The modern farmhouse style is a fresh take on a classic property theme, once found across the plains of the Midwest. Constructed out of necessity rather than style and beauty, today’s homeowners love the details and characteristics of this traditional design. A modern farmhouse renovation is a sizable task that will breathe new life into this retro property design. Here we look into what features this kind of home offers and what to expect when renovating a farmhouse here in LA.
What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?
In simple terms, the modern farmhouse style results from farmhouse owners making the necessary changes in the property to bring it up to date. However, some do wish to transform their existing home into a farmhouse. What can make a renovation challenging is implementing new features without upsetting the original farmhouse decor and details.
Excellent farmhouse decor should include the following elements:
- Deep kitchen sink
- Large, barn-style doors
- Quality hardwood flooring
- Chunky, robust details such as handles and door knobs
- Large open areas, such as the porch and reception areas
- Exposed wooden beams
- Ample rooms with plenty of space
- Neutral palettes
Maintaining these characteristics is critical in a modern farmhouse. These traditional elements do work well, however, with modern farmhouse decor. These properties were originally designed for practical reasons; they have since become highly coveted and fashionable.
Owners want to combine this traditional farmhouse decor with modern changes like UPVC windows, quality insulation, ample lighting, and tech. As well as introducing new elements, several aspects of the original construction of the farmhouse will need to be upgraded.
Modern farmhouse-style homes maintain the traditional farmhouses’ spacious and durable nature. Contemporary elements like greenery, smooth lines, and a neutral color scheme are introduced to give the farmhouse a modern look and feel.
In Los Angeles, modern farmhouse design and renovation have become increasingly popular. Some say this is down to the farmhouse remodel that Chip and Joanna Gaines did on Fixer-Upper; others suggest it is the influence of celebrities like Diane Keaton and Demi Lovato, who’ve had their homes featured in design magazines.
Whatever the inspiration, farmhouse owners are interested in taking the classic farmhouse style and giving it a modern twist.
What is The Difference Between A Farmhouse And A Modern Farmhouse?
To understand the differences between a class and a modern farmhouse, we have first to consider why this rustic country style was created in the first place. These homes were built with only one thing in mind: practicality.
Materials would be used from farmland or local sources. These homes were for farmers and farmhands, which is why they are so spacious. Natural elements and organic materials would be used throughout to keep costs down.
From reclaimed wood and locally salvaged stone, the fundamental idea when constructing these homes was protection from the elements in an efficient and low-cost way. Consider the exposed beams that homeowners love so much. These wood beams were left exposed beams because it was easier, quicker, and cheaper to do so.
The traditional farmhouse and those rustic accents we love may have been borne from necessity, but it soon became a popular and stylish real estate option. Modern farmhouse design seeks to add contemporary style while protecting the identity of a classic farmhouse.
Modern farmhouse interiors are far smoother, more comfortable, and generally more minimalist than the chunky practicality of the original. From a design perspective, the focus is on clean lines and neutral color palettes that brighten the home.
Many designers like incorporating elements from the original property, such as exposed bricks or beams. The modern farmhouse style, however, is focused on creating a homey, welcoming, and cozy space. Given the ample space in a farmhouse, there is so much opportunity for owners to give their homes a contemporary twist.
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Is The Modern Farmhouse Still in Style?
This modern farmhouse look is very much still in style. Given the world of possibilities, any interior designer would love to take on this kind of project. Conserving the classic farmhouse style and giving it a contemporary spin allows for a lot of creativity.
Beyond Los Angeles, the modern farmhouse style is popular in southern cities like Knoxville and Nashville. Other cities, like Providence, Worcester, and Minneapolis, are also a hotbed of fresh design ideas for these traditional homes.
Benefits of Choosing a Modern Farmhouse Style for Renovation
The outlay may be a lot, but this renovation will give you a house you’ll love to live in. The space, simplicity, and perfect balance of contemporary and rustic styles make it a home, not just a house.
Spending money on quality materials, such as mixed metals and hardwood, ensures your home renovation will be built to last. Using past styles as inspiration and coupling them with modern decor ideas, the modern farmhouse is an understandably popular design choice for homeowners.
Modern Farmhouse Decor Ideas
A complete spectrum of contemporary elements can be used in modern farmhouse decor. Modern farmhouse renovations focus on both the interior and exterior of the property.
Here are some of the most common ideas seen in farmhouse renovation:
Modern Farmhouse Exterior Renovations
In the case of exterior changes, these focus predominantly on upgrading rather than reimagining. Beginning with the home’s façade, renovating the roof, windows, and front porch transforms an older property. This usually includes repainting, replacing hardwood, adding a metal roof, and upgrading the cladding of that iconic A-frame gable roof.
Board and batten siding can be added or replaced, offering that classic farmhouse look from the outside. Black and white trim is another feature of the modern farmhouse style, helping to emphasize the striking gable roof and cozy home below.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Traditional farmhouses were built to protect and not necessarily to be enjoyed. To bring a rustic home into the modern day, owners will look to create living spaces around the property.
Most commonly, a modern farmhouse will feature a sizable covered-patio area at the rear of the home, with comfortable outside seating for al fresco dining. A wrap-around porch utilizes the grand entrance, creating a snug area to enjoy a morning coffee or a late-evening cooldown.
