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Like any other form of art, whether it is painting, music or fashion design, architecture is dependent on current trends. People want their structures to incorporate the latest and greatest advances in architectural design, but maintain a classic sense that will ensure the look is in, no matter what year it is. As technology and mindsets have advanced, so has architecture. Here are some of the current, more popular trends in architectural design:

Green

We live in a world that is more environmentally conscious than ever. This urge to protect Mother Nature extends to architecture, and more architects are trying incorporate eco-friendly items into their designs, including selecting materials that don’t leave much of a carbon footprint. These items include:

- Efficient use of land and energy
- Storm water filtration
- Waste-product reduction
- Native landscape use
- Minimal disruption of the habitat

With these healthier designs, architects can help make those occupying the structure more comfortable and healthier by indoor air quality enhancements, increased connections to the outside environment, improved acoustics and introducing more sources to daylight.

Honesty

Maybe it’s a reaction to the Great Recession, but homeowners are looking to simplify their lives, including their homes. While glitz and glamour used to be very popular architectural features, more are opting for a more honest form of architecture, and having interior designs that focus on clean lines, little to no embellishments and natural finishes.

This “architectural honesty” extends to the size of the home. With the bloat of large-scale homes, more buyers are choosing something a little smaller, and medium-sized houses have become less popular among prospective homeowners.

Thought

Modern architecture isn’t just about how good the final result looks; it’s about presenting new ways of thinking. Architects are able to accomplish this by applying scientific and analytical methods while making the buildings. In doing so, they should be able to reflect complex technical problems in 20th Century house designs. It’s about presenting something that is not only beautiful, but natural in every aspect of construction.

Whatever you want from your new home, remember that while it should incorporate modern design elements, but it also needs to be timeless. You want this structure to be long-lasting, so don’t just opt for the “latest and greatest” trends. This will be the home where you possibly raise your family, so make sure it’s something that can be enjoyed by everyone living there and that you choose the architect who can do the job you want.

Minimalist home designs are often chosen by house owners these days to refurbish or build their properties, because their simple and seamless style makes their abode more comfortable and relaxing. Minimalist design is influenced by the Japanese art elements of clean lines and open spaces. It doesn’t support elaborate features, clutter, and unnecessary items that take up space.

If you’d like to apply this principle on your own house’s architecture, you have to focus on being simple and keeping things at their most natural state. You should choose a flatter roof and more open spaces. Try avoiding a roof structure that has a steep pitch. For your interior house design, if you need to have a private space, try avoiding permanent walls and use a shoji or a sliding door, instead. In this way, you can still have an open space when you don’t need an enclosed area.

Flooring should go with the simple and natural theme. Wood is often the choice for this style. You can still have stone tiles, but refrain from the shiny types. Muted stone tiles in earth colors would be best.

Wood beams, walls, and countertops should be left in their barest look. If the item is of wood material, the most you should do is have it stained to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. Stone countertops should just be polished also to bring out the grains and specks of the material. Metal items should also just be polished and not painted.

Minimalist home designs should have an overall look that’s spotless and effortless. When choosing paint for the walls, you can still veer away from white, though. But you have to stay with the neutral shades like beige. The strongest color you can pick is a pale shade of terra cotta. The guideline in selecting colors for this type of design is to remain creating the feel of open spaces. Colors that make an area feel enclosed should be avoided. The idea is for your home to be in harmony with nature. You can add mirror doors for a modern twist, if you wish.

Windows are also crucial in creating open spaces in minimalist house designs. Large sliding windows are ideal. If you need to use blinds, select those made of bamboo or wood or those that are of neutral color. If you prefer to use curtains, don’t use ones with floral or ornate prints. Choose those with sheer materials, preferably of white, beige, sand, and other neutral hues.

These are just some ideas to help you have your own home in the minimalist look that you want. You can add in your own concepts to add personal touches. Simply keep in mind about open spaces and being one with nature and you won’t go wrong.