Discover 20 Modern Farmhouse Exteriors That Will Wow You

Introduction

The modern farmhouse exterior represents the perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary sophistication. As the modern farmhouse trend continues to gain popularity, homeowners and designers are finding new and creative ways to blend the old with the new. The result? Exteriors that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and welcoming.

In this post, we’ll explore 20 stunning modern farmhouse exteriors that capture the essence of this beloved style. From classic white facades to bold black statements, these designs will inspire you to create a home that’s both timeless and contemporary.

1. The Classic White Farmhouse

The classic white farmhouse is a timeless design choice that never goes out of style. Its clean lines and simple color palette provide a perfect canvas for architectural details like gabled roofs, porches, and shutters. White exteriors reflect sunlight beautifully, making your home stand out in any season. The contrast between the bright white siding and dark accents, such as black window frames and metal roofing, adds depth and sophistication to the design.

But don’t be fooled by the simplicity—achieving the perfect white farmhouse look requires careful consideration of materials and finishes. Opt for high-quality siding that can withstand the elements and maintain its crisp appearance over time. When it comes to roofing, a standing seam metal roof not only adds a sleek, modern touch but also offers durability and energy efficiency.

Pro Tip: Add character to your white farmhouse by incorporating natural wood elements, such as a wooden front door or timber beams on the porch. This introduces warmth and breaks up the monochromatic color scheme, making your home feel more inviting.

2. Bold Black Beauty

For those who aren’t afraid to make a statement, a bold black modern farmhouse is the way to go. Black exteriors exude confidence and sophistication, creating a striking presence in any setting. This modern twist on the traditional farmhouse challenges the norm, offering a dramatic yet elegant aesthetic.

Choosing black for your home’s exterior might seem daunting, but when done right, it’s incredibly rewarding. The key is to balance the dark color with contrasting materials and textures. Pairing a black facade with warm wood accents or white trim can soften the overall look, making it more approachable and less severe.

Additionally, landscaping plays a crucial role in complementing a black exterior. Lush greenery and colorful flowers pop against the dark backdrop, adding vibrancy and life to the design. Consider incorporating a variety of plants, from low-maintenance shrubs to flowering perennials, to create a dynamic and inviting landscape.

Pro Tip: To prevent your black exterior from absorbing too much heat, especially in warmer climates, choose a high-quality, UV-resistant paint that’s designed to reflect more sunlight.

3. Charcoal Grey Sophistication

Charcoal grey is the perfect middle ground between the classic white farmhouse and the bold black beauty. It offers a sophisticated and versatile color choice that can adapt to various architectural styles and landscapes. Charcoal grey exteriors are understated yet impactful, providing a sleek and modern look without overwhelming the design.

This neutral color is particularly effective in highlighting architectural details, such as trim work, window frames, and rooflines. A charcoal grey exterior can be further enhanced by mixing materials like wood and stone, adding texture and interest to the facade. For example, pairing grey siding with natural stone pillars or a wooden front door creates a harmonious blend of modern and rustic elements.

Lighting is another important aspect to consider with a charcoal grey exterior. Darker homes can sometimes appear less inviting in low light, so it’s essential to incorporate ample outdoor lighting to brighten the space. Choose fixtures that complement the modern farmhouse aesthetic, such as industrial-style sconces or oversized lanterns.

Pro Tip: To create a cohesive look, consider using charcoal grey as a secondary color on other exterior elements, such as the garage door or shutters.

4. Rustic Wood Tones

Rustic wood tones are a hallmark of farmhouse design, and when applied to a modern exterior, they bring a sense of warmth and authenticity that’s hard to match. Natural wood siding, whether left in its raw state or stained in rich, earthy tones, creates a connection to the surrounding landscape and evokes a feeling of comfort and nostalgia.

Wood exteriors are versatile, allowing you to play with different textures and patterns. Vertical board-and-batten siding is a popular choice for modern farmhouses, adding height and visual interest to the facade. For a more traditional look, consider horizontal lap siding or even reclaimed wood for a weathered, lived-in appearance.

Maintaining a wood exterior requires a bit more care than other materials, but the effort is well worth it. Regular sealing and staining will protect the wood from the elements and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Pro Tip: To break up large expanses of wood siding, consider incorporating other materials like stone or brick. This adds texture and variety to the exterior, preventing it from feeling too monotonous.

5. Stone Accents for Timeless Appeal

Incorporating stone into your modern farmhouse exterior adds a timeless, grounded element to the design. Stone offers durability and a sense of permanence, making it an ideal material for features like chimneys, pillars, and foundation walls. The natural variations in stone color and texture bring depth and richness to the exterior, complementing both rustic and modern design elements.

