven.

What we do and how we behave outside the home can influence how we feel within it. In an ideal life, we would have a total balance between work, family and socialising, we would leave our house with joy, and return to it with joy at the end of each day. Sadly, that’s not what everyone experiences. People can be aggravated by the constant expectations and pressures of their work and social lives. So, home is the one place where we can be off duty

The conclusion is therefore that a modern and contemporary house can be built with style and individuality in mind but ultimately we shouldn’t be worrying about how clean our lines are and how white the paint is in every room, it’s what goes on inside those glass walls and our interaction with family that makes the house cosy. A nice rug helps too.