Back when this country was populated by colonists, farmhouses were built as simple homes for the families that arduously toiled over their land for survival from dawn to dusk. The architecture evolved with better access to more building materials. Centuries later, Americans and homebuilders are cultivating the popularity of the Modern Farmhouse style—a reflection of the desire to return to the simpler roots of our heritage. Of course, while homebuyers love the rustic nature of this style, today’s farmhouses are far more sophisticated than those that provided basic comforts.
The classic farmhouse style demonstrates the ingenuity of the pioneers, using reclaimed wood and other materials, like tin, iron, copper, and galvanized metal. Function was most important, which led to the rustic appearance that we have embraced today. Rustic and weathered elements add to the appeal. Wide plank floors, beamed ceilings, planked walls, open shelves, barnboard and wrought iron accents, and large, hand-hewn furniture are common details in a farmhouse. The wrap-around porch is a signature of this architecture, too.
“There’s a comfortable feeling in a farmhouse style home that appeals to homeowners,” says _______________, one of the founders of Ideal Homes, a homebuilder based in Norman, OK. “Here in the Oklahoma City metro area, we have a good balance of urban lifestyle with the best of country living. The modern farmhouse is an architectural solution to maintaining the rural roots and infusing modern conveniences.”
Ideal Homes introduced The Farmhouse Collection of new home designs, a portfolio of four floor plans that present this architectural style. The Prescott Farmhouse features exposed rafter details over the front porch. In addition to the front porch and the roof pitch, the Gillcrest Farmhouse floor plan includes a large kitchen and breakfast area, which was the heart of the home for farming families. In the earlier era, the homes started simply, and the farmers added on as needed, which created asymmetry in the design. You can see the distinctive elements of this style in the Cambridge Farmhouse. The fourth floor plan in The Farmhouse Collection is the Abernathy Farmhouse, which combines rustic details on both the interior and exterior.
Farm-fresh details
The interior of a Modern Farmhouse uses both the functional accents that inspired this style and the gentle color palette of white, neutrals, and soft colors. Remember, this home builds on a foundation of simplicity!
Farmhouse sinks look great in today’s kitchens, but these oversized, apron-front basins were once used for everything from bathing kids to plucking chickens. Now, you can get “the look” in a wide variety of materials: enamel-clad cast iron, stainless steel, soapstone, copper, fireclay, porcelain, granite, marble, and travertine.
A farmhouse kitchen also has white cabinets—some with glass doors—and open shelves. Both of these features add visual appeal but also make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
The sliding barn door can look as basic or sleek as you want it. Go for the natural look of wood, or stain or paint it. You can also change the hardware for the impact you want.
Beams are a must in a farmhouse! With the cathedral ceilings in the open concept of the homes in The Farmhouse Collection, we’ve incorporated faux beams to build on the rustic style.
Stonework is another feature that fits into the farmhouse. A brick or stone surround for a fireplace creates the hand-built look that we love! But you don’t have to stop there. For example, we used brick on the breakfast bar of our Langley home.
Shiplap—a tongue-and-groove board installed horizontally—was a common construction style for early farmhouses. These fairly wide boards have made a return in the modern era, on both walls and ceilings.
We give new meaning to “home-grown”.
How much “farm” do you want to put in your farmhouse? Start with your choice of these features and then complete the look with the accents. Need more inspiration? In the Oklahoma City metro area, talk to Ideal Homes about our choices and opportunities for finding the move-in ready home or letting us build the one you’ve imagined for so long.
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