“Modern” means different things to different people.
Some buyers mean clean lines and big windows. Some mean an open main floor with a simple kitchen. Others just mean “not dated.”
If you’re looking at Sterling Homes in Calgary, you’ll likely run into a few modern home styles across different communities and home types. The tricky part is picking a style that looks good and works in real life. Calgary weather has a way of testing every design choice.
This post breaks down modern home styles in plain language. What they usually look like, what they’re like to live with, and what to watch for before you commit.
What “modern home style” usually means in Calgary
In most new-build areas, “modern” tends to show up in two places:
Exterior look (elevation)
Roofline, windows, colors, materials, garage design.
Interior plan and finishes
Open concept, simpler trim, flat-panel cabinets, neutral palettes, fewer fussy details.
You can love a modern exterior and still find the interior layout annoying. Or the other way around. Try to judge both separately.
Common modern exterior styles you’ll see (and what they’re like)
Sterling Homes models can vary by community and release, so think of this section as “what modern usually looks like” in Calgary new builds.
1) Modern Prairie (very common right now)
This is modern, but not boxy. It usually has:
- Strong horizontal lines
- Mixed siding textures (often some vertical accents)
- Bigger windows than older styles
- Neutral colors (black, white, grey, warm taupes)
- Simple trim
Why people like it: it feels current but not extreme. It fits most streetscapes.
What to check: window placement. Prairie styles can look great from the street but still have a darker living room if windows are smaller on the back.
2) Contemporary / “Urban Modern”
This is the cleaner, sharper look:
- Flatter rooflines or low-slope look (often still a standard roof behind the scenes)
- More straight edges and clean corners
- Dark window frames
- More contrast (black + white, dark charcoal + light siding)
- Minimal decorative details
Why people like it: it looks sharp and simple.
What to check: exterior maintenance. Dark colors can show dust and water marks more. Not a dealbreaker. Just real.
3) Modern Craftsman (modern version of an older style)
This keeps some classic features but tones them down:
- A bit more texture and detail (posts, gables)
- Warmer colors
- A more “homey” look than contemporary
Why people like it: it feels modern without looking too trendy.
What to check: too much exterior detail can mean more spots where dirt and snow collect. Again, not huge, just a maintenance reality.
4) “Farmhouse-inspired” modern
You’ll sometimes see hints of this in new builds:
- Black windows
- Simple lines
- Light siding with dark accents
- A clean, minimal feel
Why people like it: bright and simple.
What to check: in Calgary winters, light siding can show splash and slush near the base. A good mat/landing plan helps.
Modern home types: townhome, laned, front-garage (and how style shows up)
“Modern style” doesn’t only depend on finishes. The home type changes how it feels.
Modern townhomes
Townhomes often lean modern because the exterior is simpler and more uniform. You’ll see:
- Clean front elevations
- Compact footprints
- Efficient layouts
Good for: first-time buyers, downsizers, people who want less space to maintain.
Watch for:
- Storage can be tight
- Living room furniture placement can be awkward in narrow plans
- Shared walls (noise)
Townhomes can still feel “modern” inside without expensive upgrades if the layout is efficient and light is good.
Modern laned homes (rear lane)
Laned homes can look modern fast because they often have a simple front face and a more open main floor.
Good for: detached living at a lower price than many front-garage homes (depending on area and timing).
Watch for:
- Entry flow when you come in from the back/garage
- Where bins go
- Narrow main floor “hallway” feeling in some models
If you want a modern look with a usable backyard, laned can be a nice balance.
Modern front-garage homes
This is the common Calgary suburban setup. Modern versions usually focus on:
- Larger front windows
- Clean garage door styles
- Strong color contrast
Good for: winter convenience and storage.
Watch for:
- The garage can eat a lot of the main floor footprint
- Long front entry hallways can feel dark
- Living rooms can be “leftover space” if the plan isn’t strong
Modern doesn’t help if the living room has no real TV wall. Check layout first.
Interior “modern style” features (what’s real vs what’s staged)
Showhomes make everything feel modern. But you need to separate what’s included from what’s staged.
Here are common interior features that create a modern feel:
Clean trim and simpler doors
Modern interiors often use less ornate trim and simpler doors.
Good: easier to keep looking clean. Less visual clutter.
Watch for: don’t assume upgraded door styles are standard. Confirm what’s included.
Flat-panel or slab-style cabinets
This is a big modern look.
Good: simple lines, easy to match later.
Watch for: cabinet quality varies by package. Ask what’s standard vs upgraded (box construction, hardware, soft-close, etc.).
Open concept main floor
Modern plans tend to open kitchen, dining, and living.
Good: feels bigger, better for hosting.
Watch for: open concept can be noisy and can reduce wall space. Do the “TV wall” check.
Big windows and darker frames
Modern homes often use larger windows and sometimes darker window frames.
Good: more light, modern curb appeal.
Watch for: window coverings cost more when windows get bigger. Budget for blinds early.
Neutral palettes
Modern usually means whites, greys, warm neutrals.
Good: easy resale, easy to decorate.
