Lake Oswego Living Meets Modern Farmhouse Style

Once upon a time, a certain designer/contractor couple from a small town in a big state morphed a family-run business into a popular series on a cable network dedicated to all things home and garden and subsequently launched home furnishing lines with various retailers and a paint line and a publishing detail and . . . my point here, for real-estate purposes, is that the modern farmhouse style—while perhaps not invented by this celebrity couple—was certainly made very popular by them, and it’s a style that’s here to stay.

And I’m not mad about it. One of my most beautiful listings ever is a spectacular modern farmhouse in Lake Oswego. And after walking through this home for the first time, I found myself ruminating about just what it is that makes this style appealing to so many people. 

The modern farmhouse style is, above all, comfortable and approachable. These homes are meant to be lived in. The rooms are spacious. Functionality is important. For example, in days past, farmhouse sinks were large because they needed to hold large amounts of water, typically brought in from a well (or even a creek). In modern homes, water is delivered with ease straight from the tap, but these large sinks are still handy for all sorts of reasons, from washing big pots and pans to rinsing vegetables from the garden to bathing toddlers! Bonus: they look beautiful, too. Reclaimed wood and stone are often prominently featured throughout the home. The visual appeal of these materials is evident, but they are chosen because they will endure.

In a modern farmhouse, furniture isn’t for show—it’s meant to be used. Imagine! A sofa is selected because it’s comfortable; you’re meant to kick your feet up on the coffee table. Modern farmhouse owners select furnishings in natural, organic materials like cotton, linen, wool, jute, and sisal. These materials wear well and feel unfussy.

That last point—unfussiness—is key. Traditional farmhouses may conjure an image of a cluttered (dare I say kitschy?) abode. Modern farmhouses are anything but! In fact, for all their functionality and comfort, modern farmhouses are also simultaneously polished. Those reclaimed wood beams? They’re balanced with sophisticated fixtures—gorgeous faucets and drawer pulls, elegant lighting, unique art. You won’t find handmade quilts and mason jars in a modern farmhouse. Simplicity is the name of the game—natural tones, minimal clutter, carefully curated.

While the modern farmhouse style is now popular across the United States, I’ll argue that it is particularly well-suited to Oregonians. After all, we’re a comfortable, approachable people (flannel shirts!) who still espouse a level of sophistication. (A resident of a state with this many wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries, arts scene, and love of literature can hardly say otherwise)! And while I don’t want to live on a farm, I certainly understand the appeal of living in a modern farmhouse.

Sharon Bloudek

Principal Broker | OR

She/Her

Sharon is a Licensed Principal Broker in Oregon with 17 years of experience in the real estate industry. With a Business Degree in Marketing/Management from Loyola Marymount University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and international business studies at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, Sharon brings a strategic and diverse perspective to her role. Leading the #1 team at Living Room Realty alongside Beth Benner, Sharon has earned recognition in the top 1% of the RMLS and is a long-time member of PMAR's Masters Circle Diamond Platinum Level.  Sharon’s integrity, expertise, and commitment to excellence are what make her standout. She has served more than 450 homeowners over the years, leveraging her strong industry relationships and dedication to her clients to deliver exceptional results. Sharon is also an active participant in the local real estate investment scene, using her comprehensive market knowledge to inform her investment decisions. Originally from Southern California, Sharon has called Portland home for 20 years. Beyond her real estate career, she has served as a Board Member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, has a passion for pickleball, basketball, and softball, and enjoys a fulfilling family life with her three children.

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• T: 503-701-1000
• sharon@bridgetoportland.com