How to put the finishing touches on your Modern Farmhouse
Chic, cosy and oh-so on trend, Modern Farmhouse homes and their interiors are on the rise – in fact, the Three Birds latest Urban Farmhouse renovation also embraces this look! The Modern Farmhouse style of architecture seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements. It satisfies the desire for both modern functionality and the comfort of traditional design and craftsmanship, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Dreaming of a home that reflects this, inside and out? Here’s how to bring it to life.
Interior details: Essential styling to bring it to life
Modern Farmhouse homes feature large floor plans and open-plan layouts that highlight gorgeous architectural features. Think cavernous ceilings, statement stone fireplaces and huge, farmhouse-style kitchen islands. While the spaces are large, the feel is cosy and intimate, and that’s all down to the warming, neutral colour palette, use of natural materials and hints of both new and vintage.
The interior style allows for an interplay between classical charm and modern luxury, thanks to sleek kitchen amenities, contemporary lighting and seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Let’s break down some key features, room by room:
Kitchens: An open-plan space starring a statement oven that is traditional in style but with all the mod cons; natural stone benchtops and shaker cabinetry offer earthiness and warmth; a modern statement pendant that offers contrast to traditional profiles; and a dining table big enough to host a crowd, perhaps paired with bench seats, is an essential addition.
Living rooms: Large sofas upholstered in breathable linens or washable slipcovers; a vintage leather armchair to bring charm and comfort; and statement stone or brick-clad fireplace clad in stacked sandstone - it draws the eye upwards and highlights architectural detailing, such as exposed beams or internal cladding like Axon™ Cladding to line the ceiling.
Bathrooms: In the bathroom, pair simple, classic shapes with a few rustic touches. A clawfoot tub might be paired with interior vertical joint lining like Axon™ Cladding; and open timber shelving or a raw timber stool bring essential natural materials. Keep the palette neutral through to towels and accessories.
Bedrooms: Neutrals and softness reign supreme. Layer textures to keep the look interesting; choose curtains over blinds; carpet over floorboards (or add a vintage wool rug); choose oversized quilt covers and masses of pillows for the ultimate Modern Farmhouse vibes. Use Axon™ Cladding in 400mm profile for an elegant look suited to Modern Farmhouse interiors like Three Birds have in Erin’s House 16.
Need more help? Learn how to style your dream home with Three Birds Styling School, an online resource for keen home decorators.
Exterior details: Modern Farmhouse landscaping
Often built on acreage or larger blocks of land, Modern Farmhouse homes must be landscaped to complete their contemporary classic vibe. A grand, mature tree in the front or back yard evokes farmhouse living, while lilly pilly and callistemon varieties are ideal hedging to surround a timeless turf lawn.
This look does have a hint of the unexpected: crazy pavers, sandstone or travertine bring a contemporary twist to formal paths, driveways and alfresco. Choose contrasting colours for visual dynamism.
A classic picket fence or post and rail fence adds a touch of charm and defines the boundaries of your outdoor space. The final touch? Try a vintage or industrial-look sconce lights and garden lighting in contrasting black to enhance the farmhouse look.
Exterior cladding for Modern Farmhouse homes
The Modern Farmhouse suits homeowners looking for a grand, open home with small nods to classic farmhouse architecture. Those building a home in Modern Farmhouse style should look no further than Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding: The unique straight and bevelled groove edges evoke standing seam metal cladding, putting an Australian ‘shed’ twist on the farmhouse look. Complemented with Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding is another strong option: The subtle fine render texture allows bold cladding or other exterior features like large paned windows to stand out.
Create the Modern Farmhouse look
Find out how to achieve this grand, classic, cohesive look in the James Hardie Modern Farmhouse Design Handbook — with architectural features, Hardie™ exterior cladding solutions, colour palettes, materials and essential products to bring the Modern Farmhouse look to life. Here’s a sneak peak of essential finishing touches from leading brands with many more in the Design Handbook:
1. Industrial-style farmhouse lighting: Explore Barn Light Australia’s cottage and farmhouse range.
2. For undercover alfresco styling with a farmhouse twist: Lake Bench oak spindle-backed bench from Life Interiors.
3. Bringing essential farmhouse charm to practical zones: Hamptons Series garage door range from Tower Garage Doors.