When choosing stone for your farmhouse, consider the overall color palette and style of your home. Lighter stones, such as limestone or sandstone, create a soft, natural look that pairs well with white or grey siding. Darker stones, like slate or granite, offer a more dramatic contrast, especially when used alongside wood or metal.

Stone accents can be used in a variety of ways, from full stone walls to subtle touches like a stone entryway or garden wall. To keep the design cohesive, repeat the stone element in other areas of the landscape, such as walkways or retaining walls.

Pro Tip: Consider using stone veneer as a cost-effective alternative to natural stone. Veneer provides the same aesthetic appeal but is lighter and easier to install, making it a popular choice for homeowners and builders.

6. Farmhouse with a Metal Roof

A metal roof is a distinctive feature of many modern farmhouses, combining practicality with style. Metal roofing offers several benefits, including durability, energy efficiency, and resistance to extreme weather conditions. The sleek, reflective surface of a metal roof contrasts beautifully with traditional farmhouse materials like wood and stone, adding a modern edge to the design.

Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the look to suit your home’s exterior. While neutral colors like black, grey, or silver are popular choices, more adventurous homeowners might opt for a bold color like red or green to make a statement.

The sound of rain on a metal roof is often cited as one of the most charming aspects of this material, adding a cozy, nostalgic element to the home. For those who prefer a quieter roof, modern metal roofing systems often include sound-deadening features to minimize noise.

Pro Tip: When choosing a metal roof, consider the pitch of your roof and the overall style of your home. A steeply pitched roof works well with traditional designs, while a lower pitch is more suited to contemporary styles.

7. Inviting Front Porch

A spacious front porch is a hallmark of the farmhouse style, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical use. It serves as the perfect place to welcome guests, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply relax and take in the view. The front porch is often the first thing people notice about a home, making it a key element in creating curb appeal.

The design of your front porch can range from simple and understated to elaborate and grand, depending on your personal taste and the overall style of your home. A wraparound porch, for example, offers a traditional farmhouse look, providing ample space for outdoor seating, swings, and even dining areas.

Porch columns, railings, and trim are important details that contribute to the overall look. Wooden beams and posts add a rustic touch, while painted railings and shutters can create a more polished appearance. Consider adding cozy seating, outdoor rugs, and seasonal decor to make the porch a welcoming extension of your home.

Pro Tip: Enhance the porch with lighting that complements the farmhouse aesthetic. Lantern-style fixtures or string lights can add a warm, inviting glow that makes the space usable even after dark.

8. Mixed Material Magic

One of the defining characteristics of modern farmhouse design is the creative use of mixed materials. Combining different textures and finishes adds depth and interest to the exterior, preventing it from looking too uniform or flat. Common material combinations include wood and metal, stone and brick, or siding and shiplap.

The key to successfully mixing materials is to maintain a cohesive color palette and ensure that the different elements complement rather than compete with each other. For instance, pairing warm wood tones with cool metal accents can create a balanced, harmonious look. Alternatively, you might choose contrasting colors for a bolder, more dynamic design.

Mixing materials also allows you to highlight specific architectural features. For example, a stone chimney can become a focal point when set against a backdrop of wooden siding, or a metal roof can add a sleek touch to a home with rustic wood elements.

Pro Tip: Consider the environment and climate when choosing materials. Some materials may be more suitable for certain weather conditions, ensuring your home remains both beautiful and durable over time.

9. Embrace Symmetry

Symmetry is a classic design principle that can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your modern farmhouse exterior. A symmetrical facade creates a sense of balance and order, making the home feel more welcoming and well-proportioned. This approach works particularly well for homes with a central front door flanked by evenly spaced windows, creating a pleasing, harmonious look.

Achieving symmetry doesn’t mean every element has to be identical. You can still incorporate variety and interest by using complementary shapes, colors, and materials. For example, matching pairs of windows or light fixtures on either side of the door create symmetry, while variations in size or style add a unique touch.

Symmetry can also be extended to the landscaping, with matching trees, shrubs, or garden beds on either side of the walkway leading to the front door. This reinforces the sense of balance and draws the eye towards the entrance, creating a welcoming pathway.

Pro Tip: If your home’s architecture doesn’t naturally lend itself to symmetry, you can create the illusion of balance by carefully placing exterior elements like planters, lighting, or even outdoor furniture.

10. Open Gables for Architectural Interest

Open gables are a quintessential feature of farmhouse architecture, and they add a touch of elegance and interest to a modern farmhouse exterior. Gables are the triangular portions of the wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. In a modern farmhouse, these are often left open, revealing the structure of the roof and adding a decorative element to the facade.

Gables can be used to emphasize certain parts of the home, such as the front entrance, creating a focal point that draws the eye. They can also add height and a sense of grandeur to the design, making the home appear larger and more stately.

