Skip to content

Modern Farmhouse Landscaping for Your Outdoor Haven

By Sarah Finazzo June 22, 2023

TwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedin
modern farmhouse landscaping inspiration
TwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedin

The modern farmhouse aesthetic has captured the hearts of homeowners with its perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary feel. This look generally embraces and taps into modern, cottage and classic landscape design principals and has become so popular it's pretty much its own gardening genre.

If you're looking to create an outdoor space that exudes a homey warmth, the modern farmhouse loop may be right up your alley. If your home's architecture mimics a farmhouse feel, then you're already halfway there!

In this article, we'll share expert tips and creative ideas to help you pull off this design style in your yard. Let's dive in!

Join our Newsletter

Sign up for our email list to receive exclusive promotions and landscape design inspiration.

farmhouse landscaping ideas, simple landscaping with shrubs around a front porch
A Tilly 3D Render

What is Modern Farmhouse Landscaping?

Modern farmhouse landscape design is a style that combines elements of traditional farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary design principles to create a harmonious and inviting outdoor space. Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of rural living, this design approach embraces natural materials, rustic textures, and organic forms while incorporating modern touches for a fresh and updated look. The goal is to create a balance between the cozy, nostalgic charm of a traditional farmhouse and the clean lines and minimalist sensibilities of modern design.

In this landscape, you'll often find materials such as weathered wood, stone, metal accents, lush greenery, and carefully curated plantings that evoke a sense of natural beauty and timelessness. The overall result is a serene and welcoming outdoor environment that complements the farmhouse architecture and offers a place for relaxation, gathering, and connecting with nature.

Modern Farmhouse Principals

To achieve a modern farmhouse look in your yard, it's important to follow certain design principles that will help you create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space. Here are some key principles to consider:

Natural Materials

Utilize natural elements such as wood, stone and native plants around the house to add warmth to your design. Opt for materials with natural textures and finishes that reflect the rustic charm of farmhouse living.

You can incorporate these materials into your fencing, walkway, garden beds, edging, fire pit area and any decor you including on your lawn, home or garage.

Contrast

Incorporate contrasting elements to add visual interest and depth. For example, pair rough textures with smooth surfaces, or juxtapose light and dark colors to create a dynamic and visually appealing landscape.

Cohesive Color Palette

Choose a color scheme that reflects the modern farmhouse style. Opt for neutral tones, such as whites, creams, grays, and earthy hues, which provide a sense of simplicity, elegance, and tranquility. Alternatively, you can go the route of using Americana colors can drive home this country farmhouse inspiration. A pop of purple against green is another great way to achieve simple beauty in your landscaping.

Thoughtful Plant Selection

Select plants that align with the farmhouse aesthetic. Choose a mix of perennials, grasses, and native plants that offer texture, soft colors, and seasonal interest. Group plants together in clusters to create a visual splash.

We always recommend using native plants that are well-suited to the local climate, soil conditions, and rainfall patterns, making them more resilient and requiring less maintenance. Native plants have evolved to thrive in the specific ecosystem, which means they are naturally adapted to withstand pests, diseases, and local weather conditions. Additionally, native plants provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and pollinators, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of your area. There's nothing more farmhouse than some pollinators resting on the backyard of your lawn.

Outdoor Living

Design outdoor living spaces that seamlessly extend the farmhouse style from the interior to the exterior. Consider incorporating features like porches, patios, pergolas, or fire pits that provide functional and inviting spaces for relaxation and gathering.

Design functional spaces that cater to your lifestyle and outdoor activities. Consider areas for entertaining, dining, relaxation, and gardening. Each space should have a purpose and be thoughtfully integrated into the overall design.

