Farmhouse architecture usually refers to a type of building or house which serves a residential purpose in a rural or agricultural setting. This style of architecture tends to be more pragmatic than aesthetic, but often well-stocked or well-furnished in terms of food, insulation or in other aspects dealing with daily necessities. The supply of agricultural products from its environment tends to be a factor for this, as well as stressing the need for productivity and pragmatism in the survival of the farm. The farmhouse allows the farmers, workers and often their families to reside in proximity to their workplace—namely the farm in question. This allows the farmers and workers to arrive at the workplace earlier, increasing the productivity of the farm..

Farmhouse Style Mouldings

Farmhouse style mouldings refer loosely to a vernacular set of profiles that might be quickly fashioned by a busy farmer. They tend to be simpler than moldings we might classify as "Colonial" or "Georgian" or "Federal" but they derive from the same sources while reflecting a greater austerity. They are characterized by a minimalism and cleanliness in form. Their purpose being more utilitarian and less stylistically driven.

Farmhouse style moldings are derived from simple boards, S4S, the quirk and bead. In more complex examples, a cove or quarter-round might occur, but rarely an ogee.