Apartment hunting can be difficult and grueling. With the rising cost of rent and poor availability, sometimes people are just willing to settle for anything cheap. Yet what they don’t consider is that a living space must feel good and function well.
On Rise Apartments, you can browse thousands of rentals for free. You can’t see the prices for all of them, but you can see how well they look and whether they have a modern or transitional architecture.
Modern and transitional architectures are quite common in chic apartments and homes. The question is, which one do you like, and which one is more suitable for you?
In this guide, we will break down the differences between the two styles with a special emphasis on how they look in apartments. By the end of it, you will be able to decide which style suits you more.
What Modern Architecture Looks Like in Apartments
The hallmarks of modern architecture are clean geometry, open sightlines, solid and sharp colors, minimalistic materials and textures, all of which translate into sleekness and neatness.
Here’s how apartments exhibit those qualities.
Key Traits of Modern Apartments
- Open floor plans. Open floor plans result in cleaner sight lines. To achieve an open floor layout, you need fewer walls, which results in smoother airflow and provides openness even in smaller units.
- Large windows. Bigger windows, such as floor‑to‑ceiling or oversized glass panels that maximize natural light, are amazing at giving an open feel to any space.
- Minimal ornamentation. The designs and motifs are minimal. You will often find flat-front cabinetry, smooth surfaces, and zero decorative molding in modern architecture apartments.
- Industrial + natural materials. You will often find the following materials in modern apartments: steel, glass, concrete, and light wood tones.
- Neutral color palettes with strong contrast. Modern apartments often have white walls, black fixtures, and warm wood floors.
Modern apartments are great for renters who prefer a crisp, organized, low‑maintenance living space because these units feel clean, efficient, and bright.
What Transitional Architecture Looks Like in Apartments
Transitional design is all about blending modern and traditional styles. The main look of transitional designs is about providing warmth and comfort, along with the signature cleanness of modern designs.
Here’s how apartments showcase transitional designs.
Key Traits of Transitional Apartments
- Soft, clean lines. Still simple, but with gentler curves and a more welcoming feel. Modern designs, in comparison, are sharper.
- Warm, neutral palettes. Soft and warm colors like cream, beige, sand, and soft grays are more common. There is less emphasis on contrast as well.
- Mixed materials. Transitional architecture often showcases a mixture of materials, such as brushed metals with wood detail and glass paired with textiles.
- Light but noticeable detailing. Transitional designs don’t shy away from detailing either. However, it is not as heavy and overbearing as traditional designs. Examples include shaker cabinetry, subtle trim, or textured accents.
- Balanced layouts. In a nutshell, we can say that they are not as stark as modern, not as ornate as traditional.
If you see a listing on Rise Apartments described as “modern transitional,” then know that you’re getting the best of both, i.e., streamlined design with warmth and personality.
How Architecture Affects Daily Life for Renters
Choosing between modern and transitional apartments isn’t just a style decision. As we mentioned previously, it affects how you feel at home and whether you can relax or not. Here’s how different things will affect you depending on whether the architecture is transitional or modern.
Natural light.
Since modern apartments often have bigger windows, they let in lots of natural light. So, if that is important to you, then you should opt for modern designs.
If you like a more closed-off design, then go for transitional. However, this is not much of a deal breaker because you can install blackout curtains on any window to control natural light.
In fact, positioning and surroundings matter more when it comes to natural light. So you should check that out if it matters enough to you.
Storage.
Since modern designs are quite minimalist, they have less storage space. Of course, in return, you get clean visuals and clear lines of sight.
Transitional designs, on the other hand, feature a lot of ornate cabinetry and shelving. So, if you want lots of storage out of the box, then transitional is the way to go.
Comfort level.
Transitional style tends to feel cozier. You will often find plush carpets and deep, comfy sofas in such apartments. If you like texture and warmth, then that’s the style for you.
On the other hand, if you like minimalist looks with tiled floors, and barebones sofas, only good for sitting or looking, then by all means, go with modern.
Maintenance
Modern surfaces are usually easier to clean and keep visually clutter‑free. Due to their industrial finish (i.e., stainless steel). For example, take the kitchen; in a modern style apartment, you will find clean countertops, stainless steel sinks, such as those from Ruvati US, and open shelving.
In a transitional style apartment, you will find highly textured surfaces, i.e., tiles with mosaic patterns and designs. Those are harder to clean because gunk can get stuck between the rough surfaces. But you can’t deny that they look good. So, it all boils down to what you are willing to put up with.
Noise & privacy
Modern homes are somewhat less private because they have huge windows that are easy to see in from. So, you will need lots of blinds to keep your privacy. Since they have a lot of open space, noise tends to echo very easily, too.
Transitional homes are better at absorbing noise due to all the extra textures, especially those of the carpets.
As for whether outside noise will leak in, that’s mostly dependent on the building quality and the surrounding environment. It is recommended that, before signing off on any lease, you take the time to test the noise leakage.
Finding These Styles on Rise Apartments
Rise Apartments makes it easy to explore both modern and transitional rentals. Here’s how to use the site to your advantage:
1. Use Amenities & Descriptions
Rise apartments lets you browse properties with specific amenities. It also lets you check various details, for example:
- Hardwood/Tile/Vinyl floor
- Stainless steel appliances
- Walk-in closet
- EV charger
- Bathtub
And others like them. You can use these to look for modern or transitional style apartments. For example, a tile floor, with stainless steel appliances and a walk-in closet, indicates a modern style apartment.
So, check these out to gauge what the style will be.
2. Check the Floor Plans
All listed apartments have their floor plans available on the website. Browse them to find out whether the style is modern or transitional. Of course, the biggest hint will be how open the rooms are.
Modern style apartments will have fewer but spacier rooms, while transitional will have more but smaller rooms.
3. Browse Buildings Known for Style
Some communities featured on Rise lean strongly into one aesthetic. The pictures provided can help you see which architecture they are going for. You will notice things like:
- Modern buildings with glassy exteriors and sleek lobbies. These are most likely modern style.
- Buildings with warm materials, detailed interiors, soft lighting, and some natural features. These are mostly transitional style.
Browsing is free, so take all the time you need to check out different apartments.
4. Schedule Tours Easily
Use Rise’s built‑in “Tour scheduling” option to see how the style feels in person. Ironically, images don’t show the complete picture. Sometimes the architecture hits differently when you’re actually inside the unit. So, once you have shortlisted some apartments, schedule tours to check them out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between modern and transitional architecture is definitely an important choice to make. So you should do your due diligence and read about them. From this article, you should now have a pretty decent idea about the two styles and how they translate to apartment living.
So, use the features of the Rise Apartments website to find the perfect living space for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Modern architecture focuses on clean lines and minimalism, while transitional design blends modern simplicity with traditional warmth.
Modern apartments usually offer larger windows and brighter interiors, making them ideal for natural-light lovers.
Yes—transitional spaces use softer palettes, textures, and materials to create a warmer, more welcoming environment.
They often do, since modern design leans toward minimal cabinetry and clutter-free layouts.
Modern units are usually easier to clean because they have smooth, industrial-inspired surfaces with fewer crevices.
Yes, because their textiles, carpets, and varied materials naturally reduce echo and sound transmission.
Generally, yes—open layouts suggest modern design, while segmented rooms hint at a transitional layout.
Look for materials (tile, stainless steel, wood tones), layout details, and the photos of the building’s interior and exterior.
They can be, since large windows increase visibility from outside unless you use blinds or curtains.
Yes—walking through the unit gives a clearer feel of the architecture, lighting, comfort, and layout than photos alone.
