Farmhouse Style Homes: Key Features, Color Palettes, Siding, and Roofing Options

Farmhouse-style homes have become one of the most sought-after designs in custom home building, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of traditional farmhouse aesthetics or prefer the more contemporary look of a modern farmhouse, this versatile style offers something for every homeowner.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the key features, color palettes, siding styles, and roofing options that define farmhouse-style custom homes. This information will help you understand the essentials of this timeless design, providing the foundation for building your dream farmhouse.

Key Features of Farmhouse-Style Custom Homes

Farmhouse homes are known for their simple and functional design, originally created to serve the practical needs of rural farm life. Today, they’ve evolved to blend traditional elements with modern features, creating homes that are both beautiful and livable. Here are some defining architectural features of farmhouse-style homes:

1. Simple, Rectangular Layout

Farmhouses typically feature a straightforward rectangular layout, which offers both functionality and efficiency. This shape provides an open and welcoming floor plan that emphasizes flow and connection between the spaces. While modern interpretations may include more complex layouts, like L- or U-shaped designs, the simplicity of the structure is always preserved.

2. Gabled Rooflines

A signature of farmhouse-style homes is the steeply pitched gabled roof. This type of roof is not only practical for regions that experience heavy rain or snow, but it also provides additional interior space for lofts or vaulted ceilings. Gabled roofs are a timeless element that adds dimension and depth to the overall design.

3. Large Front Porches

No farmhouse is complete without a large front porch. Originally designed to provide shade and a place for rest after a long day of work, the porch remains a key feature today. Whether you opt for a classic front porch or a wrap-around design, this space creates a welcoming entrance and offers additional outdoor living space.

4. Symmetrical, Large Windows

Farmhouses are known for their large, symmetrical windows, which allow for ample natural light. This not only brightens up the interior spaces but also creates a connection between the home and the surrounding landscape. The windows are often positioned to frame picturesque views and provide cross-ventilation.

5. Open Floor Plans

Modern farmhouse homes embrace the concept of open floor plans, creating expansive living areas that flow seamlessly into the kitchen and dining spaces. This design promotes a sense of spaciousness and is perfect for families or those who love to entertain.

Modern Farmhouse: Blending Traditional and Contemporary Elements

While traditional farmhouse designs stick to the classic features mentioned above, modern farmhouse homes introduce contemporary elements that update the aesthetic without losing its charm. The modern farmhouse is defined by clean lines, industrial accents, and an emphasis on minimalist design.

• Clean, Minimalist Lines: Modern farmhouses often feature simpler, cleaner lines compared to their more rustic counterparts. This minimalist approach can be seen in the exterior trim, window frames, and interior finishes, where less is more.
• Neutral Color Palettes: Neutral color schemes dominate modern farmhouse design, using shades of white, grey, beige, and muted earth tones to create a calming, cohesive atmosphere. These colors create a fresh, airy look and provide the perfect backdrop for the home’s more natural, rustic elements.
• Mixed Materials: Modern farmhouses often blend materials like wood, stone, and metal accents to create a dynamic exterior and interior look. While traditional farmhouses focus more on wood elements, modern variations incorporate other materials for a balanced, industrial edge.

Farmhouse Color Palettes: Exterior and Interior Choices

The color palette of a farmhouse-style home plays a significant role in defining its overall look and feel. The key to a successful farmhouse color scheme is to keep things natural and timeless, whether you’re going for a traditional or modern design.

Exterior Color Palettes

• Classic White: A white exterior with dark trim is perhaps the most iconic color scheme for a farmhouse. This combination provides a crisp, clean look that instantly evokes a sense of timeless charm. White-painted horizontal lap siding or board and batten siding, combined with black or dark grey accents, creates a striking contrast that emphasizes the simplicity of the design.

• Soft Neutrals: For a more updated or modern farmhouse look, homeowners are opting for soft neutrals like light grey, beige, or muted greens. These shades offer a more subdued, calming exterior while still maintaining a natural, inviting appearance.

Interior Color Palettes

• Light and Airy: The interior of a farmhouse-style home typically features light, airy colors like soft whites, creams, and pale greys. These shades make rooms feel more open and create a neutral backdrop that complements natural wood tones, shiplap walls, and rustic finishes.
• Natural Wood Accents: Incorporating natural wood finishes in the form of exposed beams, hardwood floors, and wooden furniture adds warmth and texture to the farmhouse’s light color palette. The combination of wood tones with white walls is a signature look for farmhouse interiors.
• Darker Accents for Modern Farmhouses: For a more modern twist, adding darker accent colors like charcoal, navy blue, or black to cabinetry, trim, or fixtures can provide a sleek contrast to the light, neutral base colors. This blend of light and dark helps balance the rustic elements with a more contemporary feel.

Siding Styles for Farmhouse Homes

The siding on your farmhouse is one of the most visible design elements and plays a key role in defining the home’s exterior aesthetic. Here are the most popular siding styles for farmhouse-style homes:

• Horizontal Lap Siding: The most traditional siding option for a farmhouse is horizontal lap siding, which offers a clean, straightforward look. This siding style is often painted in light colors like white, grey, or beige to create a classic, timeless appearance.
• Board and Batten Siding: For a more textured, vertical design, board and batten siding is an excellent option. This style features wide vertical boards with narrow battens covering the seams, creating a rustic yet polished look that suits both traditional and modern farmhouses.
• Shiplap Siding: Shiplap, known for its clean, horizontal lines, is often used for interior walls but can also serve as an exterior siding option. It offers a sleek, uniform look that enhances both traditional and contemporary farmhouse exteriors.

Roofing Options for Farmhouse Homes

The roofing material you choose for your farmhouse is just as important as the siding, as it plays a significant role in both aesthetics and function. Here are some popular roofing options:

• Asphalt Shingles: A classic choice for farmhouse roofs, asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and available in a wide range of colors. They offer versatility and work well with traditional or modern farmhouse exteriors.
• Wood Shakes: For a more rustic, natural look, wood shakes are a perfect option. They add texture and depth to the roof while complementing the farmhouse’s wood elements. However, they do require more maintenance compared to other roofing materials.
• Metal Roofing (Modern Farmhouse): Metal roofing is a popular choice for modern farmhouse designs. Its sleek appearance, durability, and low-maintenance qualities make it a practical option for homeowners looking to blend modern and rustic elements.

Windows and Doors: Farmhouse Finishing Touches

The windows and doors of a farmhouse-style home add character and help define the overall aesthetic.

• Large, Symmetrical Windows: Farmhouse homes typically feature large, double-hung or casement windows with symmetrical placement. For a modern twist, dark-framed windows are becoming increasingly popular, adding a contemporary touch to the exterior.
• Wooden Front Doors: A wooden front door with glass panels is a classic farmhouse feature that creates a welcoming entrance. Sliding barn doors for interior spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms add rustic charm to the overall design.

Build Your Dream Farmhouse with Spear Builders

Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional farmhouse or a modern farmhouse with contemporary flair, Spear Builders of Virginia can bring your vision to life. We specialize in custom homes that blend timeless design with modern functionality, ensuring your home is not only beautiful but built to last.

Ready to build your farmhouse-style home? Contact Spear Builders of Virginia at 540-368-9003 or email us at construction@spearbuilders.net to get started on your custom home project today!