Architecture and design play a larger role in all of our lives than we probably realize. From the stoic building façades we pass on our daily commutes to the inviting interiors we spend our downtime in, each space plays a role in what we see every day and how we experience the world around us. As a result, it should come as no surprise that home design is a passion for many. More than just for aesthetic appeal, the structure and layout of a home defines the homeowner and the lifestyle they hope to lead.
Here, we look back at some of the most gorgeous modern houses we’ve featured on My Modern Met. What each designer or architect did so well was plan for an intelligent use of space. Not only do these homes look comfortable and gorgeous, but they also provide each homeowner with an amazing experience by creating an inside/outside element that makes you feel as if you’re vacationing right inside your home.
Here are some of our favorite modern homes around the world.
A Remodeled 1950s House in Santa Monica, CA
Photo: Claudio Santini
Designed by Michael W. Folonis Architects, this house is a two-story rear addition to a 1950s house that includes a master suite over a printing studio. Just like a modern dollhouse, we love how you can look into each bright and colorful room. Our favorite part? The 18-foot-long wall of sliding glass doors that opens the entire studio to the pool patio. Can’t you just imagine weekend after weekend of pool parties here?
The Perforated House in Melbourne, Australia
Forget everything you ever thought about how the outside of a house should look like and then check out the Perforated House, designed by Kavellaris Urban Design. Completed in 2008, this modern house sits in artsy Melbourne, Australia. Best of all: the panels in the front and back open up to reveal a living room that probably always feels cool.
A Sunny Studio in San Francisco
Photo: Todd Hido
Jay Shapiro, a skateboarder and musician, and Claire Bigbie, an interior designer, turned a Victorian house in San Francisco into a dream home. Check out the ground-floor studio which has a rolling garage door that opens to a garden.
A Modern Mecca in Singapore
Photo: Derek Swalwell
Designed by architects Ong & Ong Pte, this modern house in Singapore is meant to give you “a spatial experience that excites the senses by promoting light.” This air well divided the two sections of the house and became the perfect place for an indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The coolest part, of course, is that you can open up the glazed partitions of the house so that the first floor becomes one large living space. The ground floor, then, is not only a lounge and dining area, it is an ideal place to relax and sit poolside; a place to sip margaritas and soak in the rays.
The Skyline Residence in the Hollywood Hills
Photo: Belzberg Architects
There exists a house high atop the Hollywood Hills called the Skyline Residence. Beautifully modern, its angular surfaces make the house a piece of art in and of itself. Designed by Belzberg Architects, the Skyline encompasses everything you’d want in a house, clean and modern, with an eco-friendly heart. What draws me to this house, though, isn’t just that it’s modern. It’s that outdoor patio perfect for lying on the concrete, looking up at an old Hollywood movie, and enjoying a perfect California night.
The Villa Berkel in The Netherlands
This modern house, called the Villa Berkel, was designed by architect Paul de Ruiter. Located in Veenendaal, The Netherlands, it employs an inside/outside theme that I’ve come to love. By using natural light and playing with the idea of open space, the house creates a connection to the outdoors in a warm and comforting way—one that’s not typical of a modern house.
A Stylish Houseboat in Hamburg
Designed by Rost Niderehe Architects, this modern houseboat lets you set sail in style. Made of sleek steel and study wood, the comfortable floating home features a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and wrap-around patio.
A Contemporary Chinese Tea House in Shanghai
This modern tea house designed by Atelier Deshaus offers a quiet oasis in bustling Shanghai. While it measures just 130 square feet, the tiny, tranquil home features large, open windows that suggest spaciousness. These grand windows overlook a garden, showcasing a beautiful paulownia tree and creatively bringing the outdoors in.
A Treehouse for Grown-Ups in Northern Germany
Proving that fun forts aren’t just for kids, this modern home by Baumraum puts a sleek spin on the traditional treehouse. Featuring an eye-catching, egg-inspired silhouette and a shiny exterior, this cozy shelter doubles as a stylish getaway for people of all ages.
This article has been edited and updated.
Related Articles:
12 Extraordinary Tiny Houses From Around the World
13 Stylish Treehouses for Grown-Ups to Spend a Night In
Modern Architecture That Revolutionizes Everyday Life
Mid-Century Modern Homes That Shaped the Future of Architecture Design