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The phrases traditional and modern architectural styles could be puzzling for many people. Some confuse modern with new and polished homes, while others confuse traditional homes with ancient and neglected ones. The truth, however, is that traditional design elements can still be used in new homes, and modern buildings can be decades old.

What is traditional architecture?

Traditional architecture may be defined as a historical type of house structure incorporating many cultural elements to give it a unique look and feel. They draw inspiration from customs. 

Victorian, Colonial, Craftsman, and Neoclassical are a few examples of historical/traditional styles. Although the origins and building materials of the various styles are different, the interior designs of the homes are generally comparable. Traditional architecture has been practiced to maintain the relationship with the past. The traditional design is still relevant today, and architects use some of its features to create homes suitable to their client's preferences. Traditional housing is a synthesis of the colonial, farmhouse, and neoclassical architectural forms rooted in the 20th century. Although there is no set floor plan for traditional homes, they are renowned for being simple, elegant, and welcoming.

What is modern architecture?

Modern houses are minimalistic. The austerity of the style began in the 1920s but took off in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It goes beyond the idea of "form follows function," in which most of its characteristics are useful and serve the purposes of a design. Steel, concrete, and architectural glass are common elements in modern design and construction. Modern architecture generally averts decorations because the design, otherwise, will lose its value as decorations vary with time.

While other forms of architecture are in line with culture, the arts, and traditions, modern architecture is aligned with science and technology. Modern architecture can be characterised as a house built with distinctive forms and features adapted from contemporary fashions. Clean, integrated, and transparent designs on concept spaces are features of modern architecture design. 

How is traditional architecture different from modern design?

1. Traditional homes have larger vestiges. Instead of multiple huge bones, the areas are divided into several small, single-purpose apartments. Modern house designs are renowned for their open-bottom design, emphasising the expansive area while using fewer walls to enclose the house's outer shells.

2. Traditional homes compensate for the lack of natural light in their interiors with features like stained glass, hand-carved woodcarving, and antique interior design. Traditional homes typically have lower window panes. Large windows of various shapes and sizes are a feature of modern homes. Additionally, they are distinguished by skylights that let in an abundance of natural light. Their characteristics give them a modest, airy, and open feel.

3. In terms of decoration and accessories, the traditional style features some captivating vignettes of products of the highest calibre and aesthetic. All observable spaces—such as walls, mantels, tabletops, etc.—are decluttered in modern architecture. 

4. Contrary to the popular opinion of traditional being dull, most traditional homes often include remarkable works of art that their owners have unearthed. A conventional theme is characterised by symmetry and vitality. On the other hand, in modern architecture, function rules over form. The designer uses columns, steps, and furniture with opposing vertical and horizontal lines. While balancing occupied and vacant spaces, modern designers employ minimalism. The guiding principle for contemporary architecture is that less is more.

5. Traditional furniture-making entails many festivities. It features warm jewel-toned upholstery on chairs and settees, as well as neutral wall colours that can highlight the accent colours of the cabinetry. In contrast, each contemporary home focuses on simplifying the indoors. Modern homes only contain furniture that improves the lives of the occupants, leaving more space open and giving the impression that the house is larger than it actually is.

6. The fabrics used in a traditional residence are also carefully picked. They must be smooth and textured. Plain colours, gentle stripes, geometrics, flowers, and modest all-over designs are a few of the ones that are frequently employed. On the other hand, practicality and logic are prioritised more in modern design aesthetics. As a result, the sculptures and prints used to decorate the home are expressive and have unique shapes.

7. A china cabinet, inlaid wood, a classy buffet, fixtures and design elements made of crystal, polished silver, etc., are typical features that most people use in traditional architecture. The combination of these components results in a standard living room that forces the eyes to cease straying. On the other hand, a modern house will feature a more natural or neutral colour scheme with elements like metals, untreated wood, natural fabrics, and leather.

Your home is a place which reflects your personality. It gives a sense of your style, preferences and personality to anybody. Some people may prefer contemporary homes with modern amenities, while others might want a more conventional home with quaint and timeless attributes. The competition between modern and traditional home wages on. Follow these tips to decide what kind of home you want to build for yourself. Or you may contact JSW One Homes should you need any help weighing out the factors of a modern versus a traditional home.