You don’t have to choose between clean, modern style and timeless traditional character. The most livable homes today borrow from both—especially when you’re building a custom farmhouse.
At Costa Homebuilders, we’ve helped clients all over Pittsburgh design farmhouse custom homes that combine simplicity, warmth, and comfort with just enough edge. We are committed to creating homes that feel personal—not like they came from a design catalog. Whether you’re drawn to classic trim and symmetry or black windows and shiplap, our dedication ensures that your home reflects your unique style.
Here’s how to blend modern farmhouse and traditional design into one cohesive, custom home.
Introduction to Farmhouse Style Homes
Farmhouse style homes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These homes offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who want to create a warm and welcoming living space. Modern farmhouse plans often feature large windows, front porches, and exposed beams, which add to their timeless appeal. With a focus on natural light, neutral color palettes, and reclaimed wood, farmhouse style homes are perfect for those who want to bring a touch of the countryside into their daily lives. Whether you’re looking to build a custom home or renovate an existing one, modern farmhouse style is definitely worth considering.
What Makes a Farmhouse Custom Home?
Farmhouse design has always been about function and comfort. The original farmhouses weren’t trendy—they were practical. But over time, the aesthetic evolved into something more refined, giving us two clear interpretations today:
- Modern Farmhouse – Clean lines, black accents, matte hardware, open spaces, board and batten siding
- Traditional Farmhouse – Warm finishes, brick or stone exteriors, classic rooflines, symmetrical layouts, detailed trim
Blending both styles means you can enjoy the structure and comfort of a traditional home with the sharp details of modern design. The result? A custom farmhouse that actually fits your lifestyle—and creates an inviting atmosphere that stands out without trying too hard.
Customizing Your Dream Farmhouse
Every Costa home starts with a simple question: How do you live?
From there, we begin shaping a floor plan that supports how you move through your day—then we layer in the details that make it feel like home. Our commitment to customers is evident in our personalized service, ensuring each home is tailored to fit their unique lifestyle.
We’ve designed farmhouse custom homes for:
- Families who wanted a modern kitchen next to a formal dining room
- Homeowners who wanted exposed beams and built-ins in the same space
- Clients who liked the modern palette, but still wanted archways, molding, or more traditional room transitions
You don’t need to commit to one style. You just need a builder who understands how to balance the two.
Designing the Right Mix
Modern doesn’t mean cold. Traditional doesn’t mean outdated. When you design intentionally, both can live under the same roof—literally. Our curated design elements, created to blend modern and traditional styles, ensure a harmonious and stylish living space.
Here’s how we bring it together:
Interior Features That Work
- Cabinets – Go shaker style in soft white or warm wood. Contrast the island in black or navy.
- Floors – Wide-plank oak or hickory grounds the home with texture and warmth.
- Trim – Add crown molding or wainscoting where you want more structure. Keep other areas clean and minimal.
- Lighting – Mix a traditional chandelier in the dining room with clean-lined pendants in the kitchen.
- Plumbing + Hardware – Matte black in the kitchen, aged brass in the powder room—don’t be afraid to mix finishes as long as the forms are consistent.
- Color Palette – Use a neutral color palette to enhance the serene look of the design. Combine it with warm shades and various design elements like clean lines and rustic features to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Exterior Blending
- Vertical siding with a stone or brick base
- Black or bronze window frames with traditional shutters
- Gable rooflines paired with a covered front porch
- Optional dormers, wood columns, and metal roof accents
- Earth-toned materials that stay rooted in a timeless palette
These elements are incorporated to create a cohesive exterior that reflects individual tastes while maintaining a balanced design.
The goal is contrast with control—not design overload.
Key Design Elements
So, what are the key design elements that make a farmhouse style home? Some of the most common features include shiplap walls, large windows, and front porches, which provide a warm and welcoming exterior. Inside, you’ll often find open floor plans, exposed beams, and rustic elements like reclaimed wood and metal accents. Modern farmhouse floor plans also often incorporate modern amenities like high-end appliances and comfortable living spaces. With a focus on simplicity and functionality, farmhouse style homes are perfect for families who want to create a comfortable and beautiful living space. From the exterior to the interior, every element of a farmhouse style home is designed to bring a sense of warmth and welcoming to the space.
Finding the Right Floor Plan
The best layouts come from how you use your home, not just how it looks from the outside. Our farmhouse custom homes range from 2,000 to 5,000+ square feet, depending on the lot, lifestyle, and must-haves, including the number of bedrooms.
