Design Elements of the Modern Farmhouse Home Plan Style

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The New Modern Farmhouse Style

The Modern Farmhouse style has evolved from the application of modern sensibilities and design aesthetic to the classic Farmhouse. The Farmhouse was not really an “architectural style". The houses were built by the farmer, his family and friends and neighbors.

Their skills and resources were reflected in the quality of construction and details that were employed. Functionality was the most important criterion. The farmhouse was simply constructed with materials that were readily available locally, with some made on site.

Those types of elements: Simple building forms, basic materials for siding, like horizontal siding boards or vertical board-and-batten, and plain flat trim details, were the basis for the classic Farmhouse and were dictated by necessity. They are now an integral part of the Modern Farmhouse style, but are dictated by aesthetic choice.

7 Exterior Elements that define the new Modern Farmhouse.

- Simple gable forms and shed or gable dormers.

- Board-and-batten siding and/or horizontal siding; typically painted white.

- Simple gable brackets, vents and trim.

- Dark roofs with metal accent roofing.

- Dark shutters and dark window sash on large windows.

- Wide functional front porch with simple columns.
- Stacked stone foundation and accents.






Dark shingles and accent metal roofing often cover a gently sloped roofline and shed dormers. Functional roof brackets and gable vents add limited details.






Dark shutters and window sashes accentuate the sparse detailing of large glass openings with minimal window grids, many times just in the top sash. Wide flat trim and cap details complement the simplicity.






Garage doors might have a plain carriage house appearance, with tall lower panels and glass top panels. Stone foundations are common, as these materials were often a by-product of clearing farmland. Brick foundations, sometimes painted, are a useful substitute today.






An accentuated entrance door stained or painted a dark color, is well protected under a deep front porch accented with rocking chairs to complete the look. The porch may have exposed timber beams, stained or painted white, and feature a wooden ceiling.

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7 Interior Elements that define the new Modern Farmhouse.



- Wood walls- horizontal shiplap, board and batten or high wainscots.
- Wide plank flooring.
- White or light color walls and ceilings.
- Simple wide trim and reclaimed accent doors repurposed as barn doors.
- Large fireplace as major focal point in open living space.
- Simple cabinetry and cabinetry doors, with some open storage shelves.
- Wood ceilings with beam accents, many times reclaimed.

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Advanced building products and technology have made the current Farmhouse more comfortable and durable, with the interior focus on functional creature comforts. Farmhouse interiors tend to be cozy and exude a certain warmth, utilizing white or light colors, wood beams or wood ceiling details, barn doors, simple cabinetry and open storage shelving and the eye-catching farmhouse sink.






Wide plank floors, stained, distressed or painted, echo the well-worn materials of the ancestral farmhouse. Reclaimed wood is used extensively as an accent material, and can be found in flooring, doors, ceiling beams, fireplace mantels and focal elements of cabinetry. Shiplap or board-and-batten walls, ceilings and accents complete the clean, simplistic look.






Here are some examples of Modern Farmhouses in the Donald Gardner design portfolio.

Or, click here to see all of our Modern Farmhouses!

Below are various links to manufacturers of products and materials you might want to consider for your Modern Farmhouse.

Clopay Doors	Eldorado Stone	Kichler	Kohler	Ply-Gem




Marvin Windows	Masonite	Copper Smith	Superior Building Supplies	Velux