Modern Farmhouse Design Trends

To continue the farmhouse look inside the residence, homeowners who have contracted on a John Houston home will visit John Houston’s 6,000+ square-foot Design Center during the homebuilding process to select design features and materials that will complement the exterior farmhouse elevation.

Inside the elegant Design Studio, homeowners can customize their home’s character, choosing materials and finishes ranging from paint colors, flooring, countertops, and lighting elements to cabinet hardware, fireplace mantels, exterior stone and brick, stair railing, and more.

To achieve the farmhouse look inside their home, many homeowners upgrade certain design elements which might include a white apron-front farm sink, floating cedar fireplace mantel, decorative tiles in the utility room or powder bath, wood flooring, a shiplap fireplace, wood range hood, or white painted cabinetry.

Cedar beams across the ceiling, accent walls, and shiplap kitchen islands are also among some of the features that Lara Bailey, John Houston Design Studio manager, is seeing clients use to add visual interest and farmhouse character to their homes.

“Clients are interested in hardwood flooring, and natural, lighter woods are very popular,” said the Design Studio’s Bailey. 

She added that many clients are opting to create a smooth, flowing look with continuous hardwood flooring that extends across multiple main-level rooms. They often choose engineered wood or vinyl planks, which are known for their aesthetic appeal and durability, to use across John Houston’s contemporary open floor plans. 

She noted that she is also seeing black-and-white or gray-and-white patterned tile being used in baths and wet areas. 

Yesterday’s Grace



Other design styles clients are employing to achieve a farmhouse feel include crisp white kitchen cabinets, islands painted in cool gray, and stone and brick surrounding fireplaces.

Additionally, light-colored granite, quartz, and dolomite have been prevailing materials used for kitchen countertops to add to the sleek, modern farmhouse feel.

Small details such as faucets, light fixtures, doorknobs, and cabinetry hardware can also help to infuse yesterday’s rustic appeal into a home.

When considering metal finishes for a farmhouse-styled home, the following options could easily lend an old-world look to kitchens, baths, and more:

• Oil rubbed bronze
• Stainless steel
• Brushed nickel
• Chrome
• Antique copper
• Champagne bronze

At the end of the day, there is truly an endless array of elemental combinations when it comes to bringing your modern farmhouse look to fruition.

Ultimately, most homeowners seeking a farmhouse-look dream of a relaxed, functional, no-fuss atmosphere that whispers livability, comfort, and uncomplicated, chic style.

Think distressed décor, chippy furnishings, sliding barn doors, and open shelving complemented by ornate lanterns, mix-and-match antique pieces, and untamed wildflowers tucked into an enamel coffee pot.

Whatever your farmhouse vision, John Houston Homes can lay a beautiful foundation for your special story.

No wheat fields necessary. 

Interested in one of these new farmhouse elevations? Talk to a community sales manager to find out more about this new look!