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From Three Birds Renovations:
‘The Modern Farmhouse
aesthetic beautifully balances
timeless charm with
contemporary functionality.
It captures the warmth
and character of country
living while integrating the
modern conveniences and
efficiencies of a new build.’

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In this handbook, Bonnie Hindmarsh,
Erin Cayless, and Lana Taylor
from Three Birds Renovations will
guide you in achieving the Modern
Farmhouse exterior look and creating
the welcoming feel of a traditional
farmhouse. Their design approach
offers homeowners a true sense of
space, connection, and relaxation every
time they walk through the front door.

As part of our 2025 Design Handbook series,
we've teamed up celebrated renovators,
Three Birds Renovations, to craft a stunning
Modern Farmhouse facade and floor plan.
Known for their down-to-earth, relatable
and accessible approach to design, they
bring their signature magic to every project.
Get ready for a layout that’s as functional
as it is beautiful.

Meet your guide
<h2>Three Birds Renovations</h2>

Facade & floorplan designed byThree Birds Renovations

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Balancing grandeur with traditional charm, the
Modern Farmhouse, clad here with Hardie™ Oblique™
Cladding in alternating 200mm and 300mm widths,
combines clean lines, gabled rooflines, and a mix
of natural textures like timber and stone.

Design Handbook 2025

02,Modern Farmhouse

Ready to specify Hardie™ fibre cement products in your next project?

James Hardie exterior cladding products are perfectly
suited to Modern Farmhouse designs, delivering the
classic charm of timber with the durability of fibre cement.
This combination makes our cladding ideal for achieving
a crisp, clean aesthetic with long-lasting performance.
Available in smooth or textured finishes, the range pairs
beautifully with the contrasting tones and bold trims
typical of Modern Farmhouse exteriors.

The shallow and narrow grooves with slanted edges offer the fine detail of a vertical joint panels without the hassles of timber.

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The texture reminiscent of fine render puts focus on the building’s form and distinguishes the box shapes.

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Complementary Products

A Modern Farmhouse should be
built to withstand the elements
while maintaining its timeless
appeal. The team at Three Birds
Renovations loves using James
Hardie cladding, saying ‘It gives
that beautiful farmhouse feel but
without the maintenance of timber.’
Unlike traditional materials, Hardie™
exterior cladding products offer
high thermal performance, fire
resistance, and durability, making
it an ideal choice for Australia and
New Zealand’s varied climates. It
helps regulate indoor temperatures,
provides superior protection against
harsh weather conditions, and

ensures the home remains low-
maintenance and long-lasting.

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‘We used HardieTM ObliqueTM Cladding
because it is reminiscent of wide timber
planks you might see on a traditional
farmhouse, without the maintenance of
timber, and with distinctive wide angled
grooves that make it architecturally
interesting.’
—Three Birds Renovations

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This cladding adds a contemporary twist to
the traditional farmhouse aesthetic with its wide
grooves and design flexibility. It creates a dynamic
look that complements the mix of rustic and
contemporary elements of Modern Farmhouse.

Cladding solutions

Dulux® White Dune Quarter

Dulux Weathershield® White Dune

Scheme Two

Dulux® Pozieres

Dulux® Buff it Half

Scheme One

Three Birds Renovations have created a Modern Farmhouse
palette all about soft whites, warm neutrals, and natural textures
creating a mood that is cosy yet refined. Soft whites and warm
neutrals enhance natural light, making spaces feel fresh and open.

Lighter roof colours reflect heat,
keeping the house cooler in summer.

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Colour palette

A Modern Farmhouse is designed to feel warm,
inviting, and effortlessly lived-in, with natural materials
playing a key role in creating a calming, grounding
atmosphere. Three Birds emphasise that ‘mixing
textures—cladding with stone, or even some
exposed brick—adds layers and depth without
over-complicating the design.’ By thoughtfully
incorporating timber, stone, and linens on the
inside, these homes embrace a natural aesthetic
that reduces stress and enhances relaxation,
making everyday living feel like a retreat.

Strategic window placement
enhances cross-ventilation,
maximising airflow and natural
cooling while reducing energy
consumption.

House 16 uses strategic window
placement to enhances cross-ventilation,
maximising airflow and natural cooling
while reducing energy consumption.
Design and photo by Three Birds
Renovations.

