Ultimately, Steamboat Springs is an eclectic mix of many
seeing a lot of cool tones.” Modern includes prairie-style
individual styles and influences throughout the decades.
and ranch-style homes that were popular in that era
Figure out what your style is and how to express it with
and made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright, but Keenan
this glossary of terms.
says these one-story, horizontally-oriented forms aren’t always easy to incorporate in the mountains where few
CONTEMPORARY “Contemporary by definition is marked by the character of the current period. Contemporary is ever-evolving,”
RUSTIC
Keenan says. Many people confuse the terms
In terms of architecture, rustic is typically a term
“contemporary” and “modern.” While modernism is a
referencing interiors or specific materials rather than
specific architectural style, contemporary is a reference
defining a specific style. “We definitely have a lot of
to the current time period, and can encompass many
clients who want a mountain retreat in that rustic
different styles.
vernacular, with a lot of stone and timber,” Keenan says. These homes feature indigenous materials like
MODERN “This term refers to a specific time period that began in the 1930s and was popular through the 1960s,” Keenan says. Not to be confused with its literal meaning, modernism in architecture terms is characterized by “long linear forms with minimal ornamentation, flow between interior and exterior and large expanses of glass,” Keenan says. “Modernism has had a resurgence in recent years,” Keenan explains, “and I think this style will continue to remain popular, although I see a trend towards warmer colors and materials where we’ve been
CONTEMPORARY “The style of the moment.” Encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century. Softened and rounded lines as opposed to stark lines seen in modern design. Neutral elements, bold color, basics of line, shape and form.
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building sites are truly flat.
S T E A M B OAT S I R .C O M
regionally quarried stone and big timbers with exposed heavy beams but with spaces that are integrated into a contemporary style, more open and flowing with large expanses of glass. “When people were building for utilitarian purposes they often created smaller rooms using locally sourced materials, which were then modified with multiple additions resulting in a medley of roof lines. That style evolved out of necessity. You can still incorporate those references into contemporary architecture or into your interior design.”
MODERN
RUSTIC
A very distinctive architectural style of home that was built from the early 1900s to the 1950s. It’s a defined style and doesn’t change. It will always be modern.
Defined, rustic style is a design emphasis on rugged, natural beauty. It embraces nature-inspired textures, simple and earthy colors, and ultimately an unpretentious, organic warmth.