The modern farmhouse trend that dominated American home design for the past decade is losing its appeal among buyers, who are now gravitating toward contemporary interior features like white oak floors, soapstone countertops, and pot fillers. While the style popularized by HGTV's Chip and Joanna Gaines isn't completely dead, it has lost significant market value compared to its peak years.
According to Zillow's latest research, the financial premium for modern farmhouse features has dramatically decreased. In 2016, listings featuring barn doors sold for up to 13 percent above market value, while the "modern farmhouse" label commanded a 10 percent premium in 2020. Today, both features hover closer to just 1 percent above expected selling prices, according to Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert.
"They're still selling for more than expected, but just not what we used to see," Pendleton explained. The shift reflects changing buyer behavior, as potential homeowners now scroll through listings on their phones long before attending open houses. If they don't like what they see online, they simply won't show up to view the property in person.
Certain listing descriptions have become automatic red flags for today's buyers. Features like Jacuzzi tubs, tile countertops, and laminate materials are considered dated and expensive to renovate. Conversely, premium features like white oak floors, soapstone countertops, and pot fillers can add thousands of dollars to a home's sale price, according to Zillow's data.
The hottest design trend emerging is what Pendleton calls "organic modernism." This aesthetic combines white oak floors, Venetian plaster walls, and soapstone counters – essentially materials that feel natural, textured, and contemporary without being cold or sterile. Wet rooms, which are completely waterproofed bathrooms with open shower areas at floor level, are also gaining popularity over traditional spa bathrooms.
In the Greater Boston area, exterior preferences remain largely traditional. Maggie Gold Seelig, a luxury broker and founder of MGS Group Real Estate, notes that buyers still respond positively to classical New England curb appeal reminiscent of architect Patrick Ahearn's work. However, interior preferences tell a different story.
"People aren't craving a center-entrance Colonial with rooms you just walk past," Seelig said. "They want spaces they actually use." Modern buyers prefer flexible rooms that can serve multiple purposes – a dining room that doubles as an office or library during the week, then transforms into a warm gathering space for holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Thanksgiving.
Builder Cindy Stumpo, whose multimillion-dollar projects in Brookline and Newton are frequently discussed in local real estate circles, confirms that her clients are moving away from heavy traditional styles. Instead, they're purchasing open-concept contemporary spaces that incorporate elements reminiscent of Miami and Los Angeles design aesthetics.
For Stumpo, the farmhouse trend isn't ending but evolving. While rustic veneers have lost their appeal, she sees growing demand for "warm modern" designs featuring open layouts softened with texture and glamorous touches. This represents a sophisticated evolution of the farmhouse concept rather than its complete abandonment.
Architects are more direct in their assessment of the trend's decline. David O'Sullivan, president of O'Sullivan Architects and the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts, acknowledges that while some clients still request modern farmhouse designs, the demand is clearly waning. "We as designers feel the style has been overdone and does not provide enough variety," O'Sullivan stated.
Practical considerations also influence design choices. Contemporary design tends to be more cost-efficient due to its simple forms and details, while traditional Boston brick construction often exceeds available budgets. Zoning regulations play a role as well – larger minimum lot sizes require builders to construct bigger homes to maintain profitability, and design review boards can add months of delays to projects.
Beyond aesthetic preferences, today's buyers prioritize practical features like staying within budget and having air conditioning. Nearly all new construction buyers expect at least one smart home feature, whether it's a programmable thermostat, automated lighting, or security system. Durability and climate resilience are increasingly important considerations, with buyers valuing homes that promise easier daily living as much as those with premium finishes.
Social media significantly influences buyer preferences, with Zillow research showing more than one-third of buyers use these platforms during their home search. Rather than browsing listings, they're absorbing current styles and identifying trending builders and designers. This creates what Pendleton describes as "the HGTV effect on steroids" – when buyers see enough curved sofas or plaster walls in their feeds, these elements begin to look like standard features.
The transformation of New England's iconic home styles represents an evolution rather than a revolution. Buyers may still desire gracious Colonial profiles from the street, but interior formality is disappearing in favor of flexible rooms, natural textures, and outdoor spaces designed for actual living rather than display.
While shiplap walls and sliding barn doors won't disappear entirely – Chip and Joanna Gaines continue to profit from their design legacy – the market now rewards different signals. For sellers, the message is clear: highlight materials and layouts that feel contemporary and livable rather than clinging to trends that peaked during HGTV reruns. For buyers, this means understanding that timeless exterior appearances may conceal very current contemporary interiors designed for daily life rather than show.
The modern farmhouse isn't completely out of fashion, but in New England and beyond, it's no longer the dominant style buyers are seeking. The future belongs to designs that balance contemporary functionality with natural materials and flexible living spaces.
