Modern Farmhouse
A seamless balance of traditional design and contemporary elements, it blends old and new, with a focus on clean lines, open spaces and materiality.
The Modern Farmhouse style of architecture seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary elements, resulting in a home that is the perfect combination of old and new. This style satisfies the desire for both modern functionality and the comfort of traditional design and craftsmanship, with the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic creating a bridge between past and present.
The Modern Farmhouse beautifully caters to old and new sensibilities. The cohesive, resolved design aesthetic relies on balance and symmetry, use of natural materials, neutral colour palette and open floor plan.
In a blending of concepts, Modern Farmhouse design riffs off the classic foundations of traditional living while allowing for a more modern use of space inside. This might manifest as traditional exterior aesthetics like weatherboard cladding, shutters, and gabled rooflines with an open-concept interior where the kitchen, living, and dining rooms anchor the layout as one cavernous space. Interior furnishing should have hints of both new and vintage, such as black or metallic fixtures, organic textures and simple yet grand furniture.
The interior style allows for an interplay between heritage charm and modern luxury, with farmhouse cavernous ceilings, natural stone and limestone finishes enhanced by sleek kitchen amenities, modern lighting and seamless indoor/outdoor living.
About the Trend
Design Features
Recommended products
![Linea™ Weatherboard](/web/assets/gallery/_309x464_crop_center-center_line/JH.Oamaru.240-4.jpg)
Linea™ Weatherboard: The strong shadow lines of this weatherboard nods to a traditional weatherboard farmhouse with a modern twist. Painted dark with Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers differentiates from a more traditional look which has trim covering the corners.
![Hardie™ Flex Sheet and Hardie™ Axent™ Trim](/web/assets/gallery/_992x558_crop_center-center_82_line/JH.Kinloch.029.jpg)
Axon™ Panel Smooth with Hardie™ Axent™ Trim: The flowing lines are ideal for creating modern coastal facades with a finish that’s visually sophisticated and dynamic.
![Oblique™ Weatherboard, staggered and vertically installed](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/JH.Feilding.558-staggered.jpg)
Oblique™ Weatherboard: The wide grooves and design flexibility of board widths delivers drama and visual interest to barn facades.
![Stria™ Cladding 325mm](/web/assets/gallery/_1200x675_crop_center-center_82_line/325mm-close-up-vertical.jpg)
Stria™ Cladding: The deep, 15mm-wide grooves create strong, sleek lines ideal for contemporary designs that require a bold but pared-back aesthetic.
Options in select areas:
![Hardie™ Groove Lining](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/gallery/DSC01109.jpg)
Hardie™ Groove Lining: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings and externally on eaves and soffits.
![Oblique™ Weatherboard](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/gallery/kirimoko056.jpg)
Oblique™ Weatherboard: Interior feature walls
Why Now?
- The increase in regional migration and dissatisfaction with city life fuel aspiration for the Modern Farmhouse and lifestyle
- Modern Farmhouse design suits larger, double-storey homes or homes on acreage properties
- Enabled by technology, Modern Farmhouse styles and floorplans cater for hybrid working and leisurely lifestyles
The Modern Farmhouse suits homeowners looking for a grand, open home with small nods to classic farmhouse architecture. This newly emerging style is gaining momentum for its capacity for customisation and integration of modern floorplans and functionality.
Recommended paint colours
Exterior
Sandfly Point Half NZ9F2
Narrow Neck Quarter NZ9E5
Colorsteel® Ironsand NZ9E5
Magic White LRV 88
Fossil Creek LRV 15
Grey Ember LRV 7
Interior
Haast NZ9G4
Midhirst Half NZ9D4
Waioeka NZ10A8
Silver Steel LRV 67.04
Baby Seal LRV 46
Penumbra LRV 16.4
Global GreenTag™ GreenRate™ Level A and Product Health Declaration™ PHD Platinum Health mean our products have passed the world's toughest standards for health, eco performance and safety.
Feature case study
Field of dreams with Oblique™ Weatherboard
A statement farmhouse designed for indoor outdoor living and low maintenance practicality using Oblique™ Weatherboard.
![Design Handbook Cover 2024](https://www.jameshardie.co.nz/web/assets/general/Design-Handbook-Cover-2024.png)
The Design Handbook
The Hardie™ Cladding Collection has a wide variety of products to select from, creating design versatility, in which It’s Possible™ to Make Modern like never before. It’s a movement that’s reshaping perceptions and changing the way New Zealand builds. This design handbook demonstrates that with great advice, support and inspiration, it’s possible to build a house you’re truly proud to come home to.