Six Reasons Why This Practical, Simple & Clean Architectural Style is Perfect For Modern Living
— Historic Division, Southampton Town Clerk
"The American farmhouse was a functional home before it was an architectural style."
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When we built our home in East Hampton over 16 years ago, we took inspiration from this home above--a Sagaponack Farmhouse--popular in the East End of Long Island and built throughout the 1700s. There are many houses like this in eastern Long Island, which were set close to the road on the edge of what was once farmland. We favor the clean lines and simplicity--the cedar shakes, simple architectural trim, and the symmetry. It is both perfect for a rural setting as well as a beach community. This style of architecture has long been one of my most favorites for its versatility, and although it has improved and changed over the years, the style keeps with its simple and practical roots.
Ironically, what could be more modern than that?
Ironically, what could be more modern than that?
this is our home in East Hampton,
a modern rendition of a typical Farmhouse Style
a modern rendition of a typical Farmhouse Style
A lil' history about Farmhouse Style Homes:
Originally harkening back to the farms of Scandinavia and Germany, the Farmhouse style of architecture first cropped up in rural areas in order for farmers to live on their property and within close proximity to the land they tilled. Sturdily built, the architecture takes cues from many other styles, and the early settlers in the United States were inspired by the Cape Cod, Salt Box, Colonial, Greek Revival and Southern Plantation style homes. Many of these homes were built by the homeowners rather than designed by an architect, therefore they have a practical bent. The popularity grew steadily in the united States due to the style being void of frills and keeping with a symmetrical framework.
During the early days these homes were quite simple without running water and electricity, but after the Great Depression, the American Farmhouse rapidly changed. These newer versions boasted electricity, wood burning stoves, indoor plumbing, wooden clapboard siding, many set with pastoral and water views, white paint, covered porches, wide board wood floors, dormer windows, cedar shakes, lower ceiling heights and cozy room sizes but with expansive kitchens. All of these features lend themselves well to a modern lifestyle.
Six Facts
About a Farmhouse-Style Home Worth Noting...
photographs I took from our home in Springs, East Hampton
1. The wainscoting, paneling and simpler architectural detailing holds a modern aesthetic.
2. Cedar shakes/shingles wear well over time when exposed to weather elements then darken naturally to a nice, dark grey patina that does not require much maintenance.
3. Designed with the public rooms in front and utility spaces in the back (laundry room, kitchen, storage, pantries) the farmhouse style is created to utilize a smaller footprint.
4. The larger kitchens are perfect for entertaining and maintaining. Here in our cottage we have a vaulted dining room/kitchen which allows us to host large groups even though the home is smaller.
5. Farmhouse style homes show lots of white painted trim, moldings and wainscoting which feels clean and edited, and a perfect style for a beach house.
6. Low set windows and foundations puts the dweller's vision within close proximity to the garden and outdoors.
*Interesting to note--the original popularity of a front porch in a Farmhouse style home was to encourage the "farmer" to leave his muddy boots outdoors.
Happy Nesting
XO Tamara
sources:
aaqeastend.com
hgtv.com
realtor.com
