Experience has taught us a thing or two about how we like to live in our homes here in WA. And one thing we have learnt over the years is that farmhouse design is as versatile as it is timeless.
The history of farmhouse design
Just look at how the traditional Australian homestead has changed over the years. Since Thomas Scott Plunkett built his first homes in Perth in 1903, the traditional redbrick design classic is still in demand. But now there’s a new breed of farmhouse designs in Perth to tempt those in search of country comfort. It still has the purity and simplicity we’ve always loved about the classic old homestead, but it’s grown more in tune to modern Australian living with farmhouse floor plans now including the modern day functionalities we know and love such as open-plan living.
What is the modern country style home?
With its fresh white walls, stonework and high-pitched roofline, the modern farmhouse sums up everything we love about the evolution of farmhouse design. Today’s farmhouse floor plans effortlessly find the balance between a rural lifestyle and the demands of today’s busy family. While there will always be a place in our hearts for traditional country-collection designs, fresher designs such as the Colorado are appealing to a new breed of buyers in search of a country retreat. With all the modern luxuries and sleek finishes that today’s buyers love.
The process of creating modern farmhouse designs in Perth
1. Assessing the property block
It’s the setting that’s generally the starting point for one of our homestead or farmhouse designs. If someone is choosing a block of land for the lifestyle it offers them, then it’s our job as designer and builder to complement that setting, not to reinvent it. From views across a valley to a leafy parkland outlook, the modern farmhouse floor plans are all about connecting with nature on the doorstep.
2. Environmental factors
There’s often an environmental consideration to factor in. Many clients building on a rural or semi-rural block are keen to minimise their environmental footprint, and they might look at what their house is built from as well as how it’s built. They’ll often want to make sure they are minimising their use of resources such as water and power.
3. Leaning in to the escapism
Whether you’re heading for a quarter acre or more in the hills, it’s fair to say that this is a style that plays to the emotions. It’s the dream of a rural idyll where we can escape the rat race and find the peace and serenity we crave. When we consider our farmhouse designs, we are careful to account for these desires, creating idyllic spaces that feel like retreats.
4. Fitting the Australian lifestyle
But emotion is all very well, we hear you say. A verandah out the back and an old rocking chair and all that. But what about the practical day-to-day demands that today’s families places on modern country style homes? Is it possible to balance the sentimental with the functional?
You bet it is.
How we make contemporary farmhouse design come alive in our modern country style homes
We keep it simple
What’s not to love about big open-plan spaces where the family can come together? Uncomplicated, with no wasted rooms, the farmhouse floor plans of a country-inspired home usually features a central living space with sleeping quarters off to each side. Spaces can be designated for specific activities or kept multi-purpose as required. The straightforward floor plan means the home can be pushed and pulled as needed during the design phase. A private sitting room for the grandparents when they come to stay? No problem. An office for the budding entrepreneur? Sure.
Add a contemporary kitchen
Here we have the perfect opportunity to marry traditional home style with all the mod cons. A classic U-shaped kitchen works a treat, but a galley-style layout works just as well. Today’s island bench is becoming yesterday’s kitchen table or butcher’s block.
Don’t forget the larder
Country-style homes often encourage a keener focus on living well and enjoying wholesome, organic food. Perhaps there’s even a veggie patch and chooks in the backyard. In days gone by, the larder was certainly the family’s store cupboard, where bottles of homemade pasta sauce were kept, along with ingredients for everything from the Sunday roast to homemade cake for afternoon tea. In today’s modern country style homes, the larder, scullery or walk-in pantry is just as important, but you’ll probably find the latest kitchen gadgets, mixers and blenders on its shelves. Power sockets mean your labour-saving appliances can be used in situ, not only making life easier in the kitchen, but also keeping the benchtops clutter-free.
Strike a inside/outside balance
Living on a lifestyle block is an open invitation to engage with the outdoors. You don’t want to just look at it, you want to throw open the doors and let in the breeze. In the latest farmhouse designs, capturing views is paramount. Big windows and doors that open up to sweeping verandahs, outdoor decks are a must. Entertaining areas that take into account the environment and the season to just listen to all that peace and quiet.
Transform the space to an eco retreat
The master suite in a modern country home feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Many take inspiration from South West resorts that blend contemporary bedroom and bathroom design with natural materials for a welcome sense of calm and tranquillity. This is your sanctuary and the rest of the world can wait a while.
