With any ambitious home design project, there are usually ups and downs in almost equal measure. However, with this newly built modern farmhouse set on a huge plot of land, it's the highlights that will last for everyone involved. For homeowners, architects, contractors and interior designer Adam Hunter, who witnessed the development of the 383-acre property from plan to completion, it was the realization of a dream home.
“This project presented an exciting challenge: to reinterpret rustic design by combining its raw, textured qualities with industrial elements without losing the warmth and welcoming nature of the space,” says Adam. “The goal was to refine the traditional, rustic aesthetic and incorporate elegant metallic accents that add depth and modernity while maintaining a cohesive, inviting atmosphere.” Through thoughtful material selection, layered textures and strategic contrasts, I was able to achieve a balance that feels both innovative and stays true to the essence of rustic charm.
Take the tour and discover the design highlights of this special home.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondro)
The farmhouse is located in an oasis of natural beauty with an orchard, a picturesque pond and lake, several hiking bridges over natural springs, a private swimming area and miles of hiking and biking trails. “It was important to create a thoughtful program that seamlessly blends the stunning landscape with purposeful design,” says designer Adam.
This connection between inside and outside can be clearly seen in Adam's great spatial ideas. It is a bright and sunny space and features 38-foot vaulted ceilings that instill a sense of awe. “The room is adorned with a Holly Hunt sofa and a stunning wall adorned with Jane Hallworth’s Aquila Constellation lamp, adding an ethereal touch of drama,” says Adam. “A pair of custom-made two-tone beveled metal fireplace surrounds from Amuneal provide balance and warmth to the seating and dining area.”
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
Positioned conveniently next to the kitchen and with all the drama of the vaulted barn ceilings above, the dining area makes its presence felt in the context of the open great room.
Dining room ideas include a colorful table custom designed by Adam Hunter that includes a live edge and blue resin, and dining chairs by Gregorius Pineo. The dining area features a Mehraban rug set on a white oak floor with a gray wash used on floors and walls throughout the home
Known for his dynamic, bespoke interiors informed by a decade as an actor on Broadway, Adam Hunter has become a preeminent name in the world of interior design. Known for combining restraint with drama, he was asked by his clients to create a unique vision for a sprawling Tennessee estate. “This project was a unique opportunity to push boundaries and create a truly unique home,” says Adam. “It was a reminder that innovation often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.”
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
To complement modern barn architecture and high ceilings, kitchen ideas need to be strong and impactful, especially since there are clear sight lines from the living and dining areas all the way to the kitchen.
Calacatta Viola Marble (from KD Style & Co) is the showstopper and is used to highlight the range hood ideas with a stylish floating hood, matching marble waterfall island and countertops.
The custom cabinets are from Amuneal in the Hunter Bronze finish. Other style highlights include Mattaliano pendant lights from Holly Hunt, Amtrend stools from Thomas Lavin Showroom upholstered in a geometric Rosemary Hallgarten fabric, a fire engine red Lacanche range, sinks from Rocky Mountain Hardware and faucets from Waterworks.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
In a home this size you would expect to find a number of dedicated seating areas. In addition to the living space in the great room and a traditional living room (more on this room below), there is this more intimate family room. In designer Adam's words, it features “raised leather walls from British supplier Bill Amberg in a customer-requested Batman blue with striking metal mesh trim from Amuneal.”
The rug is Zebois, designed by Adam Hunter for The Rug Company, with a custom lighting fixture also designed by Adam.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
In the third living room of the house, traditional and contemporary inspirations meet beautifully and there is an opportunity to merge indoor and outdoor spaces to celebrate the beautiful natural landscape and surroundings.
“The ombré curtain reflects the soft gradients of the flowing water, complemented by a Fortuny pendant light, a Blackman Cruz cocktail table and a custom sofa,” says Adam.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
“With an Asian-inspired theme, Fromental Prunus’ Pandora cherry blossom wallcovering brings nature indoors, subtly referencing the property’s 188-tree orchard and adding a sense of movement and life to the space,” adds Adam, who a big fan is floral decor for more formal settings.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
There is a noticeable change in the stairs and hallway leading to the basement tornado shelter and wine room. Designer Adam's staircase ideas added a bit of fun with his Smoke Sunset carpet runner, custom Amuneal metal handrail, and a “Lost in Space” robot standing guard.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
If you're looking for inspiration for decorating with pattern, check out the modern take on a large-scale floral print in the master bedroom. Custom wallpaper hand-painted by Janet Yonaty extends to the headboard. The wall lights are from Holly Hunt Design.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
This soft and sunny guest room features a modern mustard yellow bed frame custom designed by Adam Hunter and manufactured by Bespoke Furniture using Citron Mohair Velvet from Cowtan and Tout. The tactile selenite bedside lamp is by Thomas Lavin. The sheer white petal curtain from Stout Textiles adds a touch of romantic floral design.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
The generous proportions of this en-suite provide plenty of space for showcasing luxurious bathroom ideas, and designer Adam has done his best. Wrapped in reflective silk wallpaper, the high ceiling adds to the upscale appearance, pairing well with the Calacatta marble finishes and extensive marble detailing surrounding the millwork. Wall sconces from Alison Berger Glassworks complement a stunning chandelier from John Pomp Studios.
(Image credit: Trevor Tondo)
Inside and out, this modern farmhouse is the ultimate in luxury.
“My clients’ ideas and desires were at the heart of this project and it was a privilege to help bring them to life in a way that was meaningful to them,” says designer Adam. “The homeowners were thrilled to see their vision come to life, and it was incredibly rewarding to watch their excitement as they explored each room and discovered the details.” At its core, design is about creating spaces that… reflecting and resonating with the people who inhabit them.
“Throughout the property we have created spaces for rest and retreat, including a lakeside barn, a cozy cabin, stables and a pool house that opens effortlessly to the outdoors – each offering a unique moment to pause and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. “,” he adds. “Seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.” What I learned from this project is the importance of collaboration. The process reaffirmed the importance of listening, adapting and allowing creativity to flow in unexpected directions.”
Interior design: Adam Hunter
Photography: Trevor Tondro