When designing gables, consider the materials and finishes that will complement the rest of the exterior. Wooden gables with exposed beams offer a rustic, traditional look, while metal or painted gables can provide a more modern touch. Adding decorative elements like trim or brackets can further enhance the visual appeal.

Pro Tip: To make the most of open gables, consider installing large windows or glass doors underneath them. This not only maximizes natural light but also creates a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

11. Farmhouse with a Wraparound Porch

A wraparound porch is the ultimate farmhouse feature, offering expansive outdoor living space and enhancing the home’s curb appeal. This type of porch wraps around two or more sides of the home, providing a continuous, sheltered area for relaxation, dining, and socializing. It’s a versatile feature that can be customized to suit both modern and traditional farmhouse designs.

The wraparound porch is particularly appealing because it extends the living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. It’s also a great way to create multiple outdoor “rooms” with different functions, such as a dining area, a cozy seating nook, or a space for a porch swing.

Designing a wraparound porch involves considering the overall flow and functionality. The porch should be wide enough to accommodate furniture and allow for easy movement. Additionally, the style of the porch railings, columns, and trim should complement the rest of the home’s exterior, creating a cohesive look.

Pro Tip: Enhance the wraparound porch with potted plants, outdoor rugs, and comfortable seating to create a welcoming and functional space that feels like an extension of the interior.

12. Modern Farmhouse with a Detached Garage

A detached garage is a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to a modern farmhouse. It provides extra space for vehicles, storage, or even a workshop, while also allowing for more flexibility in the home’s layout. A well-designed detached garage can enhance the overall look of the property, especially when it matches or complements the main house.

When designing a detached garage, consider its placement on the property. Positioning it at an angle or slightly offset from the main house can create a more dynamic and interesting layout. Additionally, the style and materials of the garage should reflect the architectural features of the home, such as matching siding, roofing, and trim.

A detached garage also offers the opportunity to create a functional and attractive driveway or courtyard area. Consider incorporating a gravel or cobblestone driveway, which adds rustic charm and complements the farmhouse aesthetic. Landscaping around the garage can further enhance its appearance, making it feel like an integral part of the property.

Pro Tip: To create a cohesive look, consider adding a breezeway or covered walkway that connects the detached garage to the main house. This not only provides shelter but also ties the two structures together visually.

13. Window Boxes for a Pop of Color

Window boxes are a charming and easy way to add color and personality to your modern farmhouse exterior. These small, decorative boxes are mounted under windows and filled with flowers, herbs, or greenery, providing a burst of color and a connection to nature. They are particularly effective in adding curb appeal, as they draw attention to the home’s windows and create a welcoming atmosphere.

When selecting window boxes, choose materials that complement the overall style of your home. Wooden boxes are a classic choice, offering a rustic, traditional look, while metal or painted boxes can add a modern touch. The plants you choose should also reflect the farmhouse aesthetic—think of hardy, easy-to-maintain flowers like geraniums, petunias, or lavender, which thrive in window boxes and provide long-lasting color.

To keep your window boxes looking their best, make sure they have proper drainage and are watered regularly. Depending on your climate, you might also need to consider the sun exposure and choose plants that will thrive in the conditions provided by your home’s orientation.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of farmhouse charm, consider adding small decorative elements to your window boxes, such as miniature lanterns, rustic signs, or seasonal ornaments.

14. Rustic Shutters and Doors

Shutters and doors are key elements that can significantly impact the overall look of your modern farmhouse exterior. Rustic wooden shutters add a touch of traditional charm, while a solid wood front door creates a welcoming focal point. These features are not just decorative—they also provide privacy, security, and protection from the elements.

When choosing shutters, consider the style and function. Operable shutters can be closed to protect windows during storms or for privacy, while fixed shutters are purely decorative. The color and material of the shutters should complement the rest of the exterior; for example, natural wood shutters pair beautifully with white or grey siding, while painted shutters can add a pop of color.

A front door is often the centerpiece of the exterior, and selecting the right one can set the tone for the entire home. Solid wood doors with decorative glass panels or wrought iron accents are popular choices for modern farmhouses, offering a blend of rustic and contemporary elements.

Pro Tip: Consider adding hardware like wrought iron hinges or handles to your shutters and doors for an extra layer of detail and farmhouse authenticity.

15. Incorporating Industrial Elements

Industrial elements are increasingly popular in modern farmhouse design, adding a sleek, contemporary edge to the traditional rustic aesthetic. These elements, such as metal light fixtures, steel beams, or concrete accents, provide a contrast to the warmth of wood and stone, creating a balanced and visually interesting exterior.

One way to incorporate industrial elements into your modern farmhouse is through lighting. Metal lanterns, oversized sconces, or barn-style lights can add both function and style, illuminating the exterior while enhancing the industrial vibe. Steel or iron railings on porches or balconies are another great way to introduce industrial materials, offering durability and a modern look.

