Carolyn McDonough: Modern Farm

Photo courtesy of Domestic Architecture

After ten years of living in our 1920s farmhouse, it’s time to bring it into the twenty-first century. We’ve consulted a number of books and hired an architect with the intention of introducing a modern feel to our abode.

While researching contemporary homes in New England (after all, we want the house to feel “at home” in its country setting!), we found a number of examples of antique homes that capture the farmhouse vernacular in a modern way. One of these is a rustic barn which was moved from Canada to Washington, Connecticut and decorated by the ever-talented New York firm S. Russell Groves.

Photo courtesy of S. Russell Groves

Another is James Huniford’s Bridgehampton home, where he marries the old and the new with such flair.

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor

Though tearing down the house and rebuilding it has some appeal, we’ll probably go the way of adding contemporary elements that have a farmhouse feel. Topping our list are a chalkboard wall (perhaps not in the dining room!)…

Photo courtesy of Christine Lane Interiors

…a sliding barn door to save space between our hall and family room…

Photo courtesy of Bestor Architecture

…and a colorful wood-burning stove, like this one by Palazzetti, for those chilly winter days!

Photo courtesy of Trendir

—Carolyn McDonough
Carolyn McDonough is the co-CEO (with her identical twin, Cynthia) of Diane James Home, a luxury silk floral business founded in 1995 by her mother, Diane. Passionate about fashion, interiors, entertaining and flowers, Carolyn also writes about all things beautiful with a botanical twist in her blog, The Buzz.