Create an extraordinary modern farmhouse exterior with these inspiring design elements for your home.
Do you dream of having a stunning and exceptional farmhouse exterior that stands out from the crowd? With a few simple style tips and a bit of effort, you can turn your dreams into reality with a modern farmhouse design that's as beautiful as it is timeless.
Whether you'd like to add a subtle rustic flair or go all out with a traditional countryside look, this article provides tips and guidance on creating eye-catching exterior design that is unique to you. Achieve the perfect balance of clean and cozy and bring your home architectural design to the next level with ease.
Farmhouse Exterior Ideas That Inspired My House
Choosing finishes for a modern farmhouse style can be pretty tricky. Thank goodness I found a plethora of exterior inspiration to help me design our home. Take a look at what these other design experts utilized for their exteriors!
Classic Look Cottage
Isn't this little cottage so charming? The white siding is paired with a lighter trim color around the shutters to break up the monotony of the white. The brown roof shingles pays homage to a classic style with natural color use.
If there is one thing I love it is all of the windows along the front to let in the natural light. And the big pillars on the porch are an excellent choice for emphasizing classic farmhouse style while bringing in fun architectural elements.
Black Paint Accents
This one didn't include a source, but I love the bright white exterior paired with the black accents of the shutters and front door. We painted our remodelled home a bright white like this on our brick, but the black and white color palettes strike a stunning contrast. The metal roofing is a beautiful modern design.
And what a huge front porch! Having such a large space to add porch furniture is a real plus. We have lived on our front porch during the summer months when everyone is out, so this is a real perk for me. And that terrace above could have some really great potential with flowers and potted plants.
French Design Style
The wood exterior accents and rounded architectural lines of this roof make this home so warm and inviting. I couldn't find a source anywhere, but this modern look displays a French chateau vibe that I love.
I am also loving browns with a cream home. A color combination like this really warms up the exterior and creates the cottage feel I am going for!
Painted Brick
This painted brick is absolutely stunning. You know I am a fan of this since I painted our outside brick white as well. If you need help to pick a white paint for your brick exterior or siding, check out this post on picking a white exterior paint for your home.
Don't miss out on the arches in the front windows and door frame. A unique window line like this is so beautiful and changes the interior design as well as your home's exterior. A double bang for your buck.
Rustic Farmhouse Exterior
You can't get any more old farmhouse rustic than with these garage doors. Traditional barn doors are the perfect segue from outside elements to the interior garage. And the rich wood tones are exquisitely displayed with exterior lighting to create a focal point at night.
I am loving the archways on this house that give it such a fun style and add to the home's curb appeal. Don't be afraid to go a little more bold on your architectural styles.
Wraparound Porch
Wraparound porches are some of my favorite designs, just like this in this beautiful modern farmhouse look. It provides a huge additional living space, and if you spend a lot of time outdoors then that is ideal for socializing with visitors and family.
And of course, I love the exterior paint colors with white and black. The black accent color around all of the windows is a lovely design element.
Warm Wood Accents
One of my favorite home executions is when you can tie in natural wood to your architectural design. Plus, this also bring in more of the rustic elements of the traditional farmhouse and cottage style.
Just look at all of those beautiful double wooden doors on this house. Talk about a grand entrance! This is an awesome design element to use wooden doors with ¾ glass. You can still have easy access to the outdoors while letting in tons of light. And those lush wood tones are simply to die for.
I incorporated a similar DIY design for our front wood doors, but with half the cost! See them here. And I really love the brick detail flooring that brings in more of the cottage vibe. It feels so spacious and inviting.
Garage Space
Garage doors can be such fun design elements too. This one from The Creativity Exchange really caught my eye! The large doors imitate the barn door concept with a rustic brown hue. If you really want to create a curb appeal for the front of your house, choosing a garage door that makes a statement is an excellent way to do that.
I also love the wide vertical siding that differs from traditional horizontal paneling. This adds a unique texture to a white palette.
Black Color Accents
This modern farmhouse with strong lines and black accents is so fun. Don't underestimate the power in choosing a bold trim color for your exterior look. I love the floor to ceiling glass windows and doors that really give it a modern, unique design. The front of this home definitely is a gorgeous focal point.
Aren't these painted exteriors gorgeous? Here is how my house turned out with all of the varying design inspiration. It was a labor of love, but I am so pleased with the end results.
Contrasting Trim Colors
Add depth by using a darker trim against a lighter exterior, or vice versa. It frames windows and doors, making them stand out. When using darker trim against a lighter exterior, you create a crisp, defined appearance that enhances the architectural structure of your home. Dark trims in shades like charcoal, navy, or black can give a modern, bold look when paired with soft exterior colors like off-white, light gray, or beige. This method accentuates key elements such as windows, doors, and eaves, drawing the eye to these focal points. Conversely, light trims against darker exteriors can brighten the overall facade, creating a more welcoming and approachable feel.
Natural Stone Accents
Incorporating stone around the base of your home not only adds a rustic, grounded aesthetic but also introduces natural textures that contrast beautifully with painted exteriors. Stonework, whether using river rock, stacked stone, or flagstone, enhances visual interest and offers a timeless quality. You can also blend stone with other materials, like wood or stucco, for a more eclectic look. This combination not only boosts curb appeal but adds an element of sophistication, making your home feel more connected to its surrounding landscape.
Bold Front Door Colors
Adding a pop of color, like bright red, navy blue, or even a vibrant yellow, can immediately infuse personality and energy into your home’s exterior. Bold front door colors, shutters, or even accent walls can make your home stand out in a sea of neutrals, offering a welcoming and stylish first impression. These color choices can reflect your personal style and create a focal point for the exterior design, while also complementing the natural surroundings or other exterior elements like landscaping and stonework.
Vertical Siding for Height
Using vertical panels on your home’s exterior can significantly enhance its appearance by drawing the eye upward, creating a sense of height. This technique works particularly well for modern and contemporary designs, where clean, elongated lines are emphasized. Vertical siding or paneling not only adds architectural interest but can also make a smaller home feel more expansive and imposing. Additionally, the vertical orientation of the panels breaks up flat surfaces, giving the home more texture and depth, contributing to a sleek, updated look.
Metal Roofing
Consider metal roofs for their unmatched durability and modern, sleek finish. Metal roofing not only provides long-lasting protection against harsh weather conditions but also complements painted exteriors, adding a polished and contemporary aesthetic. With a variety of finishes and colors, metal roofs can enhance a wide range of architectural styles, from rustic farmhouses to minimalist modern homes. Additionally, metal roofs are energy-efficient, reflecting sunlight to keep your home cooler in the summer, making them an eco-friendly choice as well.
Two-Tone Exterior Design
Combine two complementary or contrasting colors on the main exterior surfaces to create visual interest. For instance, using a darker color on the lower portion and a lighter one above can give the house a more dynamic and balanced look. This approach adds layers to the design, drawing attention to different architectural elements. Two-tone designs work particularly well for homes with multiple stories, gables, or unique siding patterns, allowing you to highlight the structure's best features.
Not all farmhouses have to look like country cottages with white picket fences. With the right balance of materials, color, and texture, you can easily modernize your farmhouse into a stylish, beautiful, and inviting exterior that you and your guests will love. Incorporate natural elements such as wood and stone, select bold or subtle hues, and layer on interesting touches such as a porch or shutters.
By creating a space that pays homage to the rustic appeal of farmhouse living while incorporating fresh and unique elements, you can create a beautiful and unique farmhouse exterior. Let's get to work on your farmhouse exterior design and bring your dream to life.
Did you know I painted my last house? Check it out below.
Happy Designing!
Brooke
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