Most of our clients want:
- A first-floor primary suite
- Open great room and kitchen, anchored by a statement fireplace
- Flex space for home offices or kids’ play areas
- Mudroom with built-ins and laundry near the garage
- Bonus room or loft on the second floor
Some want formal dining spaces, others prefer one large entertaining zone. Some ask for finished basements with bar areas or theaters. Every home starts from scratch. We’re not tweaking a template—we’re building what fits.
Real Examples from Costa Clients
Case Study 1: A couple in Pine Richland wanted a classic white farmhouse look but didn’t want to go full black-and-white. We used warm taupe siding, bronze windows, and a brick porch base to blend traditional materials with modern proportion, creating a perfect example of modern farmhouses. Inside, their kitchen had quartz counters, shaker cabinets, and antique brass fixtures.
Case Study 2 :In Peters Township, a young family built a 3,200 sq ft farmhouse with a clean gabled roof, black-framed windows, and a warm cedar beam porch. Inside, we mixed exposed beams with wide arches and millwork throughout. Their primary bath featured traditional vanities with clean, modern lighting and mirrors.
What Clients Are Saying
“In summary, our experience with Costa Home Builders: met deadlines, easy to work with, helpful in making complex decisions, respectful of our unique wishes, quality building products, kind and welcoming workers. From the beginning to the end, we love our house and are completely satisfied. They are truly committed to customer satisfaction.”
Laura Phipps
Pittsburgh-Area Homeowner
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve seen homeowners go too far in one direction—then second-guess every finish. Here’s what to avoid:
- Overmixing styles – Choose a dominant tone, then accent it. Don’t do farmhouse kitchen + ultra-modern bath + colonial entry.
- Forcing trends – Shiplap doesn’t belong in every room. Neither do stark black-and-white contrasts if your natural light can’t support it.
- Skipping the flow – Make sure your trim, flooring, and base materials carry through the home. Transitions should feel natural, not abrupt.
- Designing backwards – Choose your layout first, then your materials. Finishes should support function—not override it.
- Neglecting construction planning – Secure permits and regulations before starting the construction process. Consider a free home site evaluation to ensure everything is ready for construction.
At Costa, we keep you focused so the finished home feels unified—not pieced together.
Why Farmhouse Custom Homes Hold Their Value
Blending modern and traditional isn’t just a design choice—it’s a smart investment. In the custom home building industry, farmhouse custom homes appeal to a wide range of buyers and adapt well to different life stages.
They work on:
- Wide rural lots
- Gently sloped suburban developments
- Narrower city-edge infill properties
They also age well. Classic materials like brick, wood, and neutral tones don’t go out of style. And with a smart, livable layout, your home won’t feel dated or cramped five years from now.
Bringing it all Together with Farmhouse Style Home
Bringing it all together with a farmhouse style home requires a focus on creating a space that is both beautiful and functional. With a wide range of design elements to choose from, homeowners can customize their space to meet their unique needs and style. From modern farmhouse plans to custom house plans, there are countless options available for those who want to create a dream home. With a focus on sq ft, homeowners can choose a plan that fits their needs, whether it’s a small and cozy space or a large and luxurious one. By incorporating elements like natural light, neutral color palettes, and exposed beams, homeowners can create a space that is both warm and welcoming. Whether you’re looking to build a new home or renovate an existing one, farmhouse style is definitely worth considering. With its unique blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, it’s the perfect choice for homeowners who want to create a beautiful and comfortable living space.
What It’s Like to Build a Farmhouse Custom Home with Costa
We don’t rush clients through decisions, and we don’t expect you to be a design expert. When you work with Costa, you get:
- A builder who listens first
- A design team that balances aesthetics with flow
- Help choosing finishes that work together—not just look good on their own
- A full-service process from site walk-through to move-in day, including a thorough evaluation of the location to understand local conditions and necessary permits
Whether you know exactly what you want or need help pulling ideas together, we guide you from the first meeting to the final walkthrough.
You Don’t Have to Pick Sides—You Just Have to Pick the Right Builder
If you’re drawn to both traditional charm and modern simplicity, you don’t need to compromise. You just need a builder who knows how to balance both.
Costa Homebuilders has helped Pittsburgh-area families design farmhouse custom homes that are clean, classic, and completely their own.
Ready to get started? We’ll help you design a home that doesn’t fit a trend—it fits your life.
