Working from home has contributed to a number of trends within the residential construction industry over the past year. Among these trends are an uptick in DIY projects, the need for flexible private spaces to double as home offices or makeshift classrooms, and a push to make our surroundings more comfortable, stylish, and gratifying. The collective urgency to socialize outside led to an influx of backyard makeovers, as patios transcend from summer conveniences to true extensions of the home. Homeowners yearn to infuse modern technology outdoors, with over 60% eager to add outdoor kitchens this year, as reported by the National Kitchen and Baths Association (NKBA) 2021 design trends report.

While the construction industry adjusted to clients’ evolving needs within a demanding and complex market, some dependable principles guided Signature, such as great design, consistent production quality, and an open line of communication with our loyal customers. A common theme emerging from these client conversations was the need for an expanded portfolio of standard floor plans, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of farmhouse-style designs. The “modern farmhouse,” as it’s been dubbed by the design field, is a prominent pre-coronavirus trend that’s persisted—and seemingly exploded—throughout the pandemic. Conveniently, the farmhouse style also embraces more recent trends, as it’s DIY-friendly, inherently cozy, and welcoming of interior and exterior finishes with a natural, rustic tone.

5 ways to incorporate farmhouse features into a modular home:

1. a wraparound front porch

Showcased in our Magnolia rendering above, a wraparound front porch serves as a warm invitation to a modern farmhouse design. After your prefab home is assembled onsite, consider adding porch swings, gooseneck outdoor light fixtures, and homegrown container herbs to further elevate the aesthetic.

If you’re interested in a ranch house that seamlessly accommodates a wraparound front porch, check out our Sea Breeze floor plan!

2. Farmhouse sink

Though it may seem obvious, including a farmhouse sink in your home is an easy way to achieve its namesake aesthetic, and Signature offers a variety of sink upgrades in our Product Guide. Whether you’re looking for an apron front fireclay model or a stainless steel undermount sink, Signature has you covered.

3. Custom Millwork

One major benefit of Signature’s thorough customization process is the ability to install intricate millwork before your home departs our plant. Whether it’s beaded wainscoting, craftsman-style doors and casing, coffered ceilings, or simple baseboards throughout a home, Signature will work with your builder to determine which upgrades work best for your design.

4. Metal roofs

Installed onsite by a builder, metal roofs have become a hallmark of the modern farmhouse style. As depicted on many of our floor plan renderings, Signature homes look beautiful with full metal roofs or metal accents over a front porch or bump-out bay window.

5. Board and batten siding

As shown on our January Home of the Month and our Arrowwood rendering below, white board and batten siding is evocative of classic farmhouse style, naturally complementing a range of corresponding fixtures.

Board and batten is a classic siding option combining wide vertical boards with narrow strips, or battens, that slyly cover the seams while enhancing a facade’s overall texture. Versatile in its presentation (fully clad or a decorative accent), board and batten was traditionally comprised of native wood, though the look has found a resurgence with modern, low-maintenance products like fiber cement board or luxury vinyl.

Our siding supplier, CertainTeed, offers a range of quality board and batten products to effortlessly achieve the farmhouse aesthetic. Available as upgrades on Signature homes, their vertical siding options recreate the historic charm of log-built homes in a modern, sustainable fashion.