---
title: "Modern vs. Contemporary: What's the Difference?"
description: "Timber Block Talk: What is the difference between modern and contemporary style homes? While there are similarities between the two, there are many differences as well."
image: https://blog.timberblock.com/hubfs/custom-contemp-tuesday.jpg
---

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# Modern vs. Contemporary: What's the Difference?

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It's a question often asked by those who are planning to build their own home. "What is the difference between a modern and [contemporary home?](https://www.timberblock.com/series/contemporary/)" The answer is quite simple: 

A contemporary home design is one that is in the "now", and is future-forwarding. Modern home design often refers to a time already passed. Make sense? Sometimes, the word "modern" can be a little confusing, considering the actual definition of the word is the following:  ***Modern: Relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.***

However, in home design, "modern" and "contemporary" can mean 2 very different things. 

First, you will often have a soft, more neutral, "earthy" feel inside a modern design, while a contemporary home is often bold, sharp and crisp-feeling. You'll see plenty of black and white in contemporary design as well.

![SEDNA_10_Interior_1](https://blog.timberblock.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SEDNA_10_Interior_1.jpg?width=1280&name=SEDNA_10_Interior_1.jpg)

Contemporary home design can also be more "trendy", with exaggerated lines and outdoor living space that blends into the interior flawlessly.

![outdoor living space](https://blog.timberblock.com/hs-fs/hubfs/outdoor%20living%20space.jpg?width=800&name=outdoor%20living%20space.jpg)

![sun lakes-fri](https://blog.timberblock.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sun%20lakes-fri.jpg?width=1200&name=sun%20lakes-fri.jpg)

 

Modern home design tends to be more neutral. 

However, this is not to say there isn't some similarities. In fact, if you follow [Timber Block on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TimberBlock), you'll notice some of our home designs can be described as contemporary, with a hint of modern style. 

![Interior Living Room-2](https://blog.timberblock.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interior%20Living%20Room-2.jpg?width=1280&name=Interior%20Living%20Room-2.jpg)

Both the modern and contemporary designs have clean lines, are eye-catching, have a smooth feeling, and are airy and wide open. You'll also find the homes to be stylish, while simple. 

![custom-contemp-tuesday](https://blog.timberblock.com/hs-fs/hubfs/custom-contemp-tuesday.jpg?width=2048&name=custom-contemp-tuesday.jpg)

And of course, both modern and contemporary home designs favor exposed beam and wood in general. It's why a [Timber Block Engineered wood home](https://blog.timberblock.com/panelized-wood-home-system) is the perfect choice for any style. 

See Timber Block Contemporary Series, along with our Classic, Craftsman, Vintage and brand new Evolution Series at [www.timberblock.com](http://www.timberblock.com).

About Timber Block

Timber Block is a proprietary and patented product that results in the construction of highly energy efficient, beautiful, panelized wood homes. This is achieved through advanced, innovative green technology, found only in a Timber Block home. Timber Block homes can be modified, assemble in hours and can be built anywhere. 

To contact us, or visit a location near you, click below.

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