The term contemporary architecture refers to a number of diverse building styles. It brings together the indoors and outdoors, showing signs of regional character and even whimsy, to create a feeling of spaciousness.<\/p>\n
North of the Greater Toronto Area, we are seeing a great deal of new homes built with a contemporary flair. A modern design build is no longer exclusive to the big city with many suburban communities incorporating a fresh new look. \u00a0At OPUS Homes, we are proud to introduce this style of architecture in Richlands, finding new ways to blend with more traditional streetscapes for street views that are breathtaking!<\/p>\n
Contemporary architecture is a design aesthetic that leans towards clean lines and open concept living spaces. \u00a0It places a focus on energy efficiency, while making use of natural sustainable materials (i.e. bamboo floors and granite counter tops), recycled and nontoxic materials (i.e. low emission paints and carpeting) and natural light.<\/p>\n
Incorporating the top trends of this design style into home d\u00e9cor and finishes can be achieved through the following best practices:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Exterior home details should be free of heavy ornamentation, streamlined in form, and blend with natural outdoor elements<\/p>\n
\u2022 Bring natural light inside the home with large glass windows (using translucent glass where privacy is required), skylights and solar tubes<\/p>\n
\u2022 Consider an open floor plan to create a unified design aesthetic<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use neutral tones for flooring, furnishings, lighting fixture and textiles. Add pops of color and texture with accent pieces<\/p>\n
\u2022 Use natural and organic materials (wood, rock, slate, teak, cotton and wool) throughout the interior and exterior of the home<\/p>\n
\u2022 Select furniture that has simple clean lines and raised off the floor. \u00a0Avoid heavy ornamentation to create a feel of airiness<\/p>\n
\u2022 Bare floors contribute to the relaxed feeling of contemporary design. Use area rugs to visually break up the spaces in the home<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep the interior details simple and distinct. \u00a0Replace traditional elements with innovative ones making use of glass or industrial materials (i.e. using tension cables as railings and banisters)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Hide technology behind cleverly designed interior elements<\/p>\n
\u2022 Be open minded to a minimalistic approach when it comes to the design for contemporary living<\/p>\n
OPUS Homes<\/strong> is introducing many of these contemporary design elements in the architecture of Richlands. Some of the manufacturers and materials being used include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Ebony canopy steel roof and underside of porch from Mac Metal<\/a>;<\/p>\n \u2022 Espresso brick from Brampton Brick<\/a>;<\/p>\n \u2022 White stone veneer from Arriscraft<\/a> and<\/p>\n