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Regional Twists on America’s Favorite “Modern” Home Style

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While interior design fashions are constantly changing, “modern” home style trends and floor plans are much more enduring, with subtle evolutions taking place intermittently over time. In 2025, open-concept, large-lot designs have taken a backseat to the latest iteration of modern home design–the semi-open, two-story concept. However, while we can present a broad definition for the latest evolution in modern home style, location plays a pivotal role in capturing consumers’ eyes and meeting their needs.

In this article, we’ll break down the latest modern interior design trends and exterior wants. Then, we’ll explore the regional twists, from Cape Cod to California, each region appealing to and meeting the needs of modern homebuyers with their version of the latest modern home styles.

Today’s Modern Home Style

First things first, let’s discuss the latest trends in today’s home styles, based on:

  • Home size
  • Architectural build
  • Floor plan
  • Outdoor design

Home Size

The ideal square footage per person in a traditional home is between 600 and 700 square feet. This means the ideal home size for a modern contemporary 4-bedroom home in 2025 is between 2,400 and 2,800 square feet. However, the way builders are disbursing the square footage is evolving.

Architectural Build

As covered in CIVIC’s latest Updates & Trends: What’s New in the Real Estate Market for 2025, urban infill projects are on the rise. This movement of urban decentralization and sustainability has led to smaller lots, with the majority of single-family homes built on lots of 9,000 square feet or less. With less space, builders have moved to a two-story modern architecture style. 

Floor Plan

Perhaps the most significant adaptation to today’s modern home style is the floor design, evolving from an open- to semi-open concept. While floor plans haven’t changed from natural open pathways, interior design professionals have moved from simple modern house design trends to more deliberate contemporary home decorating ideas. Today, subtle dividers, strategically positioned furniture, and natural modern decor are used in living rooms and other common areas to create patches of solitude. Designers are also creating flex space concept opportunities throughout the home, diversifying how spaces can be used.

Exterior Architectural Design

Since its introduction, mid-century modern home style and outdoor architectural design have predominantly focused on functionality, simplicity, and the use of modern materials. Geometric designs with large windows, open spaces, and metal materials are staple features of today’s modern homes.  

However, a minimalist approach, which rejects the decorative elements of previous styles as well as local regional and cultural influences, can deter local consumers or out-of-state/area homebuyers looking for a home that captures the uniqueness and flair of regional life.

The Top Regional Twists to Modern Home Styles

Now that we understand the basic, evolutionary movements to today’s modern home styles, let’s look at the top twists builders and architects are implementing to capture the history and culture of different regions.

Classical Design of the Low Country

Traditional low country designs throughout the Southeast region (the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, etc.) are built on history and practicality. Today’s builders combine modern home styles with the southern essence of simplicity, incorporating:

  • Wide front porch wrap-arounds
  • Generously sized windows and porch doors to funnel cool breezes into the interior
  • Elegantly portioned columns with symmetrical dormers
  • Raised floor beds and sturdy crooked roofs to combat seasonal storms and flooding

The Tell-Tale Elements of the Coastal Northeast

Cape Cod homes have always been defined by their symmetrical, single-story frame build, pitched roofs, large chimney, and unmistakable colonial style interior design. While homeowners can steer clear of modern interior design styles, they still crave the simplistic symmetry of the coastal Northeast’s early homes.

That is why many modern builders have retained the tell-tale elements of the Cape Cod cottage style, offering:

  • Symmetrical-shaped rectangular designs
  • Steeply pitched gabled roofs
  • Large chimneys, dental molding, and operable shutters

While builders are moving away from the single-story design and opting for a two-story modern home style, they continue to incorporate iconic designs and features into the home’s exterior to help it blend into its surroundings.

Adobe Homes of the Southwest: Traditional vs. Modern

While there are many “types” of houses in the US, none are more recognizable than the adobe home. Attributed to early Pueblo people and popular throughout the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, California, etc.), adobe homes are characterized by their thick walls, flat roofs, rounded edges, and earthy brownish-red coloring.

Traditional adobe homes were single-story and built using a reddish dried mud brick that combined organic earth materials like straw, sand, grass, and water. However, contractors’ latest modern home style designs for adobes include two-story floor plans and modern building materials. They maintain the essence of traditional adobes with:

  • Stucco finished exterior walls to mimic the reddish clay finish
  • Flat, rounded roofs to trap rainwater and cool the home
  • Exposed wood beams on the interior of the home
  • Rounded, beehive-shaped fireplaces within the home

The Modern Mountain Plan Design of the West

Mountain regions of the West and Northwest United States provide a unique rustic architecture to their homes, defined by bold natural textures. While builders use modern home styles like large windows, two-story builds, and metal roofing in these mountain gems, they also maintain the tradition and aesthetics of mountain plan designs, with:

  • Exterior greys, browns, and green paints and materials that blend in with the natural colors of the surrounding forests
  • The prioritization of wooden materials to build out the interior and exterior of the home
  • Exposed wood beams throughout the interior of the home
  • Large awnings cover back porches to enjoy the exquisite views of nature

Maintaining Regional Flair with a Modern Approach

For investors and builders, maintaining a steady balance between regional flair and today’s modern home style is essential to entice the right buyers in your area. Regardless of the style you are using for your investment property, a proper financing partner will help you turn your vision into reality. CIVIC has the tools, insights, and capital backing to help you blend your investment property into the local culture and honor the history of the region.

CIVIC lends in 45 of 50 states and the District of Columbia and offers:
If you’re looking to bring a regional twist to the modern home style of your latest real estate investment, let the team at CIVIC help. CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE consultation today.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or legal advice. Neither the author of this content nor Roc360 assumes any liability for actions taken or not taken based on information contained herein. Investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal. You should consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

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