Some modern farmhouse owners will look to ramp up the contemporary touches, installing fire pits and hot tubs in the back.
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Modern Farmhouse Interior Renovations
From increasing space to introducing adding artwork, there is quite a blank canvas for any interior designer here. Change is welcome in modern farmhouse design, yet there is a delicate balance between old and new to strike.
An Open-Concept Layout
Knocking down walls is a sizable job, but in doing so, owners can create larger rooms and more functional spaces. Opening up the modern farmhouse kitchen to connect to the dining room is a move that will make a great hub in the home, bringing those living in it closer together.
The open-concept layout also lends itself beautifully to a minimalist style, a popular and commonly used idea in modern interior design. An open layout can feel too spacious above, so exposed beams made from reclaimed wood can add a cozy element to a larger room.
Upgrading The Kitchen
A modern farmhouse kitchen should be functional first, but the aesthetics must balance well with that practicality. Few features of a modern farmhouse style are more important than the iconic sink, and this chunky, low-set, and deep porcelain sink sets the tone for the rest of the room.
Additional features to include in a modern farmhouse kitchen are thick-cut wood countertops and shaker-style cabinets. These cabinets have rustic appeal and use modern materials that are both robust and function seamlessly.
Open wood shelving helps to add the perception of depth to the room, and it is a common feature in both classic and modern farmhouse decor. In contrast to many modern, minimalist kitchens, the farmhouse kitchen should feel lived in. Open-shelving filled with organized mason jars and baskets is just one feature that helps create this.
Incorporating Rustic Elements
Introducing natural materials to the kitchen provides that rustic feel that a traditional farmhouse would have offered. There is a fine line between rustic and shabby, so it is essential to get the balance right.
Using reclaimed timber for shelving or countertops is a great way to elevate this style, as is adding a large, recycled sliding barn door. Those chunky wooden doors are functional and attractive, closing in the space and preventing cooking smells from running through the home.
Opening up fireplaces
A modern farmhouse living room looks and feels great with a roaring fire. In recent years fireplaces and chimneys have been blocked up to insulate homes better. Adding or opening fireplaces in rooms is great for heating a room and contributing to modern farmhouse decor.
Modern Farmhouse Look
In modern design, creating the look of a modern farmhouse most often features a neutral palette, used as a base for creative elements. It is in these details and touches that the contemporary farmhouse style shines.
Color Palette
Most modern farmhouse rooms are coated in light colors such as off-white, cream, soft brown, and bright grey. Darker furniture colors help to continue this natural theme, but pops of color are welcome.
Including artwork, bookshelves, and creative lighting give a contemporary feel to the farmhouse decor. Garish design ideas don’t look good in a farmhouse, but owners shouldn’t be afraid to take a risk with a colorful rug, a large mirror, or an innovatively-designed lamp
Natural Materials
Where possible, natural materials should be used throughout a modern farmhouse. Textured linens, leather, natural wood, wrought iron, and reclaimed wood combine well and are essential to modern farmhouse decor.
The furniture in a modern farmhouse living room can include these natural elements and provide a cozy and comfortable space. For example, a sofa made from dark brown leather with natural wood details is ideal for your modern farmhouse living room.
A modern farmhouse would only be complete with throwback details like antique chairs, weathered wood picture frames, and wrought iron spindles on the stairs. Natural materials should always be preferred when looking to create a country-style home.
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Homely Rooms
While clean lines and smooth textures help to give the place a modern feel, farmhouse decor is about comfort. Modern farmhouse bedrooms can incorporate chunky, reclaimed wood often seen in rustic designs to be used as bed frames, cabinets, and shelving units.
Hardwood floors are essential to the modern farmhouse style, although they are usually replaced in a traditional farmhouse. Glossy, varnished flooring goes against the rustic style of the modern farmhouse. Instead, solid wood with a weathered look should be used; oak is an excellent option for flooring.
Are Modern Farmhouses Expensive to Build?
Modern farmhouse decor ideas are not only implemented in upgrading classic properties. They can also be used in new builds and for those looking to renovate their existing property with a modern farmhouse-style twist.
We’ll focus on the LA market right now, as prices for a farmhouse renovation will be different depending on where in the country you are. There is much to include in the cost of this kind of renovation, including labor costs, materials, and any regulatory requirements.
Given the range of possibilities, you could pay anywhere from $100 to $400 per square foot. This only includes the remodel and does not consider the architect, interior designers, or permit fees.
Summary
Renovating a home to create the perfect farmhouse is more than just the interior design. Modern farmhouse decor begins with the architectural details on the home’s exterior and continues throughout the property. Regarding interior design, styles like rustic, country, and cottage combine with contemporary ideas to create a cozy and natural space. Each home area should be designed similarly, from the dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, and modern farmhouse living room.
Property owners must decide how big they want to go on this renovation work. Some may look to renovate the exterior completely and each room in the home. Others may include farmhouse design features without giving the property a total overhaul. No matter the size of your design, contact Build Method Construction for any assistance with your home remodeling needs.
Looking to Remodel? Call us now at 818.900.9626 for a free consultation or Get a Free Quote