Advices to Design Correctly with Agrarian-Style Architecture

The term agrarian reflects a deep connection to the land. Agrarian architecture evokes Greek Arcadians’ agricultural traditions and lifestyles during the late 1700s. This architectural style emphasizes the use of local materials in homes featuring farmhouse elements, resulting in rustic, organic, and cozy aesthetics. Agrarian designs often foster a sense of community spirit while integrating agriculture into the built environment. Here are a few tips for designing this style of house.

1. Choose Natural Materials

Stone and wood are ideal materials for farmhouse-inspired residences, as they are of the land. This goes for both the structure and interior home decor. You can use stone for the exterior facade, the floors, and the fireplace surround.

When choosing wood, consider using exposed post and beam timber construction for the framing. A great option is reclaimed lumber from an old barn. You can also face the building with clapboard or board and batten siding. The interior framing can be left unfinished and exposed. Plank wood flooring should be sealed to protect them. Exterior wood siding can either be sealed or stained to protect it from the elements.

2. Use Substantial Framing or Masonry

When building with wood, consider framing the structure with 2×6 wood studs. This will provide deep walls that are properly insulated, contributing to the built environment. It also will give you deep windowsills. Deep sills allow for space for living plants. This brings the outside in, which is very agrarian and a distinctive interior decoration idea.

Stone structures are naturally heftier and deeper than the traditional 2×4 house framing. If you have ever traveled to rural areas of Italy or Greece, you might have noticed the depth of the exterior walls of many houses being up to 12 inches. There is something that feels secure, fortress-like when you are tucked in at night. In fact, these houses are also quite energy efficient. Thick stone walls help retain interior heat in winter and can block exterior heat in summer, enhancing food security by ensuring a stable indoor environment for storing produce.

Further architecture education? Take a look at Vitruvius Architecture’s Golden Rules: The Vitruvian Triad

3. Building Placement is Key

Once you have chosen the lot to build your house on, take stock of the views, terrain features, and sunlight exposure. A classic farmhouse is often placed with the communal living spaces facing the cultivated fields or grazing areas. As well, these spaces will take advantage of sunrise and sunset. This is soothing and healthy. The sun can help to heat your interior in winter if you are in a cold climate. In warmer climates, consider placing a porch or veranda to help shade the interior of the house while still offering pleasant views and breezes.

Take a look at our guide on Art Deco Architecture

It makes sense to have the bedrooms on the northern exposure of the house where the rooms are cooler and sunlight is not as necessary when trying to sleep. The placement of buildings should also consider opportunities for integrating agriculture into residential design, such as incorporating vertical farming systems or urban farms.

Planning a full remodel for your home? Feel free to use our estimator tool to know how much the cost would be!

4. Plenty of Windows

While thinking about bringing the outside in, it makes sense to incorporate plenty of windows into the design. Views of the green landscape can be an almost meditative experience. Operable windows allow for ventilation and natural daylight. This is healthy living and supports an energy-efficient built environment.

Current window technology is quite amazing. They are extremely energy-efficient, while still being attractive. For a farmhouse appearance, consider windows with divided lites. Many of these are “simulated” with the grills being in-between 2 panes of glass. Or, the grills are placed on the surface of both panes. They do lend a classic appearance.

When it comes to the window trim-style you should incorporate into your Agragian-style home, it’s recommended you keep it simple and minimalistic but not so plain that it’s “flavorless.” While the focus will be on the views granted by the windows, it does help to frame those views tastefully. Craftsman-style window trims tend to work the best all-around.

Architect vs Interior Designer – Ultimate Decision in Home Renovation

5. Open or Closed Floor Plan

There are two schools of thought on whether an agrarian-style house should have an open or closed floor plan. Traditional farmhouses had smaller rooms that could be closed off from one another for heating efficiency. However, modern agrarian homes may benefit from open floor plans that allow for greater daylight and airflow, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces where food production or urban agriculture can be incorporated.

However, gone are the days of heating with wood and fire in every room. It is so easy to incorporate a zoned HVAC system where different areas can be controlled by thermostats. An open floor plan allows for plenty of daylight and promotes socialization. Open spaces seem to bring families together, especially when meals are being prepared.

