Modern Farmhouse design clicks for inner-city family

Country living in the city – it’s just what the modern family wants. The Modern Farmhouse design goes a long way in providing the practical needs and stylish comfort that are necessary for a life in the inner-city, but achieving that takes a practiced hand.

Modern Farmhouse design combines the sleek, clean lines of a contemporary style, with the cozy, functional look of a traditional countryside home. It is known for its simplicity and warmth – a family home favourite that uses plenty of natural elements like wood, or steel.

Rochelle Cote, the principal and senior designer at Rochelle Cote Interior Design (RCID), has almost perfected the look. Having been involved in some of the highest profile show home designs in Calgary – including a few grand prize lottery show homes – it can be said that Rochelle is a veteran Modern Farmhouse hand.

Her recent work with custom homebuilder, McKinley Masters, cements that reputation further, as they brought about a take on the modern farmhouse that is as opulent as it is functional.

The two-storey home with developed basement has over 3,600 square-feet of living space. Located in the inner-city community of Varsity, it was a massive renovation project that looked to create the owner’s vision of a home for the family. “I loved the client’s style as they wanted a Modern Farmhouse with their own flair and personality,” Rochelle says.

The owners and their three teenage daughters wanted to move to Varsity from their original home in Bearspaw on Calgary’s western outskirts, which had become way too much of a commute. Rochelle says the owners wanted to downsize to a home that needed less upkeep, is closer to the city, answers the needs of the whole family, and retain a countryside feel that they have been used to.

“We added shiplap to create a lakeside feel and large fireplace for that internal warmth.They did a white on white with black windows exterior for the most curb appeal possible. This home is as beautiful on the inside as these clients and their wonderful family!”

Rochelle says the white board and batten from the exterior to the interior definitely tied the home together.The original home on the lot was quite dated and McKinley Masters had to take down a few walls and raise the ceiling to bring more light in. “The white paint, white panelling and higher ceilings combined to created a fresh look,” she adds.

The living room with its majestic fireplace centres the Modern Farmhouse design. White panelling, white marble on the fireplace, built-in bookshelves and lots of oversized, comfy sectional sofa and armchairs create a charming warmth.

“The furniture was originally laid out by us, and then purchased by the home owner. I think that the furniture is a reflection of this client.It give the home a comfortable elegance that is inviting and comfortable for their family.” See how she keeps furniture away from walls to create more flow.

Adjacent to the living room is the marvellous kitchen, notice how the dark stained, engineered hardwood flooring plays against the glamorous white of the countertops, cabinetry and even the shiplap ceiling. There’s no shortage of flow or working space, it is designed for maximum functionality for everyday life and perfect for entertaining.

The dining nook strikes a vibrant note with its notable blue tinge. In fact, blue is a common colour theme throughout the home. “That was the color that was recommended for the client as an accent through the home,” Rochelle says.“We consider ‘navy’ to be a neutral, and the client didn’t want too much color.We thought that it went with their classic style.”

The damask print wallpaper and matching tile design in the main floor bathroom – which, uniquely features a shower stall to make it a full bathroom. “The wallpaper was selected by the client.I thought they made a great selection there as it does compliment the tile and the mirror so well.”

The bedrooms all complement the Modern Farmhouse design with brass bed frames, lots of fabric and wood elements to tie into the look.

There are plenty of custom, built-in shelves and bookcases throughout the home, and cozy reading corners that emphasize the family-friendly hominess

The owners went full glam with the five-piece master ensuite with lots of white, sparkling Italian marble tile and quartz countertops, and polished chrome hardware. Check out the romantic light fixtures tha tadd to the feeling of luxury.

There are plenty of custom, built-in shelves and bookcases throughout the home, and cozy reading corners that emphasize the family-friendly hominess that the owners were looking for. The developed lower level – with its own wood-burning fireplace that they kept from the original home – has two more bedrooms and a full bath to extend the living space and give the family each their own private space.

Rochelle says the home design is not just unique, it is highly personalized to suit the owners’ particular needs.