Concrete is another material that can be used to add an industrial touch. Consider using concrete for walkways, steps, or even as a decorative element on the facade. Its neutral color and texture complement the natural materials commonly found in farmhouse design, while its durability ensures it will last for years to come.

Pro Tip: When incorporating industrial elements, aim for a balance between the rustic and modern. Too many industrial features can make the home feel cold or stark, so it’s important to pair them with warmer materials like wood or natural stone.

16. Vertical Board and Batten Siding

Vertical board and batten siding is a staple in modern farmhouse design, offering a clean, structured look that enhances the verticality of the home. This siding style consists of wide boards with narrower battens covering the seams, creating a distinctive pattern that adds both texture and visual interest to the exterior.

Board and batten siding works particularly well in combination with other materials like stone or brick, adding contrast and depth to the overall design. The vertical lines can also make the house appear taller, adding a sense of grandeur to the facade.

When choosing board and batten siding, consider the color scheme that will best complement your home’s style. Classic white is always a popular choice for a farmhouse look, but dark shades like charcoal or navy can give it a more modern, sophisticated edge.

Pro Tip: To add even more visual interest, consider mixing vertical and horizontal siding on different sections of the home. This approach can highlight architectural features and create a more dynamic exterior.

17. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

Incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly elements into your modern farmhouse design not only benefits the environment but also adds a layer of thoughtfulness and modernity to your home. This can include features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, or the use of reclaimed and natural materials.

Sustainable design can be seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic of a modern farmhouse. For instance, reclaimed wood beams can add rustic charm, while energy-efficient windows and doors maintain the home’s traditional look while improving insulation and reducing energy costs.

Using locally sourced materials is another way to enhance sustainability. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint of your build, but it also ties your home more closely to the local environment and its history.

Pro Tip: When designing an eco-friendly modern farmhouse, consider landscaping with native plants that require less water and maintenance, further reducing the environmental impact.

18. Metal Roofing for Durability and Style

Metal roofing is a popular choice for modern farmhouses, offering both durability and a sleek, contemporary look. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, metal roofs can be tailored to suit both modern and traditional farmhouse styles.

One of the key benefits of metal roofing is its longevity. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, resist fire, and require minimal maintenance over the years. This makes it an excellent long-term investment for your home.

In terms of style, metal roofing adds a clean, crisp look that pairs well with other farmhouse materials like wood and stone. Whether you opt for a standing seam design, corrugated panels, or shingles, metal roofing can be customized to complement the overall aesthetic of your home.

Pro Tip: If you live in a region with heavy snowfall, consider a metal roof with a snow guard to prevent large amounts of snow from sliding off at once, ensuring safety and protecting your landscape.

19. Farmhouse with a Modern Twist

While traditional farmhouse design is beloved for its charm, adding a modern twist can bring fresh life and contemporary flair to your home. This can be achieved through sleek lines, minimalistic details, and modern materials, all while retaining the warm and welcoming feel of a farmhouse.

One approach is to simplify the exterior design by reducing ornamentation and focusing on clean, geometric lines. This modern aesthetic can be balanced with traditional elements like wood siding or a gabled roof to maintain the farmhouse character.

Another way to modernize a farmhouse is through the use of bold, contrasting colors. For example, pairing black window frames with white siding creates a striking visual contrast that feels both fresh and timeless.

Pro Tip: Incorporate modern outdoor lighting to enhance the contemporary feel. Sleek, minimalistic fixtures can provide a modern edge while ensuring the farmhouse retains its inviting atmosphere.

20. Expansive Windows for Natural Light

Expansive windows are a hallmark of modern farmhouse design, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a strong connection between the indoors and outdoors. Large windows not only brighten the living spaces but also offer picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

When incorporating large windows, consider their placement to maximize both light and views. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room can create a stunning focal point, while strategically placed windows in the kitchen or bedroom can enhance functionality and comfort.

Choosing the right window style is also important. For a modern farmhouse, black-framed windows are a popular choice, offering a sleek, contemporary look that contrasts beautifully with lighter siding materials. Alternatively, wood-framed windows can add warmth and a touch of rustic charm.

Pro Tip: If privacy is a concern, consider installing window treatments like shades or curtains that can be adjusted as needed without obstructing the natural light.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Vision to Life

At Beyti Studio, we believe that every project is a unique reflection of our clients’ personalities, lifestyles, and aspirations. Whether you’re embarking on a new build or a renovation, our custom interior design services are tailored to transform your vision into reality. We work closely with you from concept to completion, ensuring that every detail aligns with your goals, resulting in spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and deeply personal.

Our expertise extends beyond interiors, offering a cohesive design approach that seamlessly integrates exterior and interior spaces. Let’s collaborate to create a home that’s more than just a space—it’s a true reflection of who you are.