Skip to main content

Don’t fall into these modern farmhouse interior design traps

The modern farmhouse style continues to be one of the trendiest aesthetics around, and it’s no surprise either. The style achieves a stunning balance between laidback comfort and sophisticated minimalism—when it’s used correctly. Despite the style’s popularity, there are still a lot of things people get wrong about it. So how do you make a modern farmhouse look? Keep reading to learn more about the trendy style and the dos and don’ts of incorporating it into your home.

Modern farmhouse living room with exposed wood beams
Collov Home Design / Unsplash

What is modern farmhouse interior?

What is farmhouse interior design? The aesthetic is a fusion of the rustic, laidback farmhouse style and minimalist modernism. At first glance, the two styles may seem at odds, but when they’re combined in the right balance, the result can be casual and refined, homey and sophisticated. It’s a fresh take on the warm and charming farmhouse aesthetic. The modern elements bring the cozy country style into the present day without sacrificing the spirit of home-centric, simple living.

Modern farmhouse style couch with shiplap wall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Modern farmhouse dos

Now that you understand the basics of modern farmhouse interior design, try to incorporate these ideas to implement the style expertly.

Do have fun with contrast

The modern farmhouse aesthetic is built on contrast. Don’t be afraid to mix opposite colors and patterns in your home design. Play with contrasting colors, textures, and finishes. Combine light natural wood with dark metal accents, or decorate a minimalist modern coffee table with rustic vintage decor. In mixing old and new pieces and sophisticated and homey elements, you create the quintessential modern farmhouse look of laidback luxury.

Do choose natural materials

Organic materials are an essential feature of the farmhouse aesthetic. They give the style its rustic and down-to-earth vibe. When choosing pieces, opt for natural wood, stone, and metals like copper and iron. For linens, look for natural fabrics such as cotton and hemp. To add a modern touch of casual glamour, pair the natural elements with accents that have matte finishes.

Do combine vintage and modern pieces

As mentioned, modern farmhouse is an interior style of contrasts. Use an eclectic mix of old and new pieces for your home decor. Look for vintage items with country vibes and minimalist, modern accents. And remember to have fun with it! Decorating your home gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality, so look for items that really mean something to you.

Do embrace unique and imperfect features

Add rustic charm to your home with unique design features. Look for imperfect and one-of-a-kind pieces, such as weathered faucets, vintage lighting fixtures, reclaimed wood dining tables, and heirloom-style decor. When you juxtapose items like these with contemporary minimalist furnishings and colors, you can pull off the modern farmhouse look perfectly.

Ceramic jug vase with dried flowers on kitchen counter
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’ts of modern farmhouse design

When redesigning your home with the modern farmhouse style, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls.

Don’t take the farmhouse aesthetic literally

One of the absolute worst things you can do is take the “farmhouse” part of the aesthetic literally. You’ll end up with a house that looks like a themed attraction full of cliché country decor. Instead, think about the ambiance of an authentic farmhouse and the design elements you may find there. Here are a few examples of overused elements and what you should use instead:

  • Swap out multipurpose mason jars for glass or enameled metal jugs, bottles, and vases
  • Replace typographical signage with pastoral artwork or decorative pieces that offer a less literal interpretation of the message (e.g., instead of a sign that says “farm fresh eggs,” decorate with a vintage wire egg basket)
  • Forgo barn doors for a more practical option made of reclaimed wood
  • Get rid of anything that looks like a prop and instead focus on purposeful and meaningful pieces of rustic and modern decor

Don’t go wild with your color palette

For a modern farmhouse, it’s best to stick with a soothing, neutral color palette. Stick with hues like bright whites and soft beiges to create the backdrop for your furnishings. Use natural textures and unique pieces to add visual interest to your room and contrast the minimalist color scheme.

Don’t take the store-bought approach

Buying furniture and decor that’s manufactured to fit the farmhouse aesthetic can often look cheesy and cheap. Focus on authentic pieces that add character and beauty to your home. Use lived-in furnishings that you already have and make them the focal point of the room. Shop for vintage pieces that have a story and have already stood the test of time.

Don’t overdo it

It’s incredibly easy to go overboard when redecorating your home in the modern farmhouse style. Use restraint when planning your decor to avoid an over-the-top and heavy-handed design. Before adding anything to your home, ask yourself what purpose it serves and how it will enhance the overall design. Frequently step back to assess and change up the room to ensure your interior looks how you want it to.

A modern farmhouse look can be challenging to pull off well. It’s all too easy to overdo it and fall into the trap of inauthentic and kitschy design. Stick with an updated, neutral color palette, use natural materials, and embrace unique vintage pieces with character and longevity. And always be mindful of the elements you choose to use. With these simple design ideas, you can strike the perfect balance between the rustic farmhouse and refined modern styles.

Editors' Recommendations

Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
How to feng shui your bedroom: The dos and don’ts
Tips for energy flow and a balanced space
Bright modern bedroom with wood floor and white linens

Your bedroom is more than just a place to sleep. It's a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. To achieve the perfect balance of harmony and energy flow in your bedroom, consider the ancient art of feng shui. In this guide, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of creating a feng shui bedroom, helping you create a space that promotes restful sleep and positive energy.

What is feng shui?
Feng shui, often referred to as the "art of placement," is a traditional Chinese practice that involves arranging your environment to enhance the flow of energy, or "chi." In the context of your bedroom, feng shui principles can be applied to create a space that promotes serenity, relaxation, and overall well-being.

Read more
Your complete guide to Scandinavian design: A gorgeous, simple home aesthetic
Interested in Scandinavian design? Here's everything you need to know about it
Modern Scandinavian living room style

Whether you want to honor the landscape with natural home decor or cozy up indoors to enjoy the concept of hygge, Scandinavian design offers gorgeous simplicity in the home. This design aesthetic is more than just IKEA furniture. Scandinavian design focuses on functionality and simplicity to help connect us with nature while offering a comforting interior to withstand even the darkest of winters.

For those who want to embark on uplifting their minimalist aesthetics or are curious about this beautiful style, here is everything you need to know about Scandinavian design.

Read more
Modern Christmas decor doesn’t mean cold – 6 ideas for a cozy, minimalist vibe
Decor ideas that are both minimalist and warm
Modern Christmas decorations in a living room

Christmastime brings joy and cheer to everyone, and nothing kicks off the festivities more than decorating your home. If the decor in your house is modern, you may be having a hard time incorporating your traditional Christmas decorations with your aesthetic. If you’re thinking about buying all new decorations and it’s stressing you out, worry not. We have some modern Christmas decoration ideas that don’t require you to start from scratch with your decorations — nor will they make your home look like some cold, sad version of the holiday spirit. It's absolutely possible to decorate for Christmas in a way that's both minimalist and warm.

Less is more
Just because Christmas tends to be over the top when it comes to decorations doesn’t mean you have to follow suit in your home. Creating an elegant and modern Christmas living room doesn’t mean stuffing every ornament you possibly can on every open surface. A Christmas tree and a natural mantel decoration should do the trick if your decor is modern.

Read more