Diverse tastes and preferences offer endless opportunities for creativity, especially in home renovations and design. Modern homes typically reflect sleek, neutral designs and utilize contemporary materials like minimalist cabinetry and open layouts. Kitchens and bathrooms, often the focal points, showcase trendy ideas that resonate with younger homeowners. These spaces set the tone for comfort and style as they evolve through life.
In contrast, homes built in the late 20th century often feature what we now consider "classical" styles. These might include oak interiors—oak cabinetry, trim, and flooring—common in Calgary homes from the 1980s onward. This style exudes warmth and a sense of familiarity, which many homeowners still cherish. While modern renovations often replace oak with white trim and shaker-style cabinetry, oak's timeless appeal ensures it remains a beloved choice for many.
The Evolution of Home Design
Classic home design is often associated with specific eras, like Victorian or post-war 1950s. In Calgary, the term "classic" might more accurately describe homes from the 1980s to the present—a period when the city grew from 100,000 to over 1.3 million residents. These homes typically feature separate rooms for every function, such as distinct kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms. Though many homeowners are gradually updating these interiors with modern finishes, the classic style continues to provide a warm and comfortable environment that many still appreciate.
As Calgary's neighbourhoods mature, many are seeing a shift as younger families move in, bringing with them modern design preferences. This transition has led to the gradual disappearance of certain classical elements, like oak, although some homes maintain these features, making them iconic in their own right.
Blending the Old with the New
Modern design trends, particularly open-concept layouts, have been gaining popularity for decades. These layouts remove walls between rooms, creating airy, connected spaces. However, this approach can sometimes sacrifice the "homey" feel that comes from having distinct rooms. There’s a balance to be found between openness and the coziness of traditional layouts. For example, a dining area that’s connected to the kitchen but separate from the living room can offer a more intimate, friendly atmosphere. Additionally, some privacy should be maintained so that a sudden visitor at the front door doesn’t have a full view of the entire home.
The Changing Face of Calgary’s Architecture
If you’ve driven around Calgary recently, you’ve likely noticed the modern, space-age look of new neighbourhoods. Roof styles have shifted away from traditional designs, and a variety of fascia styles are now used to create distinctive looks in increasingly compact properties. This trend is also visible in new infills, which often feature hyper-modern exterior designs and rooflines, refreshing the appearance of many older neighbourhoods.
I appreciate both classical and modern designs that incorporate the best features of what we think of as "home" and the trendy look of a modern, cosmopolitan city. A home should convey warmth and be a happy place to live. You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a design that blends elements from both eras, tying the present with the past.
Conclusion
Thoughtful renovations can seamlessly blend modern conveniences with classic charm, creating a space that feels both current and timeless. Whether you’re updating an older home or building something new, a bit of consideration for design and style will result in a happy place to spend your time.
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