,  / July 14, 2023
front brick facade of home with pair of topiaries flanking the front door

Showcasing modern farmhouse designs, with their white board-and-batten siding, large black frame windows, and wide plank wood beams—all which can be easily remixed to fit any style, whether glam or industrial—these homes continue to be popular among designers and homeowners alike. In fact, The New York Times even calls the modern farmhouse “the millennial answer to the baby boomer McMansion.” Regardless if you’re in favor or against this clean-lined style, you can’t deny its impact on the architecture and design industry. See how these 17 exteriors and interiors define the post-agrarian look.

Explore contemporary farmhouse designs for interior and exterior inspo

Classic Modern Farmhouse Design Style

A metal roof, board-and-batten siding—painted Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (designer Sondra Ganz’s personal never-fail shade of white)—and black-trimmed windows by Sierra Pacific Windows strike classic California modern farmhouse notes. The porch columns were fabricated by Arbor Upcycle.

GET THE TOUR

front of farmhouse style home with modern finishings by Sondra Ganz
Photo: Paul Dyer

A metal roof, board-and-batten siding—painted Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (designer Sondra Ganz’s personal never-fail shade of white)—and black-trimmed windows by Sierra Pacific Windows strike classic California farmhouse notes. The porch columns were fabricated by Arbor Upcycle.

Bursting With Cottagecore Energy

The glossy black door and shutters of this exterior in Bridgehampton, New York, preview the impactful use of paint seen throughout the residence. Terra-cotta pots planted with allium by landscape architect Michael Donnellan offer a cheerful welcome.

WELCOME HOME

home exterior featuring array of potted plants and window panels
Photo: Tim Lenz

The glossy black door and shutters of this Bridgehampton farmhouse preview the impactful use of paint seen throughout the residence. Terra-cotta pots planted with allium by landscape architect Michael Donnellan offer a cheerful welcome.

Old-World Design Meets Modern Farmhouse Charm

In this contemporary country home exterior, the brick façade’s heavy lime mortar smear sets off a pair of topiaries flanking the front door, as well as airy Autumn Brilliance serviceberries, Annabelle hydrangeas and hornbeams. The walkway, done in whitewashed herringbone-patterned brick, meanders between two stands of Lodense privet. What appears to be a slate roof is a durable synthetic alternative by DaVinci Roofscapes.

BECOME ENCHANTED

front brick facade of home with pair of topiaries flanking the front door

The brick façade’s heavy lime mortar smear sets off a pair of topiaries flanking the front door, as well as airy Autumn Brilliance serviceberries, Annabelle hydrangeas and hornbeams. The walkway, done in whitewashed herringbone-patterned brick, meanders between two stands of Lodense privet. What appears to be a slate roof is a durable synthetic alternative by DaVinci Roofscapes.

Contemporary Farmhouse With Westport Flair

Greeting guests in this entry hall, an antique sideboard is joined by rustic accents such as alabaster-and-bronze sconces by Allied Maker, ceramic mirrors from Studio Van den Akker and a contemporary painting by artist George Xiong.

STEP INSIDE

entryway designed by Kathleen Walsh with wood floors and antique console

Greeting guests in the entry hall, an antique sideboard is joined by modern accents such as alabaster-and-bronze sconces by Allied Maker, ceramic mirrors from Studio Van den Akker and a contemporary painting by artist George Xiong.

A Fresh Take On Modern Farmhouse Country

For this family room in a new-build Nashville residence, designer Natalie Hager recommended cedar beams and shelves—milled on site by Mapleleaf Construction Inc.—to add coziness to residential designer Preston Shea’s voluminous architecture. Corralled atop a Surya rug, slope-arm Highland House upholstery surrounds an RH coffee table centered beneath a tiered iron chandelier—which, like the Gaios table lamps, was sourced from Circa Lighting.

CHECK IT OUT

Bright family room with wooden ceiling beams and a white brick fireplace

For the family room of this new-build Nashville residence, designer Natalie Hager recommended cedar beams and shelves—milled on site by Mapleleaf Construction Inc.—to add coziness to residential designer Preston Shea’s voluminous architecture. Corralled atop a Surya rug, slope-arm Highland House upholstery surrounds an RH coffee centered beneath a tiered iron chandelier—which, like the Gaios table lamps, was sourced from Circa Lighting.

Framed With Sunlight

Steel-framed windows flood this Los Angeles home’s sunroom and rustic farmhouse décor with light. Slat-back chairs from Lucca Antiques and a console from Big Daddy Antiques join a custom tufted ottoman in a Rose Tarlow Melrose House leather. An antique rug from Lawrence of LaBrea lies underneath.

