Colonial vs Contemporary

Design Choices: Colonial or Contemporary?

Get to know your home’s style.

Fashion for your home is what we like to call interior design. Because your home is not only a sanctuary, a safe space, it is also a representation of you. 

So, when you’re deciding what style of home best represents your personal taste, you might want to look at the difference between two popular designs -- colonial and contemporary. 

Property Improvement Enterprises has worked with both styles with the help of our Lead Designer Dorothy Durbin. And while we believe no style of home is better than the other, we also know that each has their own unique benefits and allures. 

So what’s the difference between colonial and contemporary? We’ll give you a rundown below.

Colonial

Colonial style homes are often characterized by a large, grand entrance, high peaked roof and central chimneys. Colonial decorating started as a rustic, hand-built design which over the years has turned into a lavish and ornate style. 

Colonial homes appear timeless. They often boast detailed craftsmanship and still a “cozy” feel. Many times they are 2-story homes with a kitchen and living room on the first floor, and bedrooms on the second. Many people gravitate towards these homes because they are both spacious and practical, mature and defined. 

While these homes tend to feel traditional, there are certainly modern updates you can make while still maintaining that historical-colonial feel. For decor, you might consider a barn-style kitchen, including reclaimed woods and a bright white palette. You could also mix antiques with modern furniture for a more “bohemian” vibe.

Contemporary 

A contemporary home, on the other hand, is more modern, more 21st century. This style gained popularity in the 70’s and embraced the concepts of modern architecture including open floor plans, natural light and geometric lines. 

Contemporary homes these days often use sustainable and mixed materials on the exterior, and inside use neutral colors like black, white, grey and beige. Sometimes in a contemporary home you’ll see a punch of color on an accent wall or even bright colored blocks or tile. Contemporary style furniture usually makes a bold statement, while at the same time maintaining clean lines and symmetry. 

Often in contemporary homes the lighting can be more “playful.” You might see color or mixed metal on the fixtures. Whereas colonial homes tend to stay more traditional with something like a black iron chandelier. 

Now that you’ve heard the differences between both styles, which do you prefer? Colonial or Contemporary?