The Modern Farmhouse Explained: Classic Details with a Contemporary Touch

Torn between contemporary home trends and those that evoke cozy, rustic details? The modern farmhouse lends updated architectural features while providing traditional, homey elements that many home owners are craving today. Let's take a look at some key components that give a home that classic farmhouse style, while still maintaining a modern approach.

The Exterior

Porches, porches, and more porches! The classic farmhouse look is all about the porch, otherwise known as the veranda. Plan 120-254 (above) features a lovely wrap-around veranda that connects to the spacious 3-car garage. Excellent for easy outdoor entertaining on a breezy spring evening. Add a couple of rocking chairs and you're all set. 


Another way to achieve this look is by adding quartered windows with black window trim – giving the home a simple vintage touch. To take this look even farther, add barn-style lanterns and sleek awnings above the windows like the ones pictured in plan 51-1134 (above). This grants the home a subtle splash of charm while still retaining a modern exterior. Complete this approach with painted white brick and wood paneling, adding textured detail to this design.  


A metal roof, such as the one in plan 1058-73 (above), provides a classic feel. Not only does it allow your home to attain that rustic look – it is also super durable. Win, win! Additionally, installing white board-and-batten on the exterior can deliver vintage curb appeal without being overly dramatic.

Wrap this style up with elongated windows, farmhouse lanterns to frame the front door, and sliding doors that open to the exterior back porch, helping the home feel light and open.

The Interior

Executing the modern farmhouse style on the interior involves adding modest touches that grant a classic appeal to a contemporary design. The home should feel comfortable and inviting - while still maintaining finesse. Neutral color palettes, reclaimed wood accents, and farm-style architectural details help the space feel warm, tangible, and lived in. 


Take a look at the kitchen in plan 901-136. The room feels clean and bright with its light color palette. A farmhouse sink, gallery style cabinets, and a wood detailed range hood all add vintage charm without going overboard. This kitchen also includes crisscross wood designs on the sides of the kitchen island - an easygoing addition to this space. 


White shaker style cabinets (like the ones pictured in plan 1078-53 above) render an old-fashioned facade, while a stainless steel farm sink contributes both old and new elements to the kitchen. Decorative legs at the end of the kitchen island are another way to continue this trend in a discreet way.


Plan 437-83 (above) combines farmhouse kitchen elements like those in the previous homes, but with some additional accents. White shaker and gallery-style cabinets with crisscross wood designs, brass pulls, large brass pendant lights, and a metal range hood all give this look some depth by mixing textures. It’s comfortable without being chaotic.


What screams farmhouse style more than barn doors? Sliding barn doors (like those in plan 437-83 above and also in the master closet of plan 1058-73) are a delightful way to add a stylish focal point to a room. Not only are barn doors charming, they are also a practical way to section off a portion of a room (or hide a television, as seen above), such as a study or office, while still retaining an open floor plan. 


Rustic wood ceilings bring both warmth and a sense of airiness to a room. The beams in plan 1058-73 are painted white and accented with shiplap, a skylight, and unique light fixtures. The use of these materials helps the space feel open and connected to the countryside. An excellent addition to the farmhouse approach!  

See more modern farmhouse designs here.