Mastering the Modern Farmhouse

When Jarrod and Cassy at Edgecliff Homes set out to create the Morley 2.0 in Wilton, NSW, they were looking to amplify everything they had learned with their original Morley Project. On the way, they have given a masterclass in how the Modern Farmhouse aesthetic can be applied at a larger scale without sacrificing its inherent characteristics.

For the young couple, Morley 2.0 represents a chance to showcase a vision to find the perfect balance between the sleek finishes of contemporary architecture with the classic charm of the farmhouse style.

Walk through Morley 2.0 and you’ll immediately notice the distinctive black-framed Manhattan BHAT 6G doors that run through the home. At first glance, they offer up the industrial elegance of steel-framed doors with the factory-chic aesthetic that’s become synonymous with bespoke contemporary design. But constructed from timber, Manhattan doors are significantly lighter to handle and quieter to operate.

“The reason we really love this style of door is their timber construction that looks like a metal door,” says Cassy. “It ties in really nicely with our exposed steel beams and colonial bar windows. It’s so nice to have these elements all come together to bring our vision to life.”

For cohesion, the team opted for translucent glass for private areas while prioritising clear glass for areas where they wanted more natural light to flow. These translucent glass panels, divided by those signature horizontal bars, allow natural light to travel through while maintaining distinct zones. In the kitchen, they create a visual connection to the butler’s pantry beyond. Upstairs, they frame the private areas without sacrificing a sense of openness that makes the double-height void feel so spectacular.

The decision to use Manhattan doors so extensively throughout Morley 2.0 is a key unifying element that ties the design of the home together. Against the home’s predominantly white palette, the black frames create moments of definition and help unify the main home with the bold, darker palette of the impressive ‘man cave’ extension.

The Manhattan doors are supported by a carefully curated cast of design elements that complete the Modern Farmhouse vision at the Morley 2.0. This project shows that achieving this style isn’t about ticking boxes and getting a ‘look’, but instead understanding how elements work in concert to build a timeless style.

Key to this is a deliberately restrained colour palette. Crisp white walls and high ceilings create an expansive, light-filled backdrop that allows some stunning architectural features to shine.

From full-width steel beams through to the open-plan void connecting two levels, the levity of the palette allows stronger features including the Manhattan doors to play their role. Against this canvas, natural timber also appears where it should, with the warm oak cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom, the timber balustrade posts framing the upstairs shared section, and those natural oak doors that provide a tactile warmth without competing for attention.

Black fixtures and fittings echo the Manhattan door frames throughout, creating a cohesive thread. The matte black tapware and cabinetry in the private laundry, the dramatic wagon wheel chandelier suspended in the double-height space, and the slimline balustrade railings all reinforce the Modern Farmhouse.

Not shying away from the impact consistency and restraint can have in a large design like Morley 2.0, Edgecliff Homes have achieved something rare: a Modern Farmhouse that honours both halves of its name equally.

If this has got your imagination running, why not explore the Manhattan Collection and save your favourites to My Doors.