South Carolina is no stranger to farming and farmhouses. The popular modern farmhouse style that is sweeping the nation off its feet is quite familiar to Southerners. Despite the familiarity of rustic farmhouses, modern trends are changing how South Carolinians build and live in these homes. Contemporary amenities meet rustic tradition to create innovative lifestyles and design choices for these beautiful Southern homes. In this article, learn what features are newly popular in South Carolina modern farmhouses.
1. Eco-Friendly Features
Contemporary South Carolina farmhouses are returning to their roots by living off the land and treating it well. By switching to renewable energy, like solar or wind, modern farmhouses can power their homes without harming the environment. South Carolina features tax deductions for solar energy as a bonus. Even for-profit farmhouses with plenty of acreage can host large solar panels or wind turbines. Water recycling and rainwater harvesting are beneficial for South Carolina farmhouses that host full farms, in particular, as crops require regular irrigation. Integrating smart technology to reduce energy consumption, such as programmable thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and home automation, dramatically reduces a farmhouse’s environmental impact.
2. Accent Colors
While the white farmhouse trend isn’t going anywhere, many newer South Carolina homes are integrating bright or dramatic accent colors to accentuate the traditional white design. Accent walls, in particular, are experiencing a growth spurt, allowing for more flexibility in space and decor. While farmhouses still enjoy their all-white kitchens, a black sink or green accent wall can add spark to any rustic theme. The use of gray in addition to white is quite widespread in South Carolina farmhouses.
3. Multi-Functional Barns
Not all farmhouses contain actual farms, but many do, particularly in South Carolina. In the modern farm, however, barns are changing their looks. Pole barns are getting an upgrade using more durable materials and contemporary looks. Structural features like pole barn rafters add function and modern looks to a corral. Whether you host livestock or farming equipment in a contemporary pole barn, you’ll have more space and flexibility in contemporary barn designs. Modern farmhouses are even utilizing barns to replace garages to complete the farmhouse look.
4. Large Kitchens
Do you have a farmhouse without that scenic, expansive kitchen with a sink right by the window? Of course, all farmhouses differ from each other according to preference and style, but South Carolina loves their large, family-friendly farmhouse kitchens. Lately, modern kitchens are equipped with features like double ovens or smart appliances to lower energy output while still providing plenty of space and amenities for hosting large families. Butcher block countertops are growing in popularity, especially in white farmhouse kitchens, to add a natural, bright look and function.
5. Expansive Windows
Part of the charm of a farmhouse is to become one with the land. Even if your farmhouse-style design doesn’t feature an actual farm, your home can still enjoy the perks of nature with expansive windows. In South Carolina, the heat can grow quite intense; smart windows in modern farmhouses allow for ample natural light without excess heat warming your home unnecessarily. Large windows are trendy in areas like the kitchen, living room, and mudroom. Natural lighting also reduces the need for artificial lighting, saving on electric bills and lowering a home’s energy consumption.
6. Sunrooms
Sunrooms can be great additions to the home for meditation, relaxation, and work. More modern farmhouses enjoy sunrooms in their floor plans, especially in South Carolina, where season changes can be quite beautiful. Whether you prefer the cool breeze and rich colors of Autumn or the intimacy of southern summer nights, many farmhouse owners agree that sunroom is all but a necessity. You can even include solariums in your barn, which provides some added benefits for livestock like horses. When free roaming for horses is scarce in the winter, sunlight can help relieve stress and prevent injury.
7. Natural Materials
More South Carolinian homeowners are paying attention to how their farmhouses are constructed, including farm structures like barns or stables. Using natural, biodegradable materials in home construction, such as timber, cork, and bamboo, is essential for the environment and reducing resource waste. Many homes are using repurposed materials in their constructions for similar purposes. Repurposed timber, glass, and metal can minimize environmental harm and lower your carbon footprint. Handcrafted, rustic farmhouse decor is quite popular in South Carolina, mainly when repurposed or reclaimed materials are used.
Conclusion
Farming and farmhouses aren’t new in the South; South Carolina has been living off the land since it was founded. However, modern farmhouses are marrying those rustic roots with contemporary features, such as smart home integrations, modern designs, and eco-friendly construction, to create a totally new aesthetic. Smart homes, sunrooms, eco-friendly buildings, and modern barns can take traditional farmhouse designs and make them liveable for any lifestyle preference.
