The Modern Farmhouse Style

Introduction to Modern Farmhouse

     The “Modern Farmhouse” style could be considered a perfect mix of old and new design. This style makes use of clean lines with common color palettes and painted brick contrasted with modern black hardware and other amenities, all flooded with natural light. The concept of "Modern Farmhouse" originates from the styles of the late 1990s, mimicking the feel and look of the classic American farmhouse style while adding a Santa Monica-based twist.

     Rachel Ashwell is credited with creating the Shabby chic style, where floral accents and slipcovers mingle with vintage furniture and distressed woods. The Modern Farmhouse style also had similar origins to shabby chic in utilizing old or worn pieces alongside the new. According to the designer Danny Ben Hsu, the nation welcomed the simplicity of modern farmhouses after the glamour and contemporary design style from the early 2000s. Psychology Today confirms that economic recession welcomed the rustic chic style modern farmhouse. This style graced many home magazine pages and design books in the late 1990s. According to the blog of Barn & Willow, this style is influenced by cozy country aesthetics and sleek clean lines.

American Farmhouse v. Modern Farmhouse

     The American Farmhouse style has simple designs like white walls and an elegant yet simple floor plan. American farmhouses mostly make use of rustic materials and compositions, made from wrought iron hardware, wood floors, and hand-hewn beams. Through the United States, this design characteristic has been quite common for farmhouses in America but with certain variations. In the Deep South, for example, some farmhouses have wraparound porches or Dutch doors.


Commonalities between American and Modern farmhouses include:

  •   - A look of rustic, comfortable shabby chic design   - Porches that are large and welcoming
      - Cozy furniture with sleek clean lines  - Light colored or white exterior
      - Warmth and simplicity by using natural textures and wood material.   - Dormer windows
      - Galvanized steel   - Side gable end roofs
      - Wooden accents  - 1 ½ or 2 stories

     American Farmhouses have become a source of inspiration for the Modern Farmhouse style in terms of color palettes, furniture, fabrics, or other accessories.

The American Farmhouse Exterior

  1. Basic trim around windows, possibly shutters
  2. Vinyl Siding
  3. Covered Porch
  4. Modern Barnlights, or lanterns
  5. Simple, dark colored Gable roof at 45 degree angles
  6. One or two stories
  7. Many windows, lots of light
  8. Rectilinear floor plan

Design Features of Modern Farmhouses

     Modern farmhouses are a unique take on a rustic style. Most modern farmhouses have a casual country touch with modern aspects and appliances. Reclaimed wood, big furniture, and exposed beams in loft spaces are juxtaposed with wrought iron-style bedrooms and wall-mounted kitchen faucets define these spaces. The color, appearance, and texture of these design pieces work together to create a cozy but contemporary feel.

     Modern Farmhouses also include vintage decor pieces. To add more character, reclaimed wood elements in ceiling beams are used to contrast well with clean white cabinets and walls. To add a more farmhouse feel, hand-scraped wide planks can be included on hardwood floors. A vignette with a glass piece or an antique clock could add more character to a space, while a buffalo check pillow could add a modern look. 

Different door styles fitting for a Modern Farmhouse.

Doors can range from more Farmhouse to more Contemporary.

Hardware can vary in style as well.

Common color and texture choices in Modern Farmhouses.

Farmhouse Door Options

   The Farmhouse door styles appear strong and attractive. In fiberglass, they are offered in different colors and styles. These doors are reliable and have either solid or glass panels. They require a low maintenance level and have more than 100 models. Mahogany doors, manufactured by US Door & More, are also good options. These are affordable, environment friendly and stylish. They are available in several options and are made to order.

   Has a very rustic look and is available in Single Barn Door made from Knotty Alder wood.

   Has a distinct look with twin prairie lite panels above two solid panels that makes the entryway elegant and welcoming. To create a cohesive look, add matching sidelites.

   Has a minimalist look with vintage tastes. These are available in many different options with glass that can be painted, stained, and primed.

   It rests in two smooth rectangular panels with craftsman style to give a unique look for the houses. They can be painted or primed.

   These doors are half-view vented fiberglass doors which are perfect for the exterior doors. They are available in many different options and are ready for primed or painted.

   The door design is inspired by simplicity and is suitable for traditional and contemporary spaces.

   Fleetwood MDF square panel doors are beautifully set out and can give subtle elegance to a closet, pantry, or laundry room.

  Contemporary barn door with panel lines, gives a classy look to an interior room.

   Fits in many kinds of architectural styles. These are available in primed and prefinished options.

Share: