Modern Farmhouse Exterior Designs

The modern farmhouse style has taken the design world by storm, blending the rustic charm of traditional farmhouses with the clean lines and sophisticated touches of contemporary design. This fusion creates a welcoming and stylish aesthetic that’s both comfortable and visually appealing. When it comes to your home’s exterior, embracing the modern farmhouse look can dramatically enhance curb appeal and create a lasting impression. This comprehensive guide explores various aspects of modern farmhouse exterior designs, offering inspiration and practical tips to help you achieve your dream home.

Understanding the Modern Farmhouse Aesthetic

Before diving into specific design elements, it’s crucial to understand the core principles that define the modern farmhouse aesthetic. This style is all about balance – balancing the old with the new, the rustic with the refined, and the simple with the sophisticated. Key characteristics include:

• Neutral Color Palettes: Whites, creams, grays, and beiges dominate the color scheme, providing a clean and timeless backdrop.
• Natural Materials: Wood, stone, and metal are prominent features, adding texture and warmth.
• Clean Lines: While embracing traditional elements, the design incorporates clean, simple lines for a modern touch.
• Emphasis on Functionality: Farmhouses are inherently practical, and modern interpretations maintain this focus on functionality and usability.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The overall feel is warm, inviting, and comfortable, creating a sense of home.

Choosing the Right Siding

Siding plays a significant role in defining the exterior of your modern farmhouse. Several popular options can help you achieve the desired look:

Board and Batten Siding

Board and batten siding is a classic farmhouse staple, characterized by wide vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams. This creates a visually appealing texture and a sense of verticality, making your home appear taller and more substantial. Board and batten siding is typically painted in a light color, such as white, cream, or light gray, to enhance its clean and modern look.

Horizontal Lap Siding

Horizontal lap siding, also known as clapboard siding, is another traditional option that can be adapted for a modern farmhouse design. Choose a wider lap for a more contemporary feel and opt for smooth, clean lines. Again, neutral colors are key to achieving the desired aesthetic. Consider using a combination of horizontal lap siding and board and batten siding to add visual interest and break up the monotony.

Shiplap Siding

While often associated with interior design, shiplap siding can also be used on the exterior of a modern farmhouse. Shiplap is characterized by interlocking boards with a small groove between them, creating a subtle shadow line. When used on the exterior, shiplap is typically painted in a light color to enhance its clean and bright appearance. Be sure to use exterior-grade shiplap and properly seal it to protect it from the elements.

Stone or Brick Accents

Incorporating stone or brick accents can add texture and visual interest to your modern farmhouse exterior. Consider using stone or brick on the foundation, around the porch, or as a partial covering for a wall. Natural stone adds a rustic touch, while painted brick can create a more modern and refined look. The key is to use these materials sparingly and strategically to enhance the overall design without overwhelming it.

Selecting the Perfect Paint Colors

Paint color is arguably the most impactful element in defining the exterior of your modern farmhouse. Neutral colors are the foundation of this style, but the specific shades you choose can greatly influence the overall look and feel.

White

White is the quintessential modern farmhouse color. It’s clean, bright, and timeless, creating a sense of spaciousness and serenity. However, not all whites are created equal. Consider the undertones of the white you choose – warm whites with creamy undertones create a softer and more inviting look, while cool whites with gray or blue undertones offer a more modern and crisp appearance. Popular white paint colors for modern farmhouse exteriors include:

• Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin-Williams Snowbound

Gray

Gray is another versatile and popular choice for modern farmhouse exteriors. It provides a sophisticated and contemporary alternative to white, while still maintaining a neutral and calming effect. Like white, gray comes in a variety of shades and undertones. Light grays with warm undertones create a cozy and inviting feel, while darker grays with cool undertones offer a more dramatic and modern look. Popular gray paint colors for modern farmhouse exteriors include:

• Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray
• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
• Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

Beige

Beige offers a warm and earthy alternative to white and gray. It’s a classic neutral that creates a sense of comfort and tranquility. Beige is particularly well-suited for homes with natural stone or wood accents, as it complements these materials beautifully. When choosing a beige paint color, consider the undertones – warm beiges with yellow or orange undertones create a cozy and inviting feel, while cool beiges with gray or green undertones offer a more sophisticated and contemporary look. Popular beige paint colors for modern farmhouse exteriors include:

• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (leans slightly gray-beige)
• Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen
• Benjamin Moore Grant Beige

Accents and Trim

While neutral colors dominate the main body of the house, you can use accent colors to add visual interest and personality. Consider using a contrasting color for the front door, shutters, or trim. Popular accent colors for modern farmhouse exteriors include:

• Black: A classic and timeless choice that adds a touch of drama and sophistication.
• Dark Gray: A more subtle alternative to black, offering a similar sense of sophistication without being too overpowering.
• Navy Blue: A timeless and versatile color that adds a touch of elegance and charm.
• Sage Green: A natural and earthy color that complements the farmhouse aesthetic perfectly.