Watch for: white walls show marks. If you have kids and pets, choose paint sheens that clean easier.
Modern style that actually works in Calgary (comfort matters)
A modern home that looks great but feels drafty, dark, or loud won’t feel “modern” for long. It’ll just feel annoying.
Here’s what to pay attention to in Calgary:
Entry design matters more than people think
Modern homes often have a clean entry with minimal built-ins. That can look great, but you still need real-life function.
Check for:
- A usable front closet
- Space for a bench or hooks
- Durable flooring at the door
If the entry can’t handle boots and coats, the house won’t feel clean in winter.
Light is part of the style
Modern interiors rely on light. Calgary winter light drops early.
When you tour:
- Notice if the main floor feels bright without every light on
- Check stairwells and hallways (dark spots feel worse in winter)
Sound travels in modern, open spaces
Open plans + hard surfaces = more echo.
If you want modern and calm:
- Plan for rugs, curtains, and soft furniture
- Check bedroom placement so sleep areas aren’t beside loud rooms
Modern exteriors: practical questions before you pick one
Modern elevations can look similar in photos. But small differences matter.
Ask what the exterior materials are
Not all siding and trim ages the same.
Ask:
- What materials are used on the front and sides?
- Are side and back finishes the same as the front, or different?
This affects both maintenance and how the home looks from all angles.
Check snow and water splash zones
In spring, snow melt and slush can hit the lower part of the exterior hard.
Look at:
- Steps, landings, and drainage near the front
- Where downspouts go
If you’re picking a lot, check grading plans and where water will move.
Don’t ignore the garage door
A modern house with a basic garage door can look unfinished. Sometimes an upgraded door style is available, sometimes not. Just ask.
Modern kitchens: what makes them feel good, not just look good
Modern kitchens are often the “selling point.” But function matters.
Do these checks:
- Dishwasher clearance: can someone pass when it’s open?
- Fridge placement: does it block a main walkway?
- Landing space: do you have counter space beside stove/sink/fridge?
- Pantry: is it easy to access while cooking?
- Bin location: where do garbage and recycling go?
A modern kitchen that becomes a traffic jam stops feeling modern fast.
Modern bathrooms: simple designs, small details
Modern bathrooms often use:
- Larger tile
- Clean vanities
- Simple mirrors and lighting
What to check:
- Storage (drawers beat tiny cabinets)
- Fan quality and placement (important in winter)
- Lighting over the mirror (harsh lighting gets old)
Also check the powder room location. A powder room right off the kitchen isn’t everyone’s favorite.
Modern home style vs long-term value (the honest take)
Modern styles usually hold value well if they aren’t too extreme. Neutral, clean exteriors tend to age better than very bold choices.
If resale matters to you:
- pick a modern style that still looks good without trendy accents
- avoid very niche color combinations
- prioritize layout and lot placement over cosmetic upgrades
A great-looking exterior doesn’t fix a bad location or an awkward floor plan.
What to ask Sterling Homes when you’re comparing modern styles
Bring these questions to a showhome visit:
About what’s standard
- What features in the showhome are upgrades?
- Are dark window frames standard or optional?
- What cabinet style is standard in this model?
About exterior materials
- What siding and trim are used?
- Are side and back finishes different from the front?
- Are there color restrictions in the community?
About layout options
- Are there alternate kitchen layouts?
- Can extra windows be added?
- Any structural options that must be decided early?
About move-in costs tied to modern design
- Typical cost for window coverings with these window sizes?
- Is landscaping included or on the buyer?
Quick tour checklist: “modern style” that’s livable
Use this while you’re in a showhome:
- Entry has space for boots and coats
- Kitchen passes the dishwasher test
- Living room has a real TV wall
- Main floor feels bright in daytime
- Bedrooms feel private enough
- Storage is decent (pantry, linen, closets)
- You like the exterior from the street and from the side/back
- You understand what’s included vs upgraded (in writing)
FAQs
Are modern home styles harder to maintain?
Not always. Some modern exteriors are simpler, which can mean fewer fussy details to clean. But darker colors can show dust and water marks more, and large windows can mean higher window covering costs.
Do modern homes cost more?
Sometimes, depending on what’s included (windows, finishes, cabinet packages). The best way to tell is to compare the inclusions list and the upgrade price list, not just the model name.
Are modern layouts always open concept?
Often, yes. But “open” can be done well or badly. Check furniture placement and traffic flow so the living room doesn’t become a hallway.
What’s the most practical modern upgrade?
Usually extra windows (where it makes sense) and electrical planning (outlets, lighting locations). Those are hard to change later.
How do I know what I’m actually buying vs what’s staged?
Ask Sterling Homes for a written inclusions list for your exact model and community. Assume showhome decor and many finishes are upgraded until proven otherwise.
Bottom line
Modern home styles can be a great fit in Calgary, but the best-looking design isn’t always the best day-to-day home.
If you’re looking at Sterling Homes in Calgary, focus on:
- a modern style you’ll still like in five years
- a layout that works with real furniture and real routines
- light, storage, and entry function (Calgary winter will test these)
- what’s included in writing, not what’s staged
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