What Style is That?

We get this question all the time when talking to our new residential clients. They see a house that they like, and are trying to describe it to friends, family and to their architect. Most of the time, we go out to look at it together, point out the things that we like and don't like, but it would be nice if there was a way to describe the predominant style that we are designing in.

We like to describe our residential style as "Contemporary Vernacular". Dictionary.com has the best definitions for contemporary used as an adjective, and vernacular used as a noun. We will use excerpts from these definitions in today's post.

con⋅tem⋅po⋅rar⋅y: existing, occurring, or living at the same time; belonging to the same time.

If we can get used to using contemporary by its true definition, that is "of the current time" and not as it is commonly used to categorize the wildest options that building technology can express, we can see how it can apply to even the most traditional forms and structures. Taking it one step further, the idea that we are designing houses according to the very latest and current building techniques coupled with an eye to how the home will be used and enjoyed by the families of the present day combines to create a truly contemporary building, inside and out.

ver⋅nac⋅u⋅lar: a style of architecture exemplifying the commonest techniques, decorative features, and materials of a particular historical period, region, or group of people.

We do not live in a vacuum, nor do we design in one. It is perfectly acceptable for one's home to reflect an inner character and nature, being a work of sculptural art all unto itself, but it is also perfectly acceptable and wonderful to design, build and live in a house that fits harmoniously into the context of the neighborhood, city or town in which it is located. The benefits of creating a dynamic streetscape that provides a rich visual tapestry, but woven of common threads has been exemplified in the best of American Architecture.

Combine these terms and you have a phrase that you can use at any cocktail party to describe good residential architectural design. We hope to be at functions soon overhearing "Yes, we just bought that Contemporary Vernacular home with Arts & Crafts influences, and we just love it!"

As always, feel free to send an email or call to discuss this point further. We appreciate the opportunity for discourse and discussion!