While a contemporary house plan can present modern architecture, the term "contemporary house plans" is not synonymous with "modern house plans." Modern architecture is simply one type of architecture that's popular today, often featuring clean, straight lines, a monochromatic color scheme, and minimal ornamentation. Contemporary house plans, on the other hand, blend a mixture of whatever architecture is trendy in the here and now (which may or may not include modern architecture). For instance, a contemporary home design might sport a traditional exterior with Craftsman touches and a modern open floor plan with the master bedroom on the main level. Airy outdoor living spaces, open layouts, and large windows which aid in indoor/outdoor flow and energy efficiency are elements that are typically highlighted in both modern and contemporary house designs. Note: If you're specifically interested in modern house plans, look under STYLES and select Modern.