We’ve been pondering the distinguishing features of East Coast vs West Coast modern farmhouse decor.
When we picture a farmhouse, our mind typically envisions the quintessential New England Colonial home, maybe with a red barn involved. There is usually a plaque near the front door stating its date of origin and pride. The cladding may speak to the time-frame or other details like the roof, the doorway, maybe even a porch. You drive by and wonder what it was like a hundred(s) of years ago and fantasize.
We got to thinking. What about farmhouses on the West Coast?
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East Coast Vs. West Coast Modern Farmhouse
As we’ve worked on our 1890s traditional (with a bit of modern now that we’ve put our stamp on it) farm home, we’ve realized that more farmhouses are either being restored to more of a “modern farmhouse” look or new builds are following the lead on times of the past and designing their homes based off of the old school farmhouse (while incorporating a bit of the new school). Okay, so, this got us to thinking. There is farmland throughout the greater United States, so what do modern farmhouses look like on the West Coast? We hadn’t gone there and wondered if they are pretty different from the New England style or somewhat similar with that West Coast flair? Diving into this question, we figure we may gain a little inspiration and/or perspective for our own farmhouse design.
East Coast versus West Coast. It’s a classic rivalry, a classic tale. One that has yet to be settled. We hear it in rap songs, read about it in books. What about when we put a focus on the East Coast modern farmhouse versus the West Coast modern farmhouse? We gain a whole lot of inspiration and different points of view. Bring it on.
What We’ve Discovered
What we’ve learned thus far as we’ve taken a dive into the aesthetics of both the East and West coast farm home is that there is always one similarity between the two. Thoughtfulness is always a part of the process and pride takes over. Renovating an old house can be tiresome and can lose its luster, but those that make the choice to jump in are okay to get wet. These folks typically care about the way things were done in years past, therefore they care about restoring and protecting.
Another common theme, the welcoming tone. That is always the vibe of a farmhouse, which is why it has become one of the most beloved home styles. Whether a modern or traditional or a new or old farmhouse we feel that warm and friendly greeting in all corners of the US. Even if they are decorated in quite an opposite manner, farm homes tend to suck you in, whether because of intrigue or because it just feels like home.
The one nice thing about a West coast farmhouse; in (most of) that side of the country you get to truly utilize the outdoor space because weather plays ball most of the year! So, then, porches (screened-in or open air) really become part of your everyday square footage. That can really change the feel of a home. Even if an East Coast farmhouse has a porch, that space may not be utilized as much so it has to faintly “fall off the map” for part of the year (sometimes more of the year than one would like!).
The design concept can shift because of weather, making the home’s overall intentions shift. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Lean in to these qualities and you will find a happy home no matter what the zip code.
Let’s remember too, climate is very different nowadays and back when a lot of the old farmhouses were built they weren’t able to utilize the products we have today because they simply didn’t exist! Therefore, it may be possible to bring a little East Coast out West and vice-versa.
This leads us to another difference. Color and hue decisions can be based on climate, vegetation, weather conditions, etc. Therefore, in some parts of either the East or West coast it is possible to get away with different variations of colors and hues based on weather variations. We’ve learned that most of the choices picked for farmhouse design many years ago were based on practicality.
Modernizing a Farmhouse Today on Either Coast
Today, it is easier to play around a bit, so we don’t really need an East Coast vs West Coast modern farmhouse rivalry. Aesthetically, we love the look that both the East Coast and West Coast have to offer. Sticking with the area is definitely a great way to set your design course. One thing we have learned, we love it all. It is just a matter of how it is put together. Thoughtfulness again comes to mind.
