Modern Farmhouse
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
Design flexibility: The style is a contemporary expression of classical farmhouse architecture combining modern asymmetrical massing with the classic farmhouse gabled roof. Modern Farmhouse designs often feature multiple inter-connected buildings facilitating multigenerational living.
Contrasting materials: Natural-look materials such as board and batten cladding, stone pathways and steel window frames play a key role in creating texture. Large windows on the exterior combine with open-plan living areas and soaring ceilings to balance grandeur with traditional charm.
Neutral colour palette: Neutral colours beige, grey and white allow for the materials and textures to be the focus and create an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
Large windows: Large, square or rectangular paned windows create a warm and inviting ambiance. Signature black window frames add a sleek element to the traditional farmhouse aesthetic.
Interiors: Go classic or modern in your selections, choosing well proportioned, super-comfy pieces in neutral tones. Open plan living areas, soaring ceilings and large windows create a balance of grandeur with traditional charm.
Oblique™ Weatherboard
Oblique™ Weatherboard
Recommended products
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.
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: The wide grooves and design flexibility of board widths delivers drama and visual interest to barn facades.
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: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings and externally on eaves and soffits.
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
Dulux
Sandfly Point Half
Sandfly Point Half
Dulux
Southern Alps
Southern Alps
Dulux
Narrow Neck Quarter
Narrow Neck Quarter
Dulux
Western Springs
Western Springs
Dulux
Waverley
Waverley
Dulux
Colorsteel® Ironsand
Colorsteel® Ironsand
Interior
Dulux
Southern Alps
Southern Alps
Dulux
Narrow Neck Quarter
Narrow Neck Quarter
Dulux
Sandfly Point Half
Sandfly Point Half
Dulux
Midhirst Half
Midhirst Half
Dulux
Haast
Haast
Dulux
Waioeka
Waioeka
Oblique™ Weatherboard
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Feature case study
The Best of Both Worlds, Axon™ Panel Smooth
An impressive low-maintenance family home with a custom design that’s optimised for upscale country living close to the city.
The Design Handbook
BUILD YOUR MODERN LIFE
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. Whether you are planning a renovation, new build, or extension, this forecast will be an invaluable tool on your journey. Welcome to the James Hardie Design Handbook. It's time to Build Your Modern Life.
Where
To buy our products
Get
The James Hardie Product Guide
See
James Hardie's Modern Design Forecast