By following these design principles, you can create a modern farmhouse landscape that exudes timeless elegance, warmth, and a connection to nature.

farmhouse landscaping ideas, a front lawn with grass and pink and purple flowers lining a front patio

Farmhouse Landscape Ideas

You don't have to be in a rural setting to implement this look in your front or backyard. The look is sophisticated enough that it can be incorporated into many different landscapes. To achieve this look you can consider incorporating:

The Right Fencing

A classic symbol of farmhouse living, a white picket fence adds a touch of charm and defines the boundaries of your outdoor space. A classic post and rail fence is another great option for the ultimate curb appeal.

Pathways

Create meandering pathways using gravel or crushed stone, which not only provide functionality but also add a rustic, countryside feel to your yard. A stone walkway is another great option for a classic design feel. A mulch walkway through a flower garden is another easy and inexpensive way to achieve the perfect look.

Board and Batten Siding

Incorporate board and batten siding on outdoor structures like sheds, pergolas, or fences to mimic the traditional farmhouse style.

Rustic materials

Use natural and weathered materials such as reclaimed wood, stone, and aged metal accents for features like benches, planters, and decorative elements.

Cozy seating areas

Create inviting outdoor seating areas with comfortable furniture, such as wooden benches, Adirondack chairs, or a porch swing, where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. Throw a classic picnic table in the yard for a simple seating area!

Vintage-inspired accessories

Incorporate vintage and repurposed elements like old watering cans, vintage signs, and antique garden tools to add character and a touch of nostalgia to your yard. Don't go overboard with this though was the "modern" aspect of this design keeps design ideas more functional and less fluffy.

Farmhouse lighting

Install outdoor lighting fixtures that have a rustic or industrial-inspired design, such as lanterns or pendant lights, to enhance the farmhouse ambiance and provide both functionality and charm. You'll be surprised how the correct lighting can truly bring your house and landscaping to life!

Gardens

Consider adding raised beds or a vegetable garden area to embrace the practicality and self-sustainability often associated with farmhouse living. You can start with a small low maintenance herb garden and grow if you enjoy it.

When it comes to flower gardens, group the same types of plants en masse to get a natural farmhouse landscaping feel.

The Perfect Trees

Having a great mature tree on your property is a great way to tie together farmhouse landscaping. A fantastic tree not only gives a sense of belonging and holiness, but will provide shade and perhaps the perfect spot for a tire swing!

Join our Newsletter

Sign up for our email list to receive exclusive promotions and landscape design inspiration.

farmhouse landscaping ideas, a front yard with great trees and a dark colored exterior house with a long front porch
farmhouse landscapes, a side yard with stepping stones through flower beds
farmhouse landscaping ideas, fire pit in a backyard
front yard farmhouse garden with a full length porch for a family to enjoy
trees in a front yard with flower beds
three car garage with a walkway leading to the house and patio area
backyard pergola with a black fence and pool
local materials for the front garden of the house
herb gardens in a line next to a pool, pergola and garage area
farmhouse landscaping ideas, a walkway though a flower garden
farmhouse landscape ideas, walkway through a garden with flowers to the front entry
a farmhouse garden with native pantings, flowers and grasses
a pool off the side of the house with lines of organized and repetitive plantings around it
an aerial view of the landscape design for a house with the plants and trees around it

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between the rustic elements and modern touches, creating a landscape that is both nostalgic and contemporary, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Embracing the modern farmhouse landscape design in your yard allows you to create a captivating outdoor space that beautifully marries rustic charm with contemporary flair.

By incorporating key design features like the right fences, pathways, natural materials, farmhouse-inspired plantings, and cozy seating areas, you can achieve a harmonious balance that reflects the simplicity and timelessness of farmhouse living.

Remember to follow important design principles such as simplicity, balance, natural materials, contrast, and cohesive color palettes to guide your creative process. By paying attention to detail and incorporating functional spaces that cater to your lifestyle, you can transform your yard into a picturesque haven that seamlessly extends the farmhouse style from your home to the outdoors. So, get inspired, unleash your creativity, and embark on the journey of creating a modern farmhouse landscape that will evoke a sense of tranquility, nostalgia, and delight for years to come.

Read more about: Landscape Design Tips, Gardening Tips