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High-performance windows are key -
double glazing helps regulate indoor
temperatures, keeping homes cooler in
summer and warmer in winter, reducing
reliance on heating and cooling.

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Layering natural textures, warm timbers
and soft neutrals gives a considered
balance between rustic charm and
contemporary elegance in this home.
Design and photo by Three Birds
Renovations.

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Neutral colours allow for the materials and textures
to be the focus and create an atmosphere of calm
and serenity.

Neutral colour palette

Large, square or rectangular paned windows create
a warm and inviting ambiance. Timber frames bring
a natural, timeless feel that complements the Modern
Farmhouse look while keeping things soft and organic.

Paned windows

The style features multiple, interconnecting pavilions
with an A-shaped, hipped or gable roof, creating
simple and clean lines. The roof is extended with a
large, covered porch or veranda with vaulted ceilings.

A-shaped, hipped or gable roof

Natural-look materials on the exterior, such as
vertical joint cladding and timber window frames,
are contrasted with metallic accents, like barn lights,
to add definition.

Contrasting materials

Lean into a mix of traditional and modern pieces,
choosing furniture that feels inviting, well-balanced
and ultra-cosy. Stick to muted tones and earthy
neutrals. Layer in natural textures like linen, timber and
aged brass to bring depth and a relaxed, lived-in feel.

Interiors

Design features

02 Modern Farmhouse 2025

House 16 is clad in Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding
300mm, painted in Dulux Weathershield® in Grey
Port. Design and photo by Three Birds Renovations.

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Modern Farmhouse homes can take advantage of passive cooling
strategies by using high-performance windows. Double-glazing helps
regulate indoor temperatures, keeping homes cooler in summer
and warmer in winter, reducing reliance on heating and cooling.

‘Pre-primed cladding
is a total game-
changer. It speeds
up installation and
saves on painting
costs.’
—Three Birds Renovations

With clever zoning, multi-purpose spaces, and
seamless indoor-outdoor flow, these homes can
adapt as life stages shift—whether it’s adult kids
staying longer, elderly parents moving in, or the rise
of working from home. Design and photo by Three
Birds Renovations.

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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.

Alfresco entertaining areas, covered decks, and
fire-pits create extra living zones where the whole
family can come together or retreat for some
peace and quiet. Design and photo by Three
Birds Renovations.

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A well-designed Modern Farmhouse embraces flexibility,
allowing spaces to evolve with the needs of its owners.

Clever zoning, multi-purpose areas, and seamless indoor-
outdoor flow ensure the home adapts as life stages shift—

whether it’s adult kids staying longer, elderly parents moving
in, or the rise of working from home. As Three Birds put it,
'A multi-purpose room is a must' to create a home that
stands the test of time. It can function as a study today,
a playroom tomorrow, and a guest suite in the future.
This thoughtful approach keeps the home versatile,
practical, and ready for whatever comes next—without
the need for major renovations down the track.

Many Modern Farmhouses integrate solar panels
and battery storage, helping homeowners harness
the power of the sun and reduce reliance on the grid.

The Modern Homes Forecast 2025 identifies four lifestyle themes changing the way we design and build our homes today. Global and local changes are reshaping how we live, and here we show how Modern Farmhouse homes are evolving to reflect these shifts.

Lifestyle themes

Our James Hardie design expert has curated a collection
of materials and textures for Modern Farmhouse style—a
considered balance between rustic charm and contemporary
elegance. This can be achieved by layering natural textures,
warm timbers and soft neutrals.

Calm neutrals and varied textures
are light and airy for a warm and
inviting feel.

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Wool carpets in soft ivory bouclé add
a layer of luxe comfort to interiors.

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An elegant architrave effortlessly
elevates the spaces of the Modern
Farmhouse.

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Rich walnut tones meet soft,
textured finishes for a warm,
sophisticated cabinetry design.

Smokey-Ash 3x4

A warm, elegant ash wood floor
offers smoky tones and the beauty
of natural wood grain.

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Textured renders on interior walls
create an interplay of light and
shadow that transforms spaces.

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Benchtops with natural veining
and honed finishes exude timeless
sophistication, blending organic
beauty with refined craftsmanship.

Natural elements like timber, stone
and linen create a calming, grounding
atmosphere, helping to reduce
stress and enhance relaxation.