How to Hire the Right Residential Architect? Let’s find out!

6. A Mudroom is a Practical Necessity

A mudroom is an essential feature in agrarian-style architecture, providing a space to remove dirty shoes and gear before entering the main house. This is especially beneficial when working in urban farms, tending to gardens, or engaging in agriculture architecture projects.

Traditional barns, often painted red with ferrous oxide-based paints, left a lasting influence. However, modern farmhouse exteriors typically favor muted tones that harmonize with the landscape, such as natural wood and stone finishes. Interiors also benefit from soft, calming hues, creating a nurturing and inviting atmosphere.Are Farmhouse Style Homes Functional or Just a Fad? Get your facts straight with this guide.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Mudroom? Let’s find out!

7. Choose a Calming Color Scheme

Barns painted or stained red were common in rural Europe. The color choice came with immigrants to the United States. The red paint had ferrous oxide which repelled fungus, was inexpensive and provided a durable surface finish. While red is okay, it is sometimes too bold of a statement.

Modern farm style houses tend to be of more muted tones, inside and out. Exteriors that are natural, in the case of stained wood and stone, blend in with the landscape and don’t assault the senses. This is also true of the interior. Softer color schemes and natural finishes can have a very nurturing and calming effect. A modern farmhouse tends to shy away from bright and bold colors and has more elements like natural wood and stone as the core home decor idea or theme. The home should feel cozy and soothing.

Are Farmhouse Style Homes Functional or Just a Fad? Get your facts straight with this guide.

8. Furnishings should be Comfortable

One of the major drivers of pleasure with this style of building is that the interior spaces beg for comfortable, casual furnishings. Overstuffed chairs and sofas are welcome. Heavy, sturdy wood tables are great for dining rooms. Integrating agriculture into the interior, such as growing food indoors or incorporating vertical farming elements, further enhances the connection to nature.

Basically, furnishings should be pieces that you will not stress over if they get a lot of use. Mix and match your styles by taking advantage of tag sales, consignment shops, and antique stores. Have fun shopping.

Lots of throw pillows, shawls to wrap yourself in on cold evenings, and area rugs are all you need to dress up a room. Wall-to-wall carpeting is not recommended. Be confident in showing off those wood or stone floors. Add some floor and table lamps for a homey feel.

Take a look at these Must-Know Things About Architects

9. Quality Outdoor Space

Outdoor spaces should be designed thoughtfully, providing areas for relaxation and food production. You don’t have to be a farmer to enjoy your outdoor surroundings. If you are, that is awesome. Whether it’s a small urban farm, raised garden beds, or an edible landscape, agriculture architecture plays a crucial role in maximizing the use of outdoor areas for growing food and fostering food security. A fire pit, seating areas, and pathways lined with greenery all contribute to an inviting and functional outdoor environment.

Bottom line

Agrarian-style architecture offers more than just a rustic aesthetic—it represents a sustainable, community-oriented approach to living. By integrating agriculture into the built environment, urban farms, and vertical farming solutions, this style supports food security and a closer connection to nature. Whether through natural materials, strategic building placement, or thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, agriculture architecture ensures that homes remain both functional and harmonious with their surroundings. As cities continue to expand, the principles of agricultural architecture can be vital in fostering resilient, self-sustaining urban areas where growing food is seamlessly incorporated into daily life. This holistic approach to urban agriculture and sustainable living ensures that agrarian design remains relevant in modern architectural practices.

9 Tips for Designing with Agrarian-Style Architecture was last modified: July 18th, 2025 by Frank Ramey

Written by Frank Ramey. May 27, 2019

Frank Ramey is a design fanatic with a focus on real estate and architecture. He has a love for great design (both in the physical and digital realms). You can find him regularly streaming the design-focused 99% Invisible podcast.

Your opinion matters, leave a comment

Comments

November 13, 2019 Log in to Reply
Penelope Smith
This is some really good information about architecture design. I liked that you talked about how you will want to think about practical things in your house or office space. Break rooms and mudrooms do seem like important things to not overlook. Especially if people are going to be spending a lot of time in those rooms.