Life in a busy city is a constant visual sensory experience framed by streets adorned with diverse architectural styles. Fervent competition between classic and contemporary design influences our collective urban perception. The municipal landscape became the epicenter of modern minimalist design starting in the 1920s. A progeny of ‘shoebox style’ modern architecture has made its foothold throughout the streets of our metropolises. Builders of these orthogonal abodes have low-cost construction advantages as they maximize the space of their modern interpretations. However, these monotonic structures can limit the diversity of style and artistic experience we share as urban dwellers.

Enter the ‘Modern Farmhouse’ with its traditional gabled roof, board & batten siding, trellis pergolas, rustic trim, barn doors, shiplap interiors, and ubiquitous farmhouse kitchen sinks. While the style harkens to a more traditional era, these showpiece farmhouses are each outfitted with the latest modern luxurious technology. Modern renditions of this style inspire a sense of a holistic small town, an oasis free from the stressful dog-eat-dog reality that many city dwellers face. The homes are magnets for families desiring a serene rural sensible interpretation of Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’ while still within the city limits.

What started this enthralling farmhouse craze? “You can't talk about the modern farmhouse without talking about Chip and Joanna Gaines. Before Fixer Upper, the term 'modern farmhouse' rang few bells in the collective conscious,” says Living Spaces. For over a decade the trend has exponentially captured architects, designers, and home buyers.

According to a Zillow.com research study, new modern farmhouses sells at a 10.3% premium and the craftsman style at a 6% premium. Features such as barn doors, pergolas, exposed brick, vintage design, and open shelving can help sell homes 5-10 days faster than other homes on the market.

As we embark into the future of ever changing environmental factors surrounded by innovative contemporary structures, these classic architectural staples will continue to shape the way we perceive our urban neighborhoods.

STYLES OF FARMHOUSE

Modern - Contrast, refined, glossy accents, subway tile, shaker cabinets, and simple trim.
East Coast - Colonial old-world charm, columns, coffered ceilings & panels, beveled cabinets and detailed moulding millwork.
Craftsman - Stained cedar trim, brass fixtures, horizontal & shake siding, stone wainscot, gable pediments, tapered columns, and dormers.
Industrial - Edison bulbs, concrete, steampunk affects, masculine elements, and minimalist.
French - Elegant natural materials, beveled panel cabinets, open shelving, lantern lights, dramatic chandeliers, exposed wood, and curved lines.
Scandinavian - Woodsy minimalist, shiplap, contrasting countertops, natural light, wood in all forms, directional lighting, less-is-more, quirky chandeliers, and metal roofs.
Rustic - Handcrafted distressed woods, reclaimed materials, open shelving, antiqued. fixtures, subway tile, rough-hewn stone, eschewed femininity, and utilitarian fixtures.

MODERN FARMHOUSE - BRENTWOOD

Classic Farmhouse vs. Modern Farmhouse. Living Spaces. livingspaces.com/inspiration…

Jeff Tucker. (2020, March 3). Home Features That Sell: Why Rustic Chic is all the Rage. Zillow. https://www.zillow.com/research/home-features-that-sell-2020-26599/

Jessica Bennett. (2020, March 12). Modern Farmhouse Homes Sell Faster and for More Money, Research Shows. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/news/modern-farmhouse-sell-faster-more-money/

Stacy White. (2021, Jan 7). 11974 Foxboro Drive. Compass. compass.com/listing/11974…