Why Modern Farmhouse is the perfect style for flexible living arrangements
The Modern Farmhouse style continues to evolve and elevate its status, particularly among homeowners who want to achieve contemporary functionality. Once defined by rustic simplicity, the Modern Farmhouse design has since adapted to cater to modern needs, with flexible living solutions a chief requirement for multi-generational families and remote workers, in particular.
With expansive, open-plan layouts and versatile zoning options, Modern Farmhouse home plans can accommodate all sorts of living arrangements, from young families to retirees and extended households.
“Modern Farmhouse is one of our favourite house styles because it has such authenticity to it,” said Bonnie Hindmarsh from Three Birds Renovations, one of the talented renovating trio, which also includes Lana Taylor and Erin Cayless.
“It has that country charm but you have all the mod cons which come with the architectural design and fixtures and fittings, so it’s a perfect blend of characterful and modern,” said Bonnie.
In this article, we’ll explore:
• Exactly why the Modern Farmhouse style is perfect for flexible living
• How James Hardie’s portfolio of fibre cement exterior solutions can bring the timeless Modern Farmhouse style to life
Modern Farmhouse is the ultimate flexible living solution
Flexibility is something most homeowners demand these days. With more families living together – and for longer – as well as hybrid work and remote work becoming the rule rather than the exception, the modern farmhouse excels at delivering adaptable, multi-functional spaces.
Multi-generational living
Traditional Modern Farmhouse home plans tend to feature a single-storey design, which makes them ideal for elderly parents or family members who rely on accessibility. Some designs incorporate separate wings or guest suites, which add privacy while keeping family members close.
“With the Modern Farmhouse style you have separate areas, almost like wings and breakout rooms, which can offer an escape for teenagers or in-laws, or act as a study when working from home,” said Lana. “Then you also have a central space for bringing the family together, which is generally the kitchen and dining areas.”
Bonnie adds “connecting spaces through breezeways” is also common in Modern Farmhouse homes.
Flexible floorplans
The Modern Farmhouse style embraces open-plan living with large communal areas, yet also features quiet retreats like media rooms, second living areas and even oversized pantries that can be reimagined as workspaces.
“Flexible living is so important to consider in your floorplan,” said Erin. “Having a multi-purpose room in your home that can double as the media room, the study, or the bedroom is ideal.”
Seamless indoor-outdoor flow
Modern Farmhouse homes also emphasize a tangible connection to the outdoors. Expansive glazed windows and large verandahs blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, making entertaining and unwinding in nature a central theme to daily life.
“Verandahs, alfresco dining zones and lush gardens provide a connection to nature, perfect for unwinding after a long day,” said Lana.
“Meanwhile, large windows and skylights bring in abundant natural light, boosting mood and energy, while high ceilings and open-plan layouts enhance the feeling of space and freedom.”
Materials that are built to last
A Modern Farmhouse exterior needs to be built to stand up to the harsh Australian elements while at the same time delivering a timeless aesthetic. Resilient materials mean these homes are low maintenance, and, perhaps most important of all, help to future-proof the home.
Here’s what to prioritise in your own design:
Double-glazed windows and cross-ventilation: Regulate indoor temperatures and help reduce your family’s reliance on air conditioning.
Solar panels and battery: Help lower your energy costs while becoming more self-reliant.
Hardie™ fibre cement cladding: Fire resistant and resistant to damage from moisture and termites means this cladding is perfect for all Australian climates.
Powerful insulation: For thermal efficiency year-round.
Hybrid or engineered timber flooring: Gives you the warmth of natural wood while being longer-lasting and requiring less ongoing maintenance.
“Hardie™ fibre cement cladding is a game-changer. It’s built to last, resistant to fire, termite damage and moisture damage – making it perfect for Australia and New Zealand’s diverse landscapes,” says Lana.
Top products for the Modern Farmhouse finish
The Modern Farmhouse aesthetic balances classic charm with contemporary refinement, and exterior solutions by James Hardie will help achieve this look effortlessly:
Hardie™ Fine Texture Cladding: With its fine rendered finish and subtle elegance, this product complements the natural textures featured in Modern Farmhouse designs.
Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding: This cladding adds a contemporary twist to the traditional farmhouse aesthetic with its wide grooves and design flexibility.
Axon™ Cladding 400mm: The wider 400mm groove spacing option delivers an elegant look suited to Farmhouse homes.
Hardie™ Axent™ Trim: Adding definition to windows, doors, and corners, this product is ideal for accentuating the architectural details of Modern Farmhouse homes.
The future of home design in Australia
As our Modern Homes Forecast of 2025 shows, Modern Farmhouse architecture continues to dominate the latest house design trends thanks to its pure adaptability and aesthetic charm. So, whether you’re building a more traditional ranch style home or a truly modern farmhouse, James Hardie’s array of exterior and trim product lines will give you the perfect balance between durability and beauty.
For more insights on designing your dream Modern Farmhouse, download the Modern Farmhouse Handbook and read the Modern Homes Forecast 2025.
