When you begin your home search, your LW Reedy real estate agent may ask you what styles of homes you like. You may not have given this much though before, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. Keep in mind that home style is different from home features (four bedrooms, three baths, big backyard, etc.).
Recognizing and understanding the differences between various home styles, such as Cape Cod, Colonial, Modern and Tudor makes it much easier to communicate your style preferences to your real estate agent, making your home search more efficient and successful.
This newest edition of our Real Estate 101: House Styles Series explores the Modern Farmhouse home style and the features that make this home unique from any other style. Those who appreciate the blend of contemporary, clean architectural styles with traditional, cozy, rural home design, will find a Modern Farmhouse appealing. Its interior design features an open layout with clean, uncluttered features and a neutral color palette.
If the often-white exterior combined with black-framed windows and an inviting front porch stand out to your design preferences, the modern farmhouse style may be just the home you’re searching for.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN FARMHOUSE
Today’s modern farmhouse style homes often feature simple peaked roofs, from moderate to steep pitches. Roofs may be all metal or feature accents of metal on porches and small overhangs while using traditional shingles on the main roof. The clean, smooth lines of a Modern Farmhouse often stand out in neighborhoods where traditional architecture dominates the landscape.
Unlike Cape Cods, Modern Farmhouses often have minimal or no dormers. The home’s siding is most often a white, vertical board and batten. The welcoming front porch is a simple square design with minimal railing or decoration. Under the porch roof, a simple natural wood ceiling often adorns the underside, setting the stage for entering the home through a beautiful natural wood front door, all highlighting that natural, neutral palette that Modern Farmhouses do so well.
Windows of a Modern Farmhouse are large, unadorned (no grids or mullions) and often feature matte black frames that are a direct contrast to the white, light siding. Symmetry is often seen in the Modern Farmhouse window placement and the large windows allow plenty of light into these homes, making them feel airy and open. You’ll notice that these homes forgo decorative window shutters often found on Colonial- and Tudor-style homes.
The exterior of chimneys may or may not feature natural, neutral brick accents. Foundations may also feature this same brick style for continuity and clean lines. The brick or stone accents do not stand out and may even be painted the same white as the siding. The outside blends as one in a Modern Farmhouse design.
WHAT MAKES A MODERN FARMHOUSE UNIQUE?
Though the Modern Farmhouse design draws inspiration from early American farmhouses, Modern Farmhouses of today have generally been built in the last 15-20 years or so. You will find them built primarily within newer subdivisions or in established neighborhoods as infill building on previously empty lots or replacing outdated existing housing.
The style has evolved to fit the way that modern families live. The informal, open style with low-maintenance exteriors matches what homebuyers desire today: casual lifestyles. Homeowners today have less time and ability to maintain exteriors and upkeep fancy landscaping. The open layout caters to busy families looking to have everyone together in one place for the fleeting moments when schedules do coincide.
Interiors feature natural wood floors, cabinets, or ceiling beam accents, light or white interior walls, natural stone fireplaces, and often barn doors and industrial-style light fixtures. Stairs are often natural wood with straight lines. Carpeting, wallpaper, fancy fixtures, carved wood, and details are missing in Modern Farmhouse design allowing for ease of cleaning.
Landscaping around Modern Farmhouses leans to clean and uncluttered as well. Clustered plantings of the same type of plant are common. Grasses lend a vertical accent to the homes. Native planting is preferred to continue the trend of low maintenance, reliable exterior elements.
UPDATING MODERN FARMHOUSES FOR TODAY
The ability to update a Modern Farmhouse is available for anyone to customize to their liking.
Because most of these homes are relatively new, modern and durable finishes with classic, clean styling have been installed and may not look dated to most homebuyers. Natural wood, natural stone, simple black framed windows, and white interiors and exteriors continue to appeal to the greatest number of homebuyers today.
Basements exist on many of these homes and may or may not already be finished. That area may be left for you to personalize to your tastes.
LIFESTYLE
Modern Farmhouses often have flexible living spaces allowing for first-floor primary bedrooms that can appeal to all ages of homeowners. The open floor plan of a Modern Farmhouse is perfect for entertaining large groups so those drawn to hosting may find the home very appealing. Families especially enjoy the homes as they have room for everyone to gather, but often include plentiful bedrooms and bathrooms to allow a private space for every member of the family, too.
Those moving from older homes appreciate the modern amenities, low maintenance exterior, and ease of upkeep inside. Keep in mind that many Modern Farmhouses have a large footprint of square footage and though bigger, may be more efficient to heat and cool than older homes of similar size.
PRICE POINTS
Depending upon the location and condition of a Modern Farmhouse home in the Chicago area, prices for these open layout homes vary. Many of the homes are newer, larger, and move-in ready and therefore can command top dollar. Updated homes that adopt the Modern Farmhouse style can vary in size and price point.
Due to Modern Farmhouses being newer, most are move-in ready and in good condition, requiring little to no updating which can save homebuyers money in the long run.
If a Modern Farmhouse sounds like the type of home you’d enjoy owning, contact one of our LW Reedy agents to discuss your homebuying needs.
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If you have questions about Elmhurst and the surrounding communities or are getting ready for a move, contact your local LW Reedy real estate agent today.
