Our Favorite Farmhouse Exteriors

Modern Twist on Tradition

White house yellow flowers porch — Anthony Masterson

Although this Tennessee home is only a few years old, it possesses all the character of a centuries-old farmhouse. Tall, wood-cased windows and a pitched metal roof topped with a cupola create an unmistakable country look. The black front door and window trim deliver modern contrast against whitewashed brick and board-and-batten siding.

02 of 19

Urban Country

A total renovation turned this dreary barn into a dream farm-style house with feminine flair. Reclaimed wood siding, unusual window shapes, and a hedge fence make this structure's farmhouse exterior a unique design in Orange County, California. The new windows and features give an otherwise worn farmhouse exterior a modern look.

03 of 19

New Meets Old

White house green door front porch — James Nathan Schroder

This historic Austin farmhouse includes the original 565-square-foot structure—which is now the front entry—and a two-story addition. Board-and-batten siding and a metal roof honor the farmhouse exterior architecture that was there before renovations started. At the same time, dark wood-clad windows and posts introduce a taste of modern flair. Landscaping throughout the front yard is built to endure intense Texas heat.

04 of 19

Eco-Friendly Finishes

Backyard garden red chair — Kritsada Panichgul

This earth-friendly farmhouse combines form and function in a modern industrial style. Airtight insulation, efficient geothermal heating and cooling, and new metal roofing transformed the 1980s structure. Additions of efficient metal-clad windows and insulated doors had an equal influence on the home's farmhouse-style exterior.

05 of 19

Southern Coastal Charm

farmhouse exterior with slate path to entrance with sliding barn doors — Brie Williams

The owners of this white farmhouse built it from the ground up. Horizontal fence slats give the cozy front porch modern styling. Sliding barn-style doors layer on the country charm while offering privacy for the pool—visible through the home's center hall. Details such as exposed rafters and board-and-batten shutters add authentic coastal charm.

06 of 19

Salvaged by Design

favorite farmhouse salvaged materials blue classic truck — Brian McWeeney

An 1840s farmhouse was beaten down and abandoned until one builder got his hands on it for a much-needed makeover. His clients wanted to hold on to the rustic elements, so his team rebuilt the house from the ground up using disassembled pieces from the original structure. The large 1,600-square-foot farmhouse now welcomes family and friends to the acreage as a guest cottage. Chipped wood, traditional windows, and a wraparound porch supply this modern farmhouse exterior with plenty of country charm.

07 of 19

California Country

white farmhouse exterior with black accents and palm trees in front yard — Kim Cornelison

These homeowners softened the look of their California home by whitewashing the red brick paver path leading up to their front door and painting the dark brown exterior white. Matte black trim and a matching door and sconces create high-definition architecture. Palm trees and tropical plants provide a striking contrast to the white farmhouse exterior.

08 of 19

Living Green

gray farmhouse exterior with white sash windows and a picket fence — Brian McWeeney

After consulting with her builder, the owner of this colorful farmhouse framed in the original front door, situated on the side of the home, and built a portico to welcome guests into a new street-facing entry. A warm palette of mossy green and sage balanced with cream differentiates the house from the surrounding beige builds. The picket fence painted the same color as the home is a subtle but stylish nod to classic farmhouse style.

09 of 19

Living the Dream

White house front porch chairs — Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The owners of this symmetrical stunner brought the epitome of country living to the 'burbs with the home's wraparound porch. Decorated with wicker chairs and an outdoor bar, it's got everything they need to enjoy the simple life. A mix of classic colonial and bay windows adds country character while carving out cozy interior nooks.

10 of 19

Midwest Makeover

White house garden blue chairs — Werner Straube

When a former interior designer and his partner laid eyes on this 1900 farmhouse in Michigan, they knew what they wanted to do. Their design plan was to create a welcoming, vintage-style home filled with sweet, storied finds. Thanks to potted plants and antique market finds, the modern farmhouse porch is as much of a collector's paradise as the inside. The expansive garden makes the tin-roofed oasis even more inviting.

11 of 19

Mixed Materials

White wooden house garage yellow door — Rett Peek

This Little Rock, Arkansas, home combines traditional building materials like whitewashed brick, stucco, and hardwood to create an eclectic, custom-built farmhouse exterior. The sunflower shade of yellow on the front door adds personality and warmth to the home and helps bring the farmhouse exterior colors together.

12 of 19

Contemporary Country Charm

White house green door dogs — Brie Williams

This 1,730-square-foot modern farmhouse blends contemporary minimalism with country charm. Grille-free windows and an asymmetrically sloped roof offer of-the-moment structure, while board-and-batten siding and a wraparound porch layer on homey touches. Simple stone pavers beckon guests through the gate, where a bright splash of lime greets them at the door.

13 of 19

Color-Happy Colonial

White house front patio — Anthony Masterson

This farmhouse is brimming with curb appeal (and Colonial accents). A manicured garden lines the brick foundation while pops of turquoise blue adorn the porch's rocking chairs and latticed storm door. Metal farmhouse sconces and black window trim give what could have been a cutesy cottage a contemporary twist.

14 of 19

Backyard Barn

wood farmhouse exterior with pond and tall grass — Eclipse Corp.

This family wanted to expand their outdoor living and storage space, so they built this two-story barn on their 5-acre property in Ohio. It was constructed of reclaimed materials from a dilapidated 1890s Mennonite cattle barn the couple found a few towns over. They dismantled, moved, redesigned, and rebuilt the structure to craft a beautiful countryside farmhouse exterior and what is today the perfect spot for relaxing and entertaining.

15 of 19

Classic Form

White farmhouse flowers porch — Werner Straube

A quintessential farmhouse with a stone foundation, wide porch, and board-and-batten siding gains modern appeal with a pitched metal roof and clean lines. Large pavers incorporated into the landscaping invite guests to the charming front entry.

16 of 19

Feeling Blue

black farmhouse exterior with teal door and white trim windows — Kritsada Panichgul

This 1840s farmhouse in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, took nearly 20 years of gradual renovations to become what it is today. An exterior color palette of navy blue, sky blue, and white gives a hint of coastal cottage appeal but doesn't distract from the farmhouse charm of the wood-clad windows and metal roof. Upcycled rubble from outbuildings was stacked to create an ecofriendly stone wall, which helped bring the neglected grounds back to life.

17 of 19

Lovely Layers

white farmhouse exterior with exposed wooden beams for the porch — Kritsada Panichgul

It might look simple with its white facade, but this modern farmhouse has a lot going on. Exterior cladding shifts from board-and-batten siding to lap siding to cedar shakes, plus two roof materials—shingles and metal—give the house the appearance of age and history. Tall peaks in the roofline make the kids' rooms above the porch feel larger and brighter, thanks to clerestory windows.

18 of 19

Rustic Barn Revival

Wooden house entryway windows — John Gruen

This gabled-roof gem is reminiscent of a restored barn. It relies on faded wood panels for its rustic farmhouse design. Stacked windows in black, gray, and sage create contrast while also letting in plenty of natural light—a common element found in modern farmhouses. Not so modern is the second front door, the addition of which dates all the way back to early 19th-century farmhouse design!

19 of 19

House Blend

farmhouse exterior white clean lines — John Merkl

The owner of this black and white farmhouse wanted her home's design to emulate her passions as a winemaker. It had to carry classic charm—much like a sweet Riesling—but also needed unexpected moments. Modern farmhouse decor, like copper accents and terra-cotta planters, brings life to the front entry, while stained cement stairs welcome guests inside. Grille-free windows outlined in nearly black provide modern contrast without looking too stark.

Updated by

Caitlin Sole

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!