Which Farmhouse Style is Right for You? A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Match

Black Creek II House Plan

Choosing the right farmhouse style is all about finding the perfect balance of comfort, charm, and character. Each farmhouse plan style has its unique features - some have cozy rustic bits, and others have clean, modern lines.

In this guide, we’ll go into some of the most popular styles so you can get to know the farmhouse ideas, features, and designs that make each one special.

So, let’s dive into the details so you can find the perfect farmhouse style for your dream home! 

What is a Farmhouse?

First things first - what even is a farmhouse? Well, a farmhouse is more than just a house - it’s a home that’s warm, practical, and inviting.

Originally, farmhouses were built for farmers and their families and designed for everyday life on the land. The layout was simple, with big rooms for the family to gather, work, and spend time together. Sturdy materials like wood, stone, and brick were used for durability, and wide porches were used as a place to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

Today’s farmhouse style has that same cozy feel but with a few modern changes. Traditional features are very much alive, like wooden beams and shiplap walls, but now they’re paired with modern elements like open floor plans, big windows, and sleek finishes. Farmhouses today feel open, inviting, and full of character, blending the best of the past with the convenience of now.

Some farmhouses go for a vintage look, others a clean, modern vibe. Want to learn more about them? Let’s get into the most popular styles so you can find the farmhouse style that’s yours and make your dream home a reality!

If any of these farmhouse styles get you excited, check out Archival Designs’ farmhouse plans! We have designs to bring the cozy practicality of farmhouse style into your dream home. 

1. Traditional Farmhouse

Let’s start with the “original” one - a traditional farmhouse. The traditional farmhouse is as classic as it gets. This style keeps the charm and simplicity of old farmhouses, making it feel grounded and familiar. 

Picture a home with a simple shape and a wide front porch where you can sit and unwind. This style is all about creating a cozy, welcoming space that feels timeless.

Traditional farmhouses usually have separate rooms for each function, giving a sense of privacy and structure. This layout is different from the open-concept trend, as it keeps each room distinct, creating a cozy feel. The details in a traditional farmhouse are all about natural warmth, like wood beams, wide front porches, and inviting finishes that make the home feel lived-in.

Here are the key features:

• Simple Shape: Traditional farmhouses usually have a straightforward rectangular or square shape. This layout keeps things practical and easy to move around, with a classic look that’s both comfortable and welcoming.
• Steep Roof: A steep roof helps rain and snow slide off easily and gives the farmhouse its signature look. This design also adds height, making the house feel open and full of character.
• Wide Front Porch: The big front porch is a farmhouse staple. It’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy the view, and spend quality time outside with family.
• Natural Wood and Distressed Finishes: Inside, you’ll see natural wood on beams, floors, and furniture, adding warmth to every room. Distressed finishes give the home a cozy, lived-in feel, making each space feel inviting and personal.

The traditional farmhouse style is perfect for anyone who loves the look of a classic, timeless home that feels welcoming and easy to live in. 

2. Modern Farmhouse

The modern farmhouse is a newer twist on the classic style, blending the warmth of farmhouse design with a more open, sleek look. Modern farmhouses use lots of light, simple lines, and natural elements that make the space feel both welcoming and fresh. This style appeals to those who enjoy a clean, uncluttered space that still feels cozy and inviting.

Unlike the traditional layout, modern farmhouses often have open floor plans. This means the kitchen, living, and dining areas flow together, creating a spacious, airy feel. Large windows and neutral colors help make the home feel bright, while small touches of color add life without overwhelming the space.

Key features of the modern farmhouse:

• Open Layout with Clean Lines: Modern farmhouses have open spaces that feel connected and spacious. Simple, clean lines in cabinets and shelves keep the look neat and uncluttered, making the home feel bright and roomy.
• Large Windows for Natural Light: Big windows are a must in modern farmhouses, letting in plenty of natural light. This keeps rooms feeling fresh and open, with a bright, cheerful vibe throughout the home.
• Neutral Colors with Pops of Color: Most rooms stick to neutral colors like whites and grays, which create a calm feel. Small pops of color in pillows, rugs, or artwork add personality and keep things lively.
• Industrial and Rustic Touches: Modern farmhouses often feature industrial touches like metal lights, subway tiles, or concrete surfaces. Paired with warm wood floors and distressed furniture, these elements add balance and warmth to the space.

