Modern farmhouse architectural design: clean, natural, spacious
GMT Home Designs, Inc.
A New England architecture firm, practicing user-centered design for residential and light commercial projects.
by Glenn M. Travis, Principal, GMT Home Design
New England's low stone walls are famous. While they look amazing, these stones hint at the story of farming in this region.
Early colonists faced not just a short growing season, but also seriously rocky soil. Those picturesque walls were built from rocks tilled (or frost-heaved) out of the ground, one at a time.? The tough ground meant early colonial farming was more about subsistence than about getting rich, and lower income in the rural farming areas of our states led to simple, rustic houses.
Despite those humble origins, today the Modern Farmhouse is an in-demand style of architectural design, not just here but all over the U.S. For GMT, it's up at the top of the list of customer requests, alongside Shingle Style homes. No doubt shows like Fixer Upper have helped raise the profile of this design. But it's also a clean, natural style that has enduring appeal and rarely looks 'dated'.?
These older local farmhouses typically featured steep roofs to shed heavy snow, large front porches for relaxing, and functional spaces like the NE-favorite mud room. Of course, the modern version combines that rustic charm with modern convenience and, often, high-end features.