The Simple Old Farmhouse Exterior You’ll Love
Have you ever noticed how an old farmhouse stands against the sky, making you slow down to look? These homes hold history in their walls.
Old farmhouse exteriors offer a simple charm that newer homes often lack. The wooden porches, tall windows, and clean lines remind us of a time when homes served both looks and purpose.
What makes these homes so special? Is it the way sunlight hits the worn siding? Or how the roof lines form perfect angles against blue skies?
People who live in these homes know a secret – they own a piece of history that still works today. The mix of old-world charm with today’s needs creates spaces that feel both familiar and fresh.
Want to know how these homes manage to stay loved after all these years? Let’s find out.
Why Do Old Farmhouses Catch Our Eye?
Old farmhouses gain their special look over many years. The wood turns gray and soft. Paint chips away bit by bit. Bricks show their age with tiny cracks and faded spots. These marks of time tell a story no new house can match.
When the sun and rain touch a farmhouse for decades, the result is a look money can’t buy. The siding might not be perfect, but it shows a true face to the world. You see the real wood, the honest stone, the true brick.
Many people try to copy this look in new homes. They buy “distressed” wood and “aged” fixtures. But nothing beats the real thing—a house that earned its marks through years of standing strong.
The color shifts on old farmhouses happen slowly. Bright whites turn soft cream, and bold reds fade to gentle rust. These subtle shades blend better with trees and fields than any fresh paint could.
Would you rather have a perfect, flat wall or one with tiny ripples showing the hands that built it years ago? Many choose the latter for its warmth and human touch.
Key Features of an Old Farmhouse Exterior
An old farmhouse stands out thanks to certain key parts that make it what it is. Let’s look at what gives these homes their unique look.
1. Natural Materials That Last
Old farmhouses use what the land gives. Wood siding shows saw marks from long ago. Stone bases ground the home to the earth. Brick chimneys rise tall against the sky.
These basic parts work together to form the classic farmhouse look:
| Material | Common Uses | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Siding, trim, posts | Ages well with time, can be painted |
| Stone | Foundations, walls | Stays strong for decades, needs little care |
| Brick | Chimneys, accent walls | Holds heat, creates rich color contrast |
The way these materials age adds to their charm. A new house can’t match the look of wood that’s faced a hundred summers.
2. Classic Windows and Doors
The eyes of an old farmhouse are its windows. Tall, wide windows let in lots of light. Many have simple grids that break the glass into smaller panes.
Shutters frame these windows, though they may no longer work. They add color and depth to the walls.
The front door often sits in the middle of the house. It might be wide, thick, and brightly painted. This door says, “Come in,” to all who pass by.
Old farmhouse doors and windows have several key traits:
- Six-over-six pane patterns in windows
- Wooden frames that show slight warping with age
- Window glass that may appear wavy or bubbled
- Hardware made of iron or brass that darkens over time
3. Porches That Welcome
Perhaps the most-loved part of any farmhouse is its porch. It’s not just a place to walk through – it’s a room without walls.
The porch serves as the link between home and land. In the past, farmers would wash up here before coming inside. Families would sit and shell peas while watching the fields.
Old farmhouse porches tend to be:
- Wide enough for chairs and tables
- Long enough to run along the whole front
- Covered to keep off rain and sun
- Built with sturdy posts and rails
People fill these porches with rocking chairs, porch swings, and simple tables. Flower pots add spots of color, and old milk cans or farm tools might serve as unique touches.
Designing a Farmhouse Exterior on a Budget
Creating the old farmhouse look doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With some smart picks and a bit of work, you can get that timeless style without big costs.
1. Affordable Materials That Look Great
Building or fixing up an old farmhouse exterior can be done on a budget with these options:
- Board-and-batten siding: This simple wooden siding costs less than fancy options but gives a classic farm look.
- White paint: A clean white coat on the siding is both low-cost and true to farmhouse style.
- Metal roofing: This lasts longer than shingles and matches the farm look perfectly.
- Gravel instead of paved paths: This saves money and fits the country feel better.
2. DIY Projects for Your Farmhouse
Save money with these do-it-yourself tasks:
| Project | Cost | Impact | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build a simple wooden bench for the porch | $30-50 | High | Beginner |
| Paint your shutters | $25-40 | Medium | Beginner |
| Make window boxes from scrap wood | $15-25 | High | Beginner |
| Create a gravel pathway with edging | $75-100 | High | Beginner |
| Restore old porch railings | $20-40 | Medium | Intermediate |
3. Updating Without Losing Charm
The real trick to refreshing an old farmhouse exterior is finding the right mix of new and old. You want the house to work well but still look like it belongs in its setting.
Modern windows can keep your home warm while still fitting the style. Look for ones with thin frames and divided light patterns. Many companies now make windows that match old styles but use current building methods.
You can add modern touches while keeping the old look:
- Use new windows that look old but have good seals
- Add hidden screens to porch areas for bug-free sitting
- Install solar lights that look like old lanterns
- Choose modern roof materials in classic colors and styles
- Put in storm doors that match the period of your home
The front door often needs extra protection. A storm door helps, but pick one that fits the time when your house was built. Plain wood frames work best for very old homes. Avoid fancy patterns that would seem out of place.
Take cues from this Modern Farmhouse Makeover that shows how updates can blend seamlessly with the original charm.
Avoid These Farmhouse Exterior Mistakes
When fixing up an old farmhouse exterior, it’s easy to make choices that don’t fit the style. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Using too many different materials: Old farmhouses typically used just 2-3 main materials on the outside. Mixing brick, stone, wood, vinyl, and metal all at once looks busy and wrong for the style.
- Picking the wrong paint colors: Bright, bold colors rarely work on farmhouse exteriors. Stick to whites, creams, grays, and soft blues that match the countryside setting.
- Adding fancy trim where it doesn’t belong: Real farmhouses were built for function, not show. Skip the ornate moldings and stick with simple trim that complements their practical nature.
- Installing windows that don’t match the period: Large picture windows or ultra-modern styles break the farmhouse look. Keep to evenly spaced, similarly sized windows with simple grids.
- Forgetting about the weather: Pretty details mean nothing if they can’t stand up to rain, snow, and sun. Make sure all materials can handle your local climate, even if they look perfect.
Conclusion
Old farmhouse exteriors speak to something in us that newer styles often miss. They remind us of simpler times while still working for today’s needs.
The key to loving these homes lies in their honest design. Simple lines, natural materials, and welcoming porches create spaces that feel right, not forced.
When updating your farmhouse, focus on what matters—good windows, strong walls, and a style that fits the land around it. Skip the extras that make no sense.
The best farmhouses tell a story through their wood, brick, and stone. They show their age proudly.
Want to create this look for your home? Please start with the basics, keep things simple, and let the house speak for itself. That’s how farmhouses have always worked best.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. How to Make a New House Look Like an Old Farmhouse Exterior?
Use wooden siding, add a porch with simple posts, install shutters, choose multi-pane windows, and include vintage-style hardware on doors.
2. What is Vintage Farmhouse Style?
It’s a design that uses worn wood, metal accents, neutral colors, and simple shapes. Think practical items with age marks and country charm.
3. What Color Should a Farmhouse Exterior Be?
White is the most common, but soft creams, light grays, and pale blues also work well. For contrast, doors can be black, red, or blue.