A perfect example of this style would be this amazing Cranberry Gardens House plan, which perfectly captures the essence of everything a modern farmhouse should be! 

The modern farmhouse style is ideal for those who want a fresh, open home that combines farmhouse charm with a contemporary feel.

3. Rustic Farmhouse

The rustic farmhouse style is all about creating a space that feels warm, comfortable, and full of character. This style embraces natural textures and vintage details, giving each room an earthy, lived-in look. It’s the kind of home that feels cozy from the moment you walk in, with every corner showing a bit of history and charm.

Rustic farmhouses focus on using natural materials like wood, stone, and metal, often with a distressed finish that gives each piece a sense of age and personality. This style is perfect for anyone who wants a relaxed, grounded home that’s filled with character.

Key features and must-haves of rustic farmhouse style:

• Barn Doors and Wooden Beams: Barn doors add charm and are practical, too, while wooden beams on the ceiling give the room character and warmth. These details are key to the rustic feel, making the home cozy and grounded.
• Natural Materials and Earthy Colors: Wood, stone, and metal are used throughout rustic farmhouses. These natural materials bring warmth and texture, while earthy colors like brown, beige, and green create a calm, natural vibe.
• Distressed Wood and Vintage Pieces: Distressed wood in furniture and decor give the home a cozy, lived-in feel. Vintage pieces, like old tables or trunks, add character, making each room unique and full of personality.
• Cozy Textures and Details: Soft textures like wool rugs, knit blankets, and throw pillows make the space feel extra inviting. These cozy touches create a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home.

So, if you want a warm, welcoming home that feels connected to nature and filled with personality, the rustic farmhouse style is for you. 

Just imagine pulling off in front of this Dos Riatas Ranch House, prepared to relax during the hot summer days! A dream. 

4. European Farmhouse

Now, this one is a little bit different! The European farmhouse brings together rustic charm and elegance, creating a timeless look that feels both cozy and refined. This style often includes elements like stone exteriors, wooden beams, and arched doorways, adding an old-world feel to the space. European farmhouses feel grounded and warm, with a touch of sophistication that sets them apart.

This style balances natural materials with elegant details, making the home feel rich. European farmhouses work well for people who want a home that feels connected to history but is still comfortable for modern life.

Here are the features that define it: 

• Stone Exterior for a Lasting Look: Stone walls or accents give the home a solid, grounded feel. This timeless look makes the house feel sturdy and adds a classic touch, like something straight from the European countryside.
• Wooden Beams and Arched Doorways: Exposed beams and arched doorways bring a mix of charm and elegance. These touches make the home feel cozy and warm, with a hint of old-world grace.
• Soft Colors with Pops of Brightness: Neutral colors like soft grays or beiges keep the space calm and inviting. Small pops of bright color in pillows, artwork, or flowers add life and make the room feel fresh and cheerful.
• Vintage and Industrial Touches: Pieces like vintage furniture, old mirrors, or metal lights add character. These details give the home depth and make each room feel unique and full of personality.

This style is ideal for anyone who wants a cozy, elegant home that feels timeless and full of charm. It’s not your typical farmhouse, that’s for sure, but it still brings that same vibe and “earthy’’ feeling. 

5. Cottage Farmhouse

The cottage farmhouse combines the charm of a cozy cottage with the warmth of farmhouse style. It’s smaller in scale, but don’t let that fool you - it’s still filled with character, making it perfect for those who love an intimate, inviting home. Cottage farmhouses often feature bright colors, unique vintage pieces, and a layout that feels comfortable and easygoing.

In a cottage farmhouse, every detail counts. Each room feels like its own cozy retreat, with colors and textures that make the space come alive. This style is ideal for anyone who enjoys a home filled with personality, where each space feels distinct and inviting.

