The farmhouse design aesthetic is still going strong even as new trends begin to take over the very popular style.  Born out of necessity, farmhouse design choices, both architecturally and aesthetically, were a reflection of simplicity since the farmers who lived in the homes spent more time outside than inside during the day. Today, home buyers are drawn to the simplistic beauty of old (and new replications) farmhouses. Whether you admire a rural farmhouse during a drive through the back roads of Orange county or like the modern interpretation that can be found in neighborhoods, there are a few features that define farmhouse.

Exterior of a farmhouse

Clapboard siding:  Farmhouses were built on…wait for it…farms.  In order to keep out wind and the weather elements away from homes not sheltered by trees, clapboard hung horizontally on the exterior of the home and was overlapped. In today’s modern interpretations of farmhouses, other materials like vinyl siding are used and are hung either vertically or horizontally.

Covered Porches:  Can it be considered a farmhouse without a porch?  Not only are porches a great place to relax after a long day, covered ones can also function as a mudroom allowing people to shed their dirty clothes and shoes before entering the home. A shelter from the hot sun and a relaxing place to listen to the rain, porches continue to be a defining feature of the farmhouse.

Metal Roofs:  Low maintenance and long lasting, metal roofs are suited for a farmhouse.  Modern farmhouses have adopted this philosophy and incorporate metal roofs into the design of the home.

Rectangular footprint:  Farmhouses were often built in a rectangular shape because this was a fast and simple way to construct a home.  As time, and money, allowed families would add onto the home as necessary.  That’s why some older farmhouse are asymmetrical. Traditional farmhouses can be one or two stories and the ones today follow that trend.

White: Chances are that if you see an old farmhouse it will be painted white. Whitewash was used as an economical choice to keep mildew out of the wood clapboard. It also is non toxic to animals. Today, white continues to be a popular color for a farmhouse.

Interior of a farmhouse

Layout:  Traditional farmhouses have formal living spaces in the front of the home to welcome guests.  The kitchen is located in the back of the house and is often a large space where family could spend time together.  Unlike in modern versions today, the staircase was located near the kitchen at the back of the home.  Bedrooms are on the second story. A central fireplace served as a heat source to warm the home.

Materials:  Wide plank hardwood flooring and simple clean lines are popular in farmhouses.  Since the home was focused on utility and practically, it is void of the decadent Victorian details.

Decor:  A traditional farmhouse had simple decor.  In its modern interpretation, board and batten siding on interior walls, shaker cabinets, numerous windows, barn doors all contribute to the feel of the home.  Of course, an apron sink is also a feature in the kitchen that is a hallmark of farmhouse design.

Are you interested in living in an original farmhouse or do you prefer it’s modern interpretation?  Take a look at the farmhouses for sale here.