Roofing Options

The roof plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of your modern farmhouse. Several roofing materials and styles can complement the design:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective and durable option that comes in a variety of colors and styles. Architectural shingles, which have a layered appearance, can add visual interest and dimension to your roof. Choose a neutral color, such as gray, black, or brown, to complement the overall color scheme of your modern farmhouse.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a durable, energy-efficient, and stylish option that can add a modern touch to your farmhouse exterior. Standing seam metal roofing, which features vertical panels with raised seams, is a particularly popular choice for modern farmhouses. Choose a neutral color, such as gray, black, or bronze, to complement the overall design.

Wood Shakes or Shingles

Wood shakes or shingles can add a rustic and natural touch to your modern farmhouse exterior. However, they require more maintenance than asphalt or metal roofing. If you choose wood roofing, be sure to properly seal and maintain it to protect it from the elements.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are essential elements of your modern farmhouse exterior, contributing significantly to the overall look and feel.

Window Styles

Traditional window styles, such as double-hung and casement windows, are well-suited for modern farmhouse designs. However, consider incorporating larger windows to maximize natural light and create a more contemporary feel. Black window frames are a popular choice for modern farmhouses, adding a touch of drama and sophistication. Alternatively, white or wood-tone window frames can create a more traditional and understated look.

Front Door Design

The front door is a focal point of your home’s exterior, so it’s important to choose a design that complements the modern farmhouse aesthetic. A solid wood door is a classic choice, adding warmth and character. Consider painting the door in a contrasting color to make it stand out. Other popular front door options include:

• Dutch doors: These doors are split horizontally, allowing you to open the top half while keeping the bottom half closed. They’re a charming and practical addition to any farmhouse.
• Doors with glass panels: These doors allow natural light to flood into your entryway, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
• Barn doors: While typically used for interior spaces, barn doors can also be used as exterior doors, adding a rustic and unique touch.

Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

Landscaping and outdoor spaces are crucial for creating a welcoming and inviting modern farmhouse exterior.

Porches and Decks

A spacious porch or deck is a quintessential feature of a farmhouse, providing a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. Consider adding a covered porch with rocking chairs or a swing for a classic farmhouse touch. A deck can provide a more modern and versatile outdoor space for dining and entertaining.

Landscaping Elements

Natural and informal landscaping is key to creating a modern farmhouse aesthetic. Consider incorporating the following elements:

• Native plants: Choose plants that are native to your region, as they’re well-suited to the climate and require less maintenance.
• Flowering plants: Add pops of color with flowering plants in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue.
• Herb gardens: A functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to any farmhouse garden.
• Gravel pathways: Create charming and rustic pathways using gravel or crushed stone.
• Stone walls: Add texture and visual interest with low stone walls or borders.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting is essential for enhancing the curb appeal and functionality of your modern farmhouse exterior. Consider incorporating the following types of lighting:

• Porch lights: Choose classic farmhouse-style porch lights with a simple and timeless design.
• Path lighting: Illuminate pathways with low-voltage path lights.
• Spotlights: Highlight architectural features or landscaping elements with spotlights.
• String lights: Add a festive and inviting touch to your porch or patio with string lights.

Adding Personal Touches

While following the core principles of modern farmhouse design is important, it’s also crucial to add personal touches that reflect your own style and preferences. Consider incorporating the following elements:

Antique Accents

Incorporate antique accents, such as old wagon wheels, vintage signs, or reclaimed wood furniture, to add character and history to your modern farmhouse exterior.

DIY Projects

Embrace DIY projects to create unique and personalized elements for your outdoor space. Consider building a custom planter box, painting a vintage sign, or creating a rustic wood bench.

Personal Collections

Display personal collections, such as vintage watering cans, birdhouses, or wind chimes, to add personality and charm to your modern farmhouse exterior.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining the exterior of your modern farmhouse is essential for preserving its beauty and longevity. Regular maintenance tasks include:

Cleaning

Regularly clean the siding, windows, and doors to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush or sponge.

Painting

Repaint the exterior of your home every few years to protect the siding and maintain its appearance. Choose high-quality exterior paint that is specifically designed for your siding material.

Roofing

Inspect your roof regularly for signs of damage, such as missing shingles, cracks, or leaks. Repair any damage promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Landscaping

Maintain your landscaping by regularly watering, weeding, and pruning plants. Trim trees and shrubs to keep them healthy and attractive.

Conclusion

Creating a modern farmhouse exterior is a rewarding process that can dramatically enhance the curb appeal and value of your home. By understanding the core principles of this style, carefully selecting materials and colors, and adding personal touches, you can create a welcoming and stylish exterior that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle. Remember to prioritize functionality, durability, and sustainability in your design choices to ensure that your modern farmhouse exterior is both beautiful and practical for years to come.