Our American Farmhouse: Front Porch
From my earliest days, I've been captivated by home design. As a child, I spent hours fashioning dollhouses from cardboard boxes, adorning them with wallpaper scraps leftover from my mother’s projects and paint. I’d construct furniture and tediously decorate each room. What fascinated me most wasn't actually playing with them, but the process of envisioning and creating miniature homes. This passion for design is something I’ve always carried with me so building a new home was quite literally a dream come true.
Inspired by countless hours on Pinterest, poring over farmhouse exteriors and floor plans, I set out to create a home that would seamlessly blend classic charm with modern practicality. Our farmhouse, nestled on our working farm, was designed to not only reflect timeless tradition, but also to meet the demands of our family's daily life on the farm.
White was a natural choice for our exterior—a color that embodies simplicity and timelessness. Despite initial concerns about the practicality on a farm, I convinced my husband to embrace it, accentuating it with bold black details that lend a contemporary flair. I will never be convinced that white is overdone! I just love the classiness of it. Plus, the original farmhouse on the property was white, and this feels like a bit of a nod to the house that came before.
For the landscaping, we kept it simple.. Surrounding the house, rocks provide a low-maintenance border, complemented by stepping stone pavers that create a welcoming pathway leading to our front entry. I've planted rose bushes, hydrangeas, and various shrubs whose growth will hopefully shape the landscape beautifully over the coming years. I very much take a trial and error approach to landscaping and choose what I love when it comes to flowers and shrubs. I’m sure I’ll have to make changes as the years go on, but finding what works where is part of the process, and I personally enjoy that aspect. Potted flowers and ferns dot the porch adding splashes of color and charm.
Drawing inspiration from Southern porches, I aimed to create a space that not only offers ample seating but also exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its lush foliage and blooms. We chose concrete for its durability and while it might not be the prettiest visually, it will stand the test of time. I imagine that someday I will paint the concrete or add brick or who knows, but for now I like the durability. Plus it get’s hose off a couple times of week, and I appreciate the low maintenance of concrete.
One of the final touches, the American flag proudly displayed, adds a touch of Americana that feels perfectly at home in our farmhouse setting.
What makes our farmhouse truly special is its blend of traditional and modern elements, reflecting our personal touch in every corner. From designing the floor plan to selecting each detail, we've created a space that resonates with warmth and character—a place where we eagerly anticipate raising our family and creating lifelong memories.