Modern Farmhouse Plans

Classic country farmhouses exude warmth and charm and have evolved into today’s modern farmhouse style. These rustic homesteads were originally very functional with sturdy, locally sourced materials and furnished with practicality in mind. Modern farmhouses have flexible designs that mimic these early American homes and can range in size and features depending on each homeowner’s needs. Link to colonial

Modern Farmhouse Exterior Elements

When building a new Farmhouse or simply upgrading an exterior of an existing home, there are several architectural elements to modernize the façade while adding rustic charm. 

Gabled Roofs and Dormers

Front gabled roofs are common in farmhouse architecture. Adding in single dormers or a shed dormer can add interesting visuals to the rooflines for a classic farmhouse look.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are very durable and come in a wide variety of colors. Adding dark metal roof panels to your modern farmhouse plan can help create an appealing visual contrast. Long lasting steel roofs are rising in popularity for contemporary farmhouses.

Rustic Siding

Board and Batten Siding

Originally used on barns and other rustic style houses, board and batten siding can give a classic country feel to your modern farmhouse exterior. Board and batten siding is a type of paneling the combines vertical planks of wood (boards) with narrower strips of wood (batten). Unlike stand clapboard siding that runs vertical on a house, board and batten panels give your country-chic home a vertical aspect and provides more texture and complexity. This can help create depth when using neutral colors that are common to the modern farmhouse style. 

Wood Siding

Installed vertically, wood siding can give the impression of a barn or country home while having a modern appeal.  Cedar siding, barnwood or charred wood siding (Shou Sugi Ban) are just a few options to choose from to when deciding on your farmhouse façade.

Exposed Wood

If you don’t like the idea of wood siding, incorporating exposed wood in structural elements is another way to add a modern rustic look to your home. You can also use wood components under window awnings, in flowerbeds or adding benches to add to the country-chic look.

Industrial or Barn Lighting

Contemporary farmhouses use contrasting lighting for a more striking appearance. The style and color of your farmhouse lighting will depend on the shape and color of the façade and roof. For a traditional all white farmhouse, a dark barn light would look appealing. 

Inviting Porches

A classic feature on any farmhouse whether modern or rustic, are the prominent porches. On larger farmhouse floorplans you might see a large wrap-around porch extending down the sides of the house. On smaller floor plans, you can have a simple front porch and a covered patio in the rear to have an inviting, outdoor living space.

Dark Trim

Dark or black door and window trim is common on contemporary farmhouse styles. For a high contrast look, pair dark trim and roof with white siding. For an ultra-modern look, choose a monochromatic exterior to match dark window casing.

Windows for Natural Light

To keep with the relaxed, neutral feel to modern farmhouses, lots of natural light is necessary. Make sure your farmhouse has lots of large windows or banks for windows for added light. To give the farmhouse feel, choose windows with mullions that divide the panes.

Contemporary Farmhouse Interiors

The heart of every farmhouse is the kitchen. Modern elements mixed with rustic features in modern farmhouse kitchens can create a stunning space. Large kitchen islands, apron sinks and brick backsplashes bring in natural elements to carry the rustic, farmhouse feel into the house. Combine an open floor plan, wide plank flooring, shiplap walls and exposed wood beams to give modern farmhouses a warm and inviting feel.