SIT DOWN

Living room with white paneled walls, steel-framed windows, a fireplace and a leather-tufted ottoman
Photo: Sam Frost

Steel-framed windows flood this Manhattan Beach home’s sunroom with light. Slat-back chairs from Lucca Antiques and a console from Big Daddy Antiques join a custom tufted ottoman in a Rose Tarlow Melrose House leather. An antique rug from Lawrence of LaBrea lies underneath.

Embracing Wine Country

The backyard of this brick-and-stone home houses not only a beautiful pool, but also a fun entertaining space that is perfect for hosting dinner parties and bocce ball tournaments. “I think the way we used the reclaimed brick, basalt stone details, and metal and slate roofs really speaks to the artisan-crafted home,” says architect Matthew Thomas of this Arizona home. “It’s about creating a story.”

TOUR AROUND

The backyard of a brick-and-stone modern farmhouse with a pool.

“I think the way we used the reclaimed brick, basalt stone details, and metal and slate roofs really speaks to the artisan-crafted home,” says architect Matthew Thomas of an Arcadia home. “It’s about creating a story.”

Painting It All Black

A sophisticated residence in Arcadia, Arizona, takes on an air of sophistication, thanks to clean lines and a sleek mix of stone and stucco. With a variety of outdoor entertaining spaces, the backyard also serves as a fun place to host guests for dinner parties or for an evening of stargazing.

RELAX AND UNWIND

The backyard of a home with a pool at twilight.

A modern farmhouse in Arcadia takes on an air of sophistication, thanks to clean lines and sleek, mix of stone and stucco.

Chicago Modern Farmhouse Funk

Clad with white vertical board and batten siding, the expansive suburban dwelling wraps around a terraced patio landscaped by Brian Casey. The space is furnished with metal-framed furnishings inviting you to relax by the pool, while also coordinating with this modern farmhouse design’s black metal detailing.

SIT OUTSIDE

farmhouse exterior with terraced patio and pool

Clad with white vertical board and batten siding, the expansive suburban dwelling wraps around a terraced patio landscaped by Brian Casey and furnished with metal-framed furnishings that coordinate with the home’s black metal detailing.

Exploring Beautiful Posh Country Homes

“It has a modern farmhouse feel without being a cliché,” notes homeowner Christina Desser of her California home designed by architects Lewis Butler and Dave Sturm. While the classic H-shaped layout and gabled roof nod to American tradition, the clean lines, casement-style windows and custom-colored stucco façade were inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.

DISCOVER MORE

Looking at the house from a distance, you can see its simple lines fit nicely with the landscape.

“It has a modern farmhouse feel without being a cliché,” notes homeowner Christina Desser of her Point Reyes Station home designed by architects Lewis Butler and Dave Sturm. While the classic H-shaped layout and gabled roof nod to American tradition, the clean lines, casement-style windows and custom-colored stucco façade were inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.

Sleek Rustic Dining Elegance

Designer Maggie Cruz outfitted this dining room with a rustic wooden table, white swivel chairs, a gold chandelier by RH and hung an Ivette Lopez artwork near an Arteriors wall sconce. The wine cellar and the staircase show off white oak and powder-coated black steel.

TIME TO DINE

dining area with white chairs, long wood table, wine room, gold chandelier and staircase with iron bars

The designer outfitted the dining area with a table, chairs and chandelier by RH and hung an Ivette Lopez artwork near an Arteriors wall sconce. The wine cellar and the staircase show off white oak and powder-coated black steel.

Fairytale Cottage Appeal

A Western red cedar shake roof and façade of lime-washed Wood Mould brick bring storybook appeal to the approach of this rustic farmhouse in Atlanta by architect Peter Block, who was influenced by the work of Belgian architect Bernard De Clerck, along with English Arts & Crafts icons C.F.A Voysey and Sir Edwin Lutyens. The feature windows were custom made of European white oak by Germany’s Bildau & Bussmann.

READ MORE

Belgian-influenced residence surrounded by verdant landscaping

A Western red cedar shake roof and façade of lime-washed Wood Mould brick bring storybook appeal to the approach of this Atlanta home by architect Peter Block, who was partly influenced by the work of Belgian architect Bernard De Clerck, along with English Arts & Crafts icons C.F.A Voysey and Sir Edwin Lutyens. The feature windows were custom made of European white oak by Germany’s Bildau & Bussmann.

