Occasionally, contemporary floor plans are referred to as modern house plans, retro house designs and prairie style floor plans. Sometimes the roofs of these retro residences can be a combination of gable, hip, cross-gable and shed, causing rooflines to run into one another. More commonly, most of them are topped with flatter or low-pitched roofs. Simple and clean lines define the exterior. The modern design of contemporary home plans often offers an open and informal floor plan. This offers flexible living space and promotes versatile usage allowing the home to have tailored functionality for any occasion, including family activities, entertaining guests or quiet reading. Extensive use of glass, such as skylights, glass block walls and large windows, lend to an abundance of natural light, one of the most notable characteristics of prairie style home designs. Also, these homes are often distinguished by the use of modern (industrial) materials such as concrete, cement, stone and wood, which are used to finish the home throughout. With contemporary house designs, decorative elements are kept to a minimum. Often equipped with up-to-date features and amenities, modern home plans offer the features you want with comfort and practicality you need.