Making Sense of the Modern Movement

‘Modern & Designer’ homes make up more than half (51%) of new build detached properties, but do we really understand what the term means? While popular home trends such as The Hamptons, Country and French Colonial have clear definitions, Modern is used to describe a number of styles that share common elements, but require specific considerations.

“Generally speaking, the modern trend features clean lines, confident shapes and minimal ornamentation. They are all rooted in the works of visionaries such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto, and out of institutions like the Bauhaus,” says architect and James Hardie ambassador, Joe Snell, who has worked with James Hardie to define current contemporary home styles.

“There is a focus on form and function, but a number of different design trends such as coastal and Scandi have added to the style, each based on their own influences and principles. It’s important to make distinctions between these and understand the specifics of your preferred version of Modern to make it work,” adds Joe. Here he discusses the four Modern looks and how to get them:

Modern Coastal

While the on-trend Hamptons style incorporates beautiful detailing with eaves returns, balustrading and more, the Modern version remains simple and clean. The large expanses of macro detailing and clean shapes remain, but there is also a lean toward embodying the coast. This is done through the use of blues, greys and warm wooden tones.

One key component of both modern and Hamptons designs is Linea Weatherboard, which creates a similar shadow lines to timber boards but, like all Premium Fibre Cement cladding, stands up to the Aussie elements as it is resistant to flaking, warping or swelling and damage for moisture. This means you can create your vision and keep it longer without maintenance.

Scandi Barn

Another look that combines tradition with modernity and is well suited to Linea Weatherboards is the modern interpretation of the Scandinavian Barn. This style is typified by steeply pitched rooves, which were a necessity to stop snow collecting in the Scandinavian winters.

While many may think of light and bright colour palates for Scandi Barns, they have also have the potential for dark and brooding exteriors in greys and blacks with minimal window use. The basic tenants of the movement lend themselves to modern styles and include hooded windows and a strong diagrammatic house shape.

Mid Century Modern

To achieve this look it’s important to reveal how the building was constructed by exposing elements like steel beams and cladding boards, which need to be beautifully crafted. The shadow line of Stria cladding premium fibre cement boards can be used to add detail horizontally to add breadth.

Mixed Materials

The key is to approach the property with one idea or story and stick to it. For example, it could be creating the entrance as the hero, or making the building appear broader or taller. By having a clear idea of your design goal, you avoid a cluttered and disorganised look.

Whatever your modern aesthetic, it’s important to know the specifics of your look and how to achieve them. Generally speaking, the basics of clean lines, strong shapes, modern materials and simple colour palates remain the same, but it’s how you build from there that will bring life and personality into your home.