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Seeking a small home design with contemporary curb appeal? Explore our collection of modern house plans under 1,500 sq. ft. below!
Modern house plans typically offer straight, vertical lines with minimal ornamentation. This lack of detailing and decoration can sometimes cut down on building costs while also creating clean, contemporary curb appeal. Outdoor living space and big windows are also common characteristics of modern-style homes, both of which can cut down on heating and lighting expenses once the house is built.
Modern homes tend to showcase bold curb appeal, and if that's your thing, great! But if you prefer more traditional architecture, and/or are building in a traditionally-designed neighborhood, a modern-style home might be too over-the-top.
Costs! In general, smaller homes are cheaper to build and maintain than larger designs. Having said that, lots of things factor into cost to build, such as location, the market, and material choices. To get a better idea of what a particular house plan will cost to build in your area, click the Get Cost to Build Report button on the product detail page.
Space! If you're building a home for a large family, you'll probably need more than 1,500 sq. ft. of heated living space. Having said that, you'll notice many of the plans below sport smart, contemporary design choices that can help make a smaller space feel larger than it actually is. Look for open layouts, vaulted ceilings, large windows, and outdoor living spaces.
Seeking a small home design with contemporary curb appeal? Explore our collection of modern house plans under 1,500 sq. ft. below!
Modern house plans typically offer straight, vertical lines with minimal ornamentation. This lack of detailing and decoration can sometimes cut down on building costs while also creating clean, contemporary curb appeal. Outdoor living space and big windows are also common characteristics of modern-style homes, both of which can cut down on heating and lighting expenses once the house is built.
Modern homes tend to showcase bold curb appeal, and if that's your thing, great! But if you prefer more traditional architecture, and/or are building in a traditionally-designed neighborhood, a modern-style home might be too over-the-top.
Costs! In general, smaller homes are cheaper to build and maintain than larger designs. Having said that, lots of things factor into cost to build, such as location, the market, and material choices. To get a better idea of what a particular house plan will cost to build in your area, click the Get Cost to Build Report button on the product detail page.
Space! If you're building a home for a large family, you'll probably need more than 1,500 sq. ft. of heated living space. Having said that, you'll notice many of the plans below sport smart, contemporary design choices that can help make a smaller space feel larger than it actually is. Look for open layouts, vaulted ceilings, large windows, and outdoor living spaces.
Modern house plans are defined by a specific architectural style, characterized by distinct features such as clean lines, flat or shed roofs, and minimal ornamentation. . Contemporary house plans cover a much broader range of current architectural trends and styles that are popular today, not limited to one specific style (modern design is just one of the influences found within the broader category of contemporary house plans).
The choice depends on your needs. If minimizing stairs is a priority for aging in place, a one-story design is generally the best option.
On the other hand, if you’re building on a narrow lot with a view, a two-story modern house plan with a deck or balcony might be more suitable.
Perks of a one-story home:
Perks of a two-story home:
Modern house plans feature a minimalist aesthetic with open layouts, smart details, and a connection to the outdoors. Traditional homes focus on classic details, separate rooms, and natural materials like wood and stone, giving a warm and timeless feel.
Both styles offer different strengths: modern house plans are about innovation and ease, while traditional house plans highlight history and character.
Mid-century modern home design is all about clean lines, open spaces, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Imagine the classic Palm Springs houses with their floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of natural light, and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living areas.
These homes usually have open floor plans and are often single-story, making them feel airy and inviting. Look for:
Yes! We have many small modern house plans (less than 2,000 square feet) to choose from. Our small modern house plans showcase open floor plans, vaulted ceilings, large windows, and outdoor living spaces that make them feel much bigger than they are.
Look for designs that include clever storage solutions (like a mudroom with built-in lockers or a kitchen with a walk-in pantry) that keep clutter under control, helping the plan feel open and roomy.
Features include:
According to House Beautiful, Modern house design became popular during the 20th century. This design style embraced simplicity and function, often using materials such as steel, glass, and concrete.
The popularity of modern home design “peaked between the 1930s and 1970s, between the design movements of Art Deco and postmodernism,” they state.
The cost to build a modern house plan can vary widely, primarily due to factors such as location, the size of the home, and the complexity of the design.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as of 2024, the average construction cost for a new home in the U.S. is $428,215 ($162 per square foot) regardless of architectural style.
To obtain a more accurate estimate for your area, you can use the “Get Cost To Build Report” feature available on the product detail page of the design you are interested in.
Check out these commonly asked cost-to-build questions.
Yes, all of our house plans can be customized. Simply click the “Modify This Plan” button on the product detail page and fill out a short form describing the changes you would like to make.