Because of Minecraft’s block palette, most people probably think first of medieval-style buildings you can create in the game. But by now there are so many blocks and textures that almost anything is possible! Modern builds have their fans too and can be recreated in Minecraft without any trouble. You’ll just want to approach your ideas a bit differently, look at real-world examples, and choose the right blocks and items. We’ll give you the key tips you need so you can bring your ideas to life perfectly!
Modern Minecraft houses: features and architecture
You can spot modern houses all over the real world, yet in Minecraft they’re still a very underrated building style. A quick Google search or a stroll through a nearby neighborhood shows clear differences from traditional homes.
This style actually translates very well to Minecraft, as what stands out at first glance are the many edges and corners. Modern houses often look like stacked or interlocking rectangles, which is a perfect match for Minecraft’s blocky aesthetic. Instead of peaked roofs, you’ll typically see flat roofs. That simplifies building and supports a modular approach.
When it comes to the color palette, there’s a clear direction: white is found on nearly every modern house and is a key part of the facade. That’s often because these homes use concrete and are sometimes even left unplastered. You’ll also see various shades of gray, ranging from light to dark for contrast. Finally, you’ll find many accents made of wood, which still convey a connection to nature.
One feature you definitely shouldn’t forget is large windows. They’re essential to the modern look and ensure lots of natural light floods the interior. They come in many shapes and can break up the overall massing of the house.
How to build a modern Minecraft house: step-by-step approach
Based on these notes and observations from real modern homes, you can already bring many ideas straight into Minecraft. If you’re aiming for the typical modern, minimalist look, work with rectangles of different sizes and arrange them however you like. We recommend first laying them out temporarily with colored wool to see how the volumes interlock and look from different angles. Let shapes intersect so the build doesn’t feel overly “blocky.”
Best materials for modern Minecraft builds
You’ve set your foundation, and now you need the right materials to fill out and detail the house. Thankfully, there are plenty of blocks that fit a modern style perfectly! Again, we recommend using real reference images and trying to recreate them in Minecraft. It often comes down to texture and color.
Concrete: No other block suits modern architecture in Minecraft as well as concrete. Made from sand and gravel, it has a clean, minimalist look and comes in multiple colors. White concrete is especially useful, and the gray tones are indispensable!
Quartz: Before concrete, quartz was the go-to white block. In particular, Smooth Quartz (without borders) stands out, though both variants work well. Quartz has a subtle texture and a slight yellow tint, which sets it apart from concrete and adds interest. You also get alternatives like Quartz Bricks and Quartz Pillars to create stronger accents.
Terracotta: Think of terracotta as a darker counterpart to concrete. It has a similarly clean appearance but is less saturated. Because it’s naturally occurring, it carries a faint brownish tint, making it a good alternative to concrete. The gray tones are especially useful and create a great contrast against white concrete.
Wool: You can, of course, use wool, which also comes in many colors. Its coarser texture doesn’t always match modern builds, but it has its place. Wool is perfect for carpets to elevate interior spaces.
Wood: Wood is a key component of modern architecture and provides beautiful contrast to a minimalist black-and-white scheme. Whether as wall cladding, flooring, or ceiling, you should definitely work in wood elements. Dark oak looks especially striking! A great pro tip is using stripped logs, which look cleaner while keeping a natural feel.
Glass: As mentioned above, glass is crucial for modern homes. Large glass facades are a hallmark of modern design and absolutely belong! Both full glass blocks and panes work wonderfully. You can also use stained glass for better integration. Gray tones are again a great choice here.
Leaves: You can shape your exterior and garden areas nicely with leaves. They read as trimmed hedges or shrubs, and their shape fits modern builds perfectly.
Stone/Andesite: If you want a more natural, exposed-concrete look, like a brutalist style, regular stone and andesite are excellent choices. They combine well and have a natural texture that still feels clean and modern.
Blackstone: Various forms of blackstone also work great, providing strong contrast with their deep black texture. The brick variants are particularly effective.
Deepslate: Likewise, the different deepslate blocks are very useful. Deepslate tiles especially, which look like small bricks, make fantastic flooring!
Modern interior design in Minecraft: tips
Once the exterior walls are done, it’s time for the interior. You’ll want to think a bit differently than with medieval builds to maintain the style. In general, opt for a clean, minimalist setup. Real-world reference photos are great for inspiration.
Additional tips:
Break up large white surfaces with varied decor, such as paintings, trapdoors as shelves, or plants.
For lighting, we recommend Sea Lanterns, End Rods, or Froglights. They look clean and modern.
As mentioned with leaves, green accents are perfect for modern builds. Skip colorful flowers and use plants like bamboo or saplings to elevate your home.
If you introduce color, keep it limited and focus on one or two base tones. For example, turquoise can look great, and Nether woods also pair nicely.
Conclusion: Put modern building ideas to work in Minecraft
Minecraft is perfect for experimenting with different building styles. The modern look often gets overlooked, even though Minecraft’s blocks are a great fit for it! With real references and the right palette of blocks, you can create a stunning modern house— a refreshing change from wood and cobblestone.
Rent your own Minecraft server from us and show your friends what’s possible in Minecraft. With so much to offer, everyone’s sure to find their own building style.
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