Enjoying The Outdoor Scenery

Comfy seating surrounds a contemporary fire pit outside a home in Menlo Park, California, designed by architects Howard Backen and Kirby Lee. Lakeshore Three-Seat Sofas, by John Hutton for Sutherland, are upholstered in a Holly Hunt fabric, while a pair of Cat’s Cradle Lounge Chairs, by Rose Tarlow for Sutherland, wear Perennials’ Rough ‘n Rowdy fabric in Blanca.

RELAX OUTSIDE

backyard with large tree, teak furniture and fireplace
Photo: John Merkl

Comfy seating surrounds a modern fire pit outside a Menlo Park home designed by architects Howard Backen and Kirby Lee. Lakeshore Three-Seat Sofas, by John Hutton for Sutherland, are upholstered in a Holly Hunt fabric, while a pair of Cat’s Cradle Lounge Chairs, by Rose Tarlow for Sutherland, wear Perennials’ Rough ‘n Rowdy fabric in Blanca.

Be One With Nature

This Kiawah Island, South Carolina, vacation home authored by architects Ken Pursley and Craig Dixon nestles into the coastal property’s canopy of oaks and palmettos, creating the feeling that “you’ve gone to this exotic hidden gem in the woods,” says the latter. Existing natives such as yaupon holly, magnolia, and cedar were replicated over the course of landscape architect Paul Freeman’s efforts. Fresh additions include windmill palms to boost the site’s tropical verve.

ENJOY THE BREEZE

Lowcountry residence surrounded by live oaks and palmettos

This Kiawah Island, South Carolina, vacation home authored by architects Ken Pursley and Craig Dixon nestles into the coastal property’s canopy of oaks and palmettos, creating the feeling that “you’ve gone to this exotic hidden gem in the woods,” says the latter. Existing natives such as yaupon holly, magnolia and cedar were replicated over the course of landscape architect Paul Freeman’s efforts. Fresh additions include windmill palms to boost the site’s tropical verve.

The Year-Round Modern Farmhouse Retreat

Architect Stephen Potters designed floor-to-ceiling modern farmhouse-style windows and designer Brittany Bromley coated the frames in Farrow & Ball’s Railings to showcase both sunny and snowy days. Thanks to raised custom sofas and an expandable corner antique table, the room transforms easily into a fun dining space. Pattern play through armchairs upholstered in a Fermoie fabric and Hodsoll McKenzie-covered poufs add a bit of whimsy.

BATHE IN SUNLIGHT

Floor to ceiling windows with custom sofas

Architect Stephen Potters designed floor-to-ceiling windows and designer Brittany Bromley coated the frames in Farrow & Ball’s Railings to showcase both sunny and snowy days. Thanks to raised custom sofas and an expandable corner antique table, the room transforms easily into a fun dining space. Pattern play through armchairs upholstered in a Fermoie fabric and Hodsoll McKenzie-covered poufs add a bit of whimsy.

A Touch Of New Orleans

Beyond the custom Danby marble entry table, this modern living room’s skirted sofas and chairs are upholstered in fabrics by Perennials and Schumacher respectively. Grounded by a Carol Piper Rugs floor covering, the space also features vintage Lucite end tables scored in Round Top and lamps from Skelton-Culver-Stefflen.

PEEK INSIDE

entry featuring a marble table overlooking a light-filled living room
Photo: Kerry Kirk

Beyond the custom Danby marble entry table, the living room’s skirted sofas and chairs are upholstered in fabrics by Perennials and Schumacher respectively. Grounded by a Carol Piper Rugs floor covering, the space also features vintage Lucite end tables scored in Round Top and lamps from Skelton-Culver-Stefflen.

The Tale of Shiplap in Stylish Abodes

In the kitchen, showcasing a modern farmhouse design, the soaring ceilings are highlighted by custom details such as warm wooden trusses, floor-to-ceiling shiplap paneling, and a bespoke black-and-brass range hood by Raw Urth Designs. Sleek cabinets by Tharp Custom Cabinetry and a pair of Luna Bella lanterns provide more elegant notes in the space.

LOOK AROUND

The kitchen has high ceilings and grand dimensions.

To highlight the kitchen’s soaring ceilings, the designer incorporated custom details like warm wooden trusses, floor-to-ceiling shiplap paneling and a bespoke black-and-brass range hood by Raw Urth Designs. Sleek cabinets by Tharp Custom Cabinetry and a pair of Luna Bella lanterns provide more elegant notes in the space.