What Is Traditional Farmhouse Style?

With the rising popularity of the modern farmhouses, it is important to discuss the home’s original inspiration – the traditional farmhouse. To understand why we call it “modern”, we must first reacquaint ourselves with the characteristics of the traditional or classic farmhouse.

What Is Traditional Farmhouse Style?

The farmhouse style home has been part of American history. Traditionally, farmhouses were built on agricultural lands for those that owned and worked the land. These owners valued sturdy, practical and functional spaces and furnishings.

The traditional farmhouse style is relaxed and helps people surround themselves with things that make them feel good. It is a cozy and functional space. I read somewhere that the term farmhouse is not just a style of a home, rather, it represents a way of life.

Some characteristics of a traditional farmhouse are:

  • Simplicity – The homes are built simply and very adaptable. The simplicity of the structure makes it easy for an owner to add onto the property – such as porches, sheds, extensions.
  • Practical – With its origins in agricultural life, the homes were built for function.
  • Natural materials – Traditional farmhouses use a lot of wood and honest materials that connected the home to its unique environment.
  • Porches – Large porches are a way to transition people from farm life into home life. Porches also serve as a way to enjoy the outdoors while getting refuge from the sun and elements. From the large porches, residents of the home can enjoy the expansive views of their land.
  • Siding – The horizontal siding is signature in this style of home.
  • Hardwood flooring ¬– Traditional farmhouses boasts of wide plank hardwood flooring, but the flooring feels more natural not as perfect as modern wood floors.
  • Mud rooms – Mud rooms were another transition space from the farm into the home. This allowed the main entrance to be used for my formal purposes.
  • Painted paneled walls – Farm homes usually had paneled wood walls often times painted over.

Other signature elements:

  • Exposed wood beams – With wood being the most abundant supply of the time, it is very common to see beautiful, exposed beams that add to the earthy nature of a traditional farmhouse.
  • Farmhouse sink – Traditional farmhouse sinks are mostly made of porcelain.
  • Barn doors – Barn doors were created out of necessity and designed for functionality. Farmers typically did not have large budgets to build doors, so they built them using extra lumber laying around.
  • Simple and sturdy farmhouse table – This table is typically located in the kitchen and is simple and sturdy for its practical purposes – to eat meal.
  • Metal bed – As an alternative to wood, beds made of iron or brass are another traditional element of a classic farmhouse.
  • Claw bathtub – In the early days of the clawfoot bathtub, the tub was made out of cast iron.
  • Vintage furnishings – The furniture in a traditional farmhouse is typically well-used, vintage or antique.

Traditional Farmhouse Style Exterior Examples

Traditional Farmhouse Style Exterior

Traditional Farmhouse Style Exterior

Traditional Farmhouse Style Exterior

Traditional Farmhouse Style Interior Examples

Traditional Farmhouse Style Interior

Traditional Farmhouse Style Interior

The traditional farmhouse is a classic style of home that continues to live on. With its distinctive characteristics, it is easy to see how newer homes are built to incorporate these features in a modern way.

Is Traditional Farmhouse Going Out of Style?

The traditional farmhouse is a classic style of home that prefers function over form. This style of home will continue to have demand in agricultural areas where the indoors and outdoors need to have a symbiotic relationship.

With its distinctive characteristics, it is easy to see how newer homes are built to incorporate these features in a modern way. However, while the traditional farmhouse will continue to be an inspiration, this style will be less popular in cities and non-farming suburbs where the modern farmhouse style will prevail.

Recent Posts
What Is Traditional Farmhouse Style?
What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?
3 Important Reasons Why You Should Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before Starting to Shop for Homes in 2024
Contact
Hide
Contact Us
Cleveland, OH
Mon - Fri:
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat - Sun:
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
OH Lic.# 2019007501
Newport Beach, CA
Mon - Fri:
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat - Sun:
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
CA Lic.# 02051059
Houston, TX
Mon - Fri:
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat - Sun:
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
TX Lic.# 681214