Modern Warms Up In These 6 Great Homes

A frequent misconception is that contemporary and modern homes are cold and crude. Nothing could be further from the truth; this architecture may encourage you to cut down on clutter, but rustic accents, hand-me-down furniture, warm wood finishes and soft upholstery add warmth and comfort to such spaces.

Cary Bernstein Architect

1. Cottage climbs up in San Francisco: Rustic cedar receives a fresh look from a mild stain on the house’s exterior. The owners built up instead of out to preserve the wooded garden and feeling of a private oasis. The effect celebrates modern design while keeping some of the ad-hoc character they liked about the old place.

Cary Bernstein Architect

Soft trousers, a massive area rug pops and pops of throw pillow colors produce a cozy living space. Views from the treetops bring nature inside.

Cary Bernstein Architect

Having a contemporary home doesn’t mean you want to 86 your traditional pieces. This rustic dining table is a family hand-me-down that adds character to the dining area.

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450 Architects, Inc..

2. Situated in the landscape in Sonoma, California: This eco-friendly home was created with the website and surrounding landscape in mind; the design was altered to fit in the property instead of altering the property to fit the house.

450 Architects, Inc..

Large contemporary windows let in the view while hardwood floors, wood trimwork and well-worn oriental rugs add comfort and a feeling of history.

450 Architects, Inc..

Granite countertops, wood cabinets and exceptional earth-toned tiles produce a wonderful modern-rustic mashup in kitchen.

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3. Incognito contemporary from the Berkshires: This home comes down a woodsy dirt road, where most of the homes are modest 2-3 bedroom one-story cabins. The owners created a road facade that blends in with the woods.

Meanwhile, the lakefront side of the home is open and contemporary, full of mid-century furnishings together with classic oriental rugs and folk art.

The master bedroom is white and clean, and receives a massive jolt of energy from the soda floral UNIKKO Marimekko duvet cover.

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Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

4. A bungalow renovation in Mill Valley, California: This 1,500-square-foot home was opened up to produce a more contemporary feel, but wood and stone materials add a strong contrast to the painted drywall.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Accents like this stone fireplace surround bring organic elements inside. Meanwhile, architectural choices like barn doors onto a course include a primitive vibe; painting them white keeps things fresh.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Stainless steel finishes and crisp white cupboards are balanced by farmhouse bin pulls, rough-hewn wood beams and primitive Toledo stools.

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Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

5. A cheery beach cottage in Seaview, Washington: A wall of salvaged wood pieces provides a rustic background for mid-century modern Eames shell chairs.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

Painted paneling, a refaced fireplace wall along with a Jenga-esque heap of kindling mix cabin comfort and modern cottage aesthetics.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

A faux-bois bedspread left as a modern picture print in a daring color typifies the modern/rustic mix.

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Stuart Sampley Architect

6. Sophisticated efficacy in Austin, Texas: This contemporary home prioritized energy-efficiency and affordability. On the exterior, honey cypress wood accents warm up the Hardiplank siding and corrugated roof.

Stuart Sampley Architect

A permanent walnut room divider, bamboo floors and Danish modern chairs include hot touches to the mild and open space.

Stuart Sampley Architect

The master bedroom opens up to the yard, and curled branches bring another piece of nature indoors. Luxe bedding with hints of metallics make the room calm relaxing and anything but cold.

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More:
Guest Picks: Uncle Beefy’s Eclectic Woodland Retreat
Winter Woodsy Gets an Update
Design Details: Rustic Beams

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