The construction and home improvement industries are constantly pushing boundaries. Professionals are always looking for ways to leverage innovative materials and concepts to make homes more affordable, higher performing, and future-proof.

With that said, something about “home” inevitably evokes a sense of the classic. Whether it be memories of childhood or charming features found in the first home you closed on as an adult, home design is undoubtedly timeless.

For further insight on this topic, keep reading as we explore the best ways to incorporate timeless materials that balance the lines with contemporary elegance in contemporary design.

Contemporary Design Tips That Last

Contemporary Design Tips That Last

Oak Entry Door

A stately oak entry door is about as awe-inspiring as it comes. It helps transform the home’s facade from “basic” to “elegant,” all while boosting durability in the process. Less resistant to dents and dings than aluminum or steel entry doors, oak provides wonderful soundproofing properties that enhance tranquility in noisy neighborhoods. Thanks to the visual and functional upgrade, expect an oak entry door to boost home value significantly upon installation, making it a standout feature in contemporary design.

Stone Countertops

Nothing speaks to timeless elegance quite like finding ways to incorporate natural stone in kitchen areas. Whether it be countertops or backsplash, stone kitchen features are truly transformative in their aesthetic effect.

Marble and granite are the traditional classics for creating stately kitchens. While they are certainly top-notch materials for establishing beauty, understand that they are not the only options for achieving a stunning stone aspect. Quartzite slab countertops effectively balance the lines between the elegance of marble and the compressive and tensile strength of granite. Engineered quartz countertops can be manufactured in a wide array of colors and designs to achieve any type of stone appearance, all while offering a completely nonporous surface thanks to its epoxy binding—making it an excellent fit for contemporary design.

Bay Windows

Large window areas are a trending concept in home design. By enhancing natural light flow throughout the house’s interior, energy efficiency is improved via less reliance on artificial lighting sources. In addition, naturally lit interiors offer a more inviting ambiance that is a central tenet of open interior strategies.

What better way to leverage the contemporary daylighting trend than to throw it back with impressive bay windows? Bay windows are a group of windows that extend outward from the home’s walls. They are often found in living rooms, dining rooms, and any other area of the home where sunlight is welcome. Commonly associated with Victorian design themes, bay windows are a great choice for contemporary design, boosting energy efficiency—especially when paired with low-E window glass.

Enhanced Roofing

Roofing is an essential element in any home’s design, and choosing the right materials can enhance both its function and aesthetic appeal. A wood shingle roof, for example, brings a natural warmth and texture that seamlessly bridges traditional charm with modern sophistication. Its distinctive, time-tested look not only elevates curb appeal but also provides excellent durability and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those who value both style and performance in contemporary design.

Black Iron Handrails

Handrails are receiving increased attention in contemporary home design. They are an essential component of aging-in-place and multigenerational living concepts that are gaining popularity in the real estate market.

Numerous handrail design ideas can improve the safety, functionality, and aesthetics of a home. Glass railings are popular for their crystalline elegance and utility in aiding natural light flow throughout the interior. Stainless steel railings are a great choice for homeowners looking to streamline maintenance without sacrificing appearances.

However, one of the top choices for throwing it back through the generations is black iron handrails. This bold railing choice works just as well for industrial and minimalist themes as it does for contemporary design. Black railings are equally suitable for interior and exterior applications, making them a great option for establishing cohesion throughout the property.

Rustic Siding

Point blank, few cladding materials can match brick and wood planks in terms of rustic charm and establishing a sense of “home.” The drawback to these timeless classics is that they require far more maintenance than the contemporary homeowner has free time. Brick should be sealed every other year, while wood should be painted/stained along the same timeline to prevent moisture absorption and its subsequent issues.

As such, there are many different types of siding on the contemporary market that mimic the timeless feel of these products with a fraction of the upkeep requirements. Vinyl is a top choice thanks to its affordability. However, many contractor-grade vinyl products give off more of a “synthetic” vibe than is palatable for many homeowners. Better options are fiber cement and steel log. These next-level cladding materials use state-of-the-art engineering to fortify the building envelope in all types of weather conditions, all while providing aesthetics that are nearly indistinguishable from natural wood or stone. Both options are ideal for homeowners looking to achieve rustic appeal while embracing contemporary design trends.

Balance the Lines Between Classic and Contemporary with Thoughtful Material Selection

For all of the innovations in modern design and home improvement, there is something inherently attractive about classic features in homes. From stately oak entry doors to rustic siding options, explore any of the ideas listed above to balance the lines between classic sensibilities and contemporary elegance in contemporary design. For more of the latest trends shaping the contemporary design landscape, explore the resources at Dig This Design for ideas and inspiration today!

Stephanie Rogers is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing her love for writing with others. She primarily writes about traveling, music, and design ideas. She lives in her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys spending time with her husband golfing, traveling and hiking with their dog, Chino. Stephanie’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.