5 Farmhouse Design Trends That Look Great in Property Photos

A captivating image is one of the best ways to attract interest in a property and make a great first impression. Whether a house is being listed for sale, for rent, or as a vacation home, property photos are incredibly important for drawing positive attention and encouraging people to reach out and learn more about what the home has to offer.

When it comes to creating eye-catching property photos, there are a few key features that should be emphasized, including color, dimension, and character. Farmhouses are often set on unique properties with stunning natural features. While the surrounding scenery can help beautify images, the homestead should always stay as the focal point within property photos.

Farmhouses can certainly offer rustic charm, but staying on-trend is a must — a farmhouse that goes neglected can quickly turn from chic to shabby, which will be unmistakable in property photos. Take a look at these five modern farmhouse design trends that can boost appeal and give property photos an edge.

1. Door Trim

The entryway should project a strong, inviting ambiance in property photos. After all, the entryway has the power to make a house feel more like a home. Traditional farmhouses often lack ornamentation and detailing around doorways, so adding door trim can be a modern touch that makes the farmhouse feel more current. 

Because exterior door trim needs to be durable enough to withstand the elements, pay attention to wood selection and pre-treated options. Need a few exterior door trim ideas to get started? Play off of other ornamental features woven into the home’s exterior, like shutters, patterned trim, and porch architecture. Or, go with a solid trim that emphatically frames the entryway. Painting door trim the same color as the door can also be a nice visual trick for making the entryway appear bigger, which is beneficial on homes that lack a lot of other ornamentation.

2. Permeable Paving

Nothing attracts interest more than a feature that showcases both form and function. Permeable paving does just that! Because they are completely porous, permeable paving layouts allow rainwater to seep into the ground beneath the pavement rather than running off to the side. This nearly eliminates the mud, puddles, and ruts that are common with traditional paving, like concrete or gravel. Plus, with lots of designs available, permeable paving can create additional dimension and character within property photos.

3. Play with the Pathways

To make an impact in property photos, pay attention to the pathways that are featured. Paths create the feeling of connection, which is a valuable emotion to play on when making a first impression. Create additional intrigue by weaving pathways across the property. Whether it’s a string of natural stepping stones that leads toward the side of the farmhouse or a modest gravel pathway that winds toward the open property, pathways can generate intrigue in photos, like an invitation to visit the property in person and discover what lies ahead.

4. Sleek Siding

Sleek siding is another farmhouse design trend that can truly elevate photos by presenting a smooth, bold look that keeps the property looking fresh and polished. Many individuals envision a crumbly old barn with peeling paint when they think of a ‘farmhouse,’ so sleek siding can be the pleasant surprise that piques their interest. When trying to pull off the look, most farmhouse owners will opt for steel siding because it carries a smooth appearance while also delivering unmatched durability — something that proves valuable when outfitting a modern farmhouse.

5. Primary Colors are King

Finally, relying on primary colors continues to be an unshakable trend for farmhouses. Red, blue, green, and yellow are colors you can count on, and white continues to deliver a crisp contrast that communicates freshness and vitality. Primary colors look excellent in property photos, and a fresh coat can bring out the brightness of the exterior even more.

With a few smart details, you can stay on-trend and make sure your modern farmhouse looks fantastic in property photos.

Jordan Swift is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.