FOR OLD TIME’S SAKE
In a hyper-modern world obsessed with the latest tech, trends and gadgets, it is often a relief to throw back to times of old. Ranch- and farmhouse-style homes are a nostalgic dreamland for us sentimental softies, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about these charming designs. Here, Sydney Home Design + Living’s Penny Robinson talks all things ranch and farmhouse-style homes, including the latest design trends and the best tips and tricks for modernising these architectural classics, with Liam Evans, Director of Castlegate Homes.
Written by Penny Robinson
The farmhouse style we adore today has its roots in centuries of European history. Originating in Germany and Scandinavia, farmhouses and ranch-style homes first began as properties that provided shelter for those who lived or worked on the land. Built for functionality and durability, the iconic design of these homes made its way to America in the 1700s and there grew from purposeful, useful housing into its own unique and distinct architectural style. Now, these farmhouse homes are emerging from rural areas and appearing in urban environments. Fortunately for modern homeowners, these rustic spaces have adapted to contemporary times, and there’s no need to sacrifice the luxuries of today when building or renovating a farmhouse or ranch-style home.
A REFRESHING CHANGE
There is an art form to creating a balanced blend of rustic, vintage aesthetics with modern, contemporary styles. Offering some wisdom, Harrod advises that moderation and consistency are key to creating a design that presents a harmonious blend of the old and new. “Don’t go overboard. Keep [your design] consistent with what you’re working with.” When renovating or extending an existing build, consider what materials can be saved and complemented with new, modern styles. From exposing the original brickwork to refurbishing the existing floorboards, the bones of your home have plenty to offer in terms of character. Giving these features new life or incorporating recycled materials into your new build or extension in combination with the clean, minimalist lines of your modern build can add a unique charm and individuality to your design.
Many renovations and extensions pose the question of either blending the two aesthetics throughout or creating a clear divide between them. Often homeowners will “rip everything out and start again, but still keep the full archways, [big cornices] and older doors, freshen the house up and give it a bit of a revamp”, Harrod explains. But once the existing home is refreshed, there is the choice of carrying these revitalised features into the new extension “or go completely modern with square-set ceilings, skylights, super-high ceilings, and modern kitchen”, Harrod says.
While this change in style presents a new and exciting home aesthetic and allows for the inclusion of many modern luxuries, it does not negate any opportunities to create cohesion throughout your home. From your choice of fittings and materials to the colour palette used throughout your renovation, there are many ways to unify your existing home with a new, ultra-modern addition. Carrying through matching raised ceilings can allow for a fusion of styles, and with architectural features such as freshly painted open rafters or panelled feature walls, you can give a nod to the history of the existing home while still maintaining the modern, airy aesthetic of the new extension.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Whether you’re seeking an aesthetic change, building a new home for your young family or planning a property in which to age gracefully, farmhouse- and ranch-style homes are perfect for all variations and stages of life and are easily adaptable to all that life entails. Although not a strict rule, these designs often have a single storey, making it an optimum choice for families with young children or those with mobility issues. They also offer seamless indoor-outdoor living, with wide open spaces that typically lead out to a backyard or porch area for alfresco entertaining. “Verandas are a must-have when it comes to farmhouse design,” Evans explains. “I feel that the veranda [if it includes the front door] must include a gable roof. An auxiliary veranda can be of a flat roof construction,” he says. These open floor plans also maximise the natural light that will flow through the large windows that regularly feature in farmhouse designs, while also simplifying the everyday functioning of busy, modern life.
It’s equally important that the exterior of these builds effortlessly complements the farmhouse interiors. Evans suggests possible styles for the exterior can include wall panelling, or rendered or bagged brickwork; he also recommends the addition of awnings over windows and prominent front patios. “There are a number of details that must feature on a ranch or farmhouse. These include COLORBOND roofing, gable roof construction, and external stone and decorative timber work. Sometimes this can be stained timber or painted,” Evans explains. “Exposed timber beams that are stained are a must-have in the ranch home. These are superficial design features that can help enhance the charm of ranch and farmhouse homes,” he says.
In terms of interiors, the materials, shapes and colours you use are paramount to the design when embarking on a farmhouse- or ranch-style build. Similar to the modern, stripped-back style of interiors that is currently in vogue, Evans explains that the contemporary farmhouse aesthetic “is quite minimalistic, meaning a simple colour palette and subtle external wall finishes”, with a focus on light, neutral tones, go a long way to achieving this classic look. Evans also suggests that “lining boards on the ceiling and wall panelling are popular trends within the farmhouse look” as exposed rafters and timber features help to create a stunning, classic-modern farmhouse aesthetic.
A BREAK WITH TRADITION
There are also plenty of tricks to maintaining a ranch or farmhouse look while incorporating the modern necessities of contemporary life. Colonial bars or grills are an effective and easy addition to windows that “emphasise the farmhouse look” while adding “a touch of modern luxury, without taking away the charming farmhouse aesthetic,” says Evans. Subway tiles can also be incorporated into farmhouse bathrooms to maximise functionality without affecting the rustic feel of the space.
The inclusion of integrated appliances is also a fantastic and worthwhile touch, Evans explains. Integrated appliances “keep the modern look of stainless steel or black appliances out [of these spaces]”, which is a helpful trick in kitchen and living areas where modern technologies are most on display. Evans suggests investing in a recess to house a wall-mounted television, as this is a good way to avoid the television being so profound on the wall. On a similar note, “the introduction of a traditional fireplace mantle helps a typical modern styled fireplace unit [in the living room] align with the farmhouse aesthetic,” explains Evans. One of many tips he has up his sleeve, Evans also advises the inclusion of feature lights as trademark features of farmhouse designs, as these provide a nice balance between contemporary and charming rustic design.
Smaller features like tapware, cabinetry handles and brass details also do a lot of design work for you with minimal hassle, as these accents exude farmhouse vibes without compromising on modern comforts or adding heavy colours into the design. There’s also no need to worry about sourcing the right materials complicating your build, as Evans states that Castlegate Homes currently has a ranch-style home under construction and “the sourcing of rustic materials has been enjoyable, and these items will be a feature piece to the build”. If you’re interested in a home design that echoes simpler times without giving up the luxuries that make modern life more manageable, then speaking to experts like Castlegate Homes is the perfect first step. With the right advice, and a dedicated professional, creating your dream farmhouse or rustic-style home has never been easier.