Living in Colorado

Custom Modern Farmhouses Provide Respect + Comfort in the Greater Denver Area

As Denver's vintage city and suburban neighborhoods continue to evolve, and also struggle with low available housing inventory, many homebuyers are opting to build custom homes. From very modern + clean lines to more traditional-looking bungalows, there is one trend that seems to be here to stay:  Modern Farmhouses fit in with existing homes, have fantastic curb appeal, and their open floor-plans provide all of the usability and aesthetic appeal that today's buyers are craving.

This example was constructed near the University of Denver by Taylor'd Urban Properties, and was represented by West + Main Realtor Doug Sutton.

To get the modern farmhouse look on your exterior, crisp paint colors are key. Black, white, natural wood, or a combination of the three are typically seen. Here the "country" elements of board and batten are off-set with a high gloss black painted door, modern house numbers and an industrial-inspired light fixture.

According to Lonny Magazine, "Modern farmhouse style is, in a lot of ways, the best of several trends from the last few years. This look takes the best of "rustic," a touch of industrial, and the sleek elegance of "modern." It's sophisticated, without feeling pretentious or unapproachable, and it's inviting enough that you feel like you can kick back and relax." 

The best part about the Modern Farmhouse look is that there isn't a particular percentage that you have to do each part in. If you want the rustic elements to be featured less than the industrial, that's fine! Here modern and industrial are showcased with little pops of wood and other rustic elements sprinkled about.

What Is Classic Farmhouse

According to The Spruce, Classic farmhouse evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. It's traditional without being fussy, classic without being like a museum, and comfortable in a way that makes you want to put your feet up and stay awhile.  Classic farmhouse is all about mixing comfortable furniture with salvaged materials like reclaimed wood. Antiques are right at home in classic farmhouse interiors, but none that are too delicate to touch. Everything is tactile and tangible. Most of all, classic farmhouse is cozy without being cluttered.

Classic farmhouse is similar to country style, but whereas country tends to lean a little towards kitschy, farmhouse retains a certain level of sophistication. Country relies heavily on accessories while farmhouse keeps them to a minimum.

Common Elements

In every classic farmhouse you'll find a combination of some of the below elements.

• Reclaimed wood
• Barnboard details 
• Big, comfortable furniture
• Architectural salvage
• Pine furniture
• Wrought iron accents
• Wide plank floors
• Vintage accessories

Get the Look

The key to achieving a classic farmhouse look is all about comfort. Furniture should invite you to sit down, and nothing should look as though it's too delicate to touch.

There's a down home feeling that invites a sense of laughter and fun.

• Start with a color palette of warm or cool neutrals (cream, beige, silver sage and grey all work well), then layer in some natural wood tones. Look for salvaged woods that have some wear and tear whenever possible. Scratches, knots, and nicks add to the authenticity of the look.
• Feel free to use colors you're fond of as accent pieces, but in order to stay true to the look try to keep the overall color scheme neutral (or light colors).
• Be sure to use a variety of textures in order to give the look some depth. Mix woods and metals, but also mix fabrics like cotton, canvas, wool, chenille, or whatever else you like. Since classic farmhouse is largely made up of neutral colors you'll need a mix of textures to keep the space from looking flat.
• Layer in some mixed metals by way of light fixtures, hardware, and architectural details like railings. As a general rule it's best to limit it to no more than three metals per room.
• Use organic materials in order to keep the space feeling as though it's connected to the outdoors. Wood floors and architectural details are best, but also consider introducing stone, wicker, rattan, sisal and other natural materials wherever it makes sense.
• Accessories are an important element, but under no circumstances should you overdo it and try to squeeze in too many. A few well-placed accessories that are given room to breathe are all you need to complete the look.