Here's what makes them stand out:

• Compact, Cozy Layout: Cottage farmhouses are usually on the smaller side, giving them a cozy, close-knit feel. Rooms are tucked close together, making the space feel connected and easy to move around.
• Bright Colors and Vintage Furniture: Splashes of color on walls or in decor bring the space to life, while vintage furniture adds a touch of charm and history to each room.
• Wooden Floors and White Walls: Warm wooden floors add a natural feel, and white walls keep things bright and open. Together, they make each room feel fresh and welcoming.
• Accent Colors for Personality: Little pops of color in pillows, rugs, or artwork add personality. These small touches make the home feel vibrant and full of character.

Cottage farmhouses are ideal for anyone looking for a smaller, more intimate space that’s packed with charm and unique touches. Just look at this Mill Creek Cottage House plan! It checks all the boxes on the list. 

If you’re thinking about building a house close to nature, this one is for you! 

6. Country Farmhouse

Now, this one may seem “cottage-like” by the name, but it’s far more modern than that! 

The country farmhouse style captures the relaxed, easygoing spirit of rural life. This style feels open, natural, and inviting, with big spaces for gathering, natural materials, and lots of natural light. A country farmhouse is designed to be lived in and enjoyed, making it perfect for those who love the simple comforts of the countryside.

Country farmhouses often feature a spacious porch, big windows, and cozy interiors that feel connected to the outdoors. The style emphasizes warmth and simplicity, creating a home that feels comfortable and grounded.

Here are the key features of a country farmhouse: 

• Wraparound Porch for Outdoor Living: A large wraparound porch hugs the house, giving you plenty of space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. This classic feature makes the home feel open, inviting, and connected to nature.
• Farmhouse Sinks and Clapboard Walls: Inside, details like big farmhouse sinks and clapboard walls bring a simple, rustic feel. These touches keep the look authentic and grounded, adding to the home’s charm.
• Natural Light and Vintage Furniture: Big windows flood the rooms with natural light, making each space feel bright and airy. Vintage furniture adds warmth and character, giving every room its own unique charm.
• Neutral Colors with Pops of Color: Soft tones like white, beige, and gray create a calm atmosphere, while small pops of color add personality to the decor, keeping things lively but relaxed.

Country farmhouses are a great choice for anyone who loves a simple, comfortable home with a relaxed feel.

7. Southern Farmhouse

The Southern farmhouse style is known for its charm, grace, and a touch of elegance. It combines classic farmhouse elements with the warmth and tradition of Southern hospitality. 

In a Southern farmhouse, you’ll find an emphasis on comfort, style, and functionality. It’s a home that feels welcoming and elegant, with spaces designed to bring people together.

Here’s what you’ll see inside a Southern farmhouse: 

• Large Front Porches with Columns: Southern farmhouses often have big porches with columns, creating a grand and welcoming entrance. This porch is perfect for enjoying warm days outside with friends and family.
• High Ceilings and Spacious Rooms: High ceilings make each room feel open and airy, adding a touch of elegance. The spacious rooms are great for gatherings, giving the home a comfortable, grand feel.
• Formal Dining Rooms for Entertaining: A formal dining room is a staple in many Southern farmhouses, perfect for family dinners and hosting guests. It brings a bit of Southern tradition and charm to the home.
• Shutters and Symmetrical Design: Shutters and a balanced, symmetrical design add a classic look to Southern farmhouses, making the exterior feel polished and refined.

This style is ideal for those who appreciate elegance and warmth, with a touch of traditional Southern charm.

Choose Your Farmhouse Style Today!

So, there you have it - the most popular farmhouse styles of today! Each style brings its character to a home. Some focus on the charm of rustic details, while others add a modern twist or a touch of elegance. 

Don’t forget, choosing the right style is about finding the look and feel that match your vision of home, and not just blindly following trends. Trust us, with so many options, there’s surely a farmhouse style out there that’s just right for you! 

And remember, the Archival Designs team is always here to answer questions and provide guidance. If you’d like to learn more about farmhouse plans or need advice on choosing the best design, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to make the journey to your dream home smooth and enjoyable.