Layering textures like
matte finishes, timber
and soft linen makes
a Modern Farmhouse
feel warm and inviting.

Materials & textures

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Download the Modern Farmhouse Design Handbook as a PDF

Order a sample from the Hardie™ Architectural Collection.

Order your free sample.

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Explore modern farmhouse design with James Hardie’s 2025 forecast. Discover durable, low-maintenance cladding like Hardie™ Oblique™ from Three Birds Renovations.

Modern Farmhouse Design Forecast 2025 | James Hardie

Modern Farmhouse style blends rustic style with modern
convenience to create a harmonious blend of indoor and
outdoor living. It has become a mainstay of Australian home
design. As the style has evolved, it has become a simpler,
more relaxed design with an emphasis on function and family.

Multiple buildings are often connected, facilitating multi-
generational living and the style itself creates charm and

nostalgia for simple times in urban locations.
Natural-look materials on the exterior
—like vertical joint cladding, timber
windows and brass accents—add
beautiful definition and timeless charm.
Large, expansive windows and open-concept living
spaces strengthen the connection between indoor and
outdoor areas. This evolution merges traditional appeal
with contemporary enhancements, creating an atmosphere
of comfort and togetherness.

A Modern Farmhouse is designed for both beauty and function, embracing
passive design principles to create a home that is comfortable, efficient,
and connected to its surroundings. Orientation is key, with the home
positioned to maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing the need
for artificial heating and cooling.
Three Birds Renovations emphasise that ‘we always design homes with
liveability in mind—good flow, good light, and spaces that feel connected.’
Wide eaves, covered porches, and awnings further enhance this efficiency,
shielding windows from excessive heat in summer while allowing winter
sunlight to filter through, ensuring year-round comfort.

The Modern Farmhouse style aims to
capture a nostalgic feel delivering on
warmth, cosiness and togetherness,
combined with modern upgrades.

Modern Farmhouse
designs often feature
multiple interconnected
buildings facilitating
multi-generational
living, wellness retreats
or home offices. These
rooms can easily change
their purpose over time.

Verandas, alfresco dining zones, and lush
gardens provide a connection to nature,
perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding wraps the Modern
Farmhouse, painted in Dulux® Pozieres.

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Large windows and skylights bring in abundant
natural light, boosting mood and energy in the
home office ancillary space.

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JamesHardie DesignHandbook ModernFarmhouse Floorplan

Modern Farmhouse blends rustic style and modern convenience, with pitched roofs and large windows that create a sense of openness and connection to the landscape.

Cohesive, classic & comforting

1 Preserve and re-purpose existing features

If you’re renovating rather than building new, work
with what you have rather than starting from scratch.
‘If you want to keep costs down, preserve as much as
you can—existing materials and slabs, anything that
can be reused.’ Retaining existing structures, timber
flooring, or exposed brick saves on demolition and
material costs while adding authenticity to the home.

2 Use cladding to transform a home without demolition

Instead of expensive rebuilds or rendering,
applying Hardie™ exterior cladding products over
existing brick is a cost-effective way to refresh a
home’s exterior. ‘Cladding over existing brick is
a cost-effective way to give your home a whole
new look without expensive demolition.’ This
approach reduces labour costs and build time
while achieving an elevated farmhouse aesthetic.

3 Choose low-maintenance materials for long-term savings

Some materials cost less upfront but require expensive
upkeep over time. Three Birds Renovations highlight
that ‘Hardie™ exterior cladding products are resistant
to fire, termites and moisture, which is a massive plus
for rural builds.’ Opting for durable, weather-resistant
materials ensures lower repair and maintenance costs,
making the home more cost-effective in the long run.

4 Reduce labour costs with smart building choices

Time on-site is money. Three Birds Renovations recommend
pre-primed cladding, which speeds up installation and
eliminates additional painting labour. ‘Pre-primed cladding
is a total game-changer. It speeds up installation and
saves on painting costs.’ Choosing larger board sizes
also reduces the number of joins, cutting down on labour
costs and ensuring a quicker, more affordable build.

5 Know when to save and when to splurge

Invest in the essentials like quality windows, insulation
and durable finishes, because cutting corners here
can cost you more in the long run. Cosmetic touches
like paint colours, lighting and styling can be done
on a budget and changed easily over time.