Modern farmhouse design exudes a rugged yet refined look that many homeowners adore. As one of the staple design styles in domestic interiors, modern farmhouse takes a fresh spin on the rustic, cozy look of typical farmhouse designs. Warm neutrals, reclaimed woods, vintage touches, and a minimalist aesthetic aid this design and make it appealing to many. So, how do you achieve the perfect look with modern farmhouse decor? Here are our tips.
What is modern farmhouse style?
Modern farmhouse style is one of the most popular design aesthetics today. It features a blend of rustic, classic farm home touches with fresh, light, modern decor. The modern farmhouse style is known for its neutral color palettes, metallic accents, and natural textures. Raw and reclaimed wood, exposed beams, barn doors, wrought iron, and airy tones are common in this interior design.
Is modern farmhouse still in style?
Modern farmhouse design is still in style, though some of the notable features of this aesthetic have shifted slightly. The modern farmhouse style surged in popularity in the 2010s alongside other trends like minimalism. Homes of this decade were characterized by their minimal decorum and light, airy, neutral palettes.
However, the 2020s have said goodbye to certain trends of the past. For example, modern farmhouse was notable for its white-painted brick and all-white kitchens. Homeowners today crave something more vibrant. Now, you’ll likely see deeper, muted tones like warm evergreen or muted navy blue on kitchen cabinets in a modern farmhouse design. Inspired by the surge in cottagecore aesthetics, soft, simple wallpapers are also entering modern farmhouse interiors.
So, while some trends within the modern farmhouse style, like the “live, laugh, love” signs and the excessive use of whitewashed shiplap, have faded out of popularity, the design style is still going strong as one of the most sought-after aesthetics for homeowners.
What color palette is best for modern farmhouse design?
When creating a modern farmhouse color palette, you can’t go wrong with neutrals. While this design aesthetic initially encouraged homes to be dominated by white, gray, and off-white, we’re seeing a variety of other neutral tones entering these spaces.
Typical colors for modern farmhouse:
- Crisp white
- Off-white
- Pale yellow
- Beige
- Light gray
- Greige
Trendy colors entering modern farmhouse design:
- Dark evergreen
- Sage green
- Dusty rose
- Robin’s egg blue
- Muted navy blue
- Warm, chocolate brown
Characteristics of modern farmhouse decor
Many characteristics of modern farmhouse decor draw inspiration from contemporary and rustic design styles. You’ll see many raw materials paired with refined metals and neutral tones to achieve a balanced look.
- Neutral color palette
- Natural fibers on textiles
- Raw wood
- Reclaimed wood
- Barn doors
- Wide plank floors
- Shiplap
- Paneling and wainscoting
- Vintage accessories
- Wrought iron details
- Salvage and upcycled pieces
- Large, comfy furniture
- Farmhouse sink in kitchens
- Brick details
How to decorate with modern farmhouse
If you want to curate a gorgeous modern farmhouse design, follow these tips.
Start with a neutral color palette
Neutral hues are a must in a modern farmhouse design. Start by choosing a neutral tone or two for the base of your color palette. Cream and off-white are spectacular choices that are on trend and diverge slightly from the stark white of modern farmhouse design’s past. Once you choose the neutral colors, consider adding a splash of color using warm browns in woods or opting for green or blue additions to make your home feel cozy and luxe.
Use natural textures
Natural textures like wool, bamboo, cotton, wood, and stone will add a rugged look to your home that aids the farmhouse side of the aesthetic. You’ll want to choose a diverse set of natural textures to add to your space for the best look and feel. For example, you might choose a wood dining table with a jute rug and 100% cotton curtains. Invest in some handmade pottery or gorgeous stonework to adorn your space.
Add metal accents
Metal accents add a sleek and refined look to the modern farmhouse aesthetic, inviting more contemporary touches to offset the rugged decorum. Wrought iron accents, copper light fixtures, and gold wares on cabinets are a few examples of how metallic accents aid modern farmhouse design. When choosing light fixtures and furniture, aim for pieces with metallic touches to help modernize the look of your space.
Use organic, raw materials
As design shifts toward incorporating more biophilic and organic elements, be sure to add some raw materials to your design. Raw stone masonry on fireplaces, as kitchen backsplash, and even in place of tile floors is ultra chic right now. Add plants to your space, show off exposed beams, and consider using polished wood with rough edging on a dining table for a gorgeous organic look.
Go light on accessories
When decorating with the modern farmhouse style, go light on accessories. Keep your decor to a minimum to prevent an overcrowded or kitschy design. Too much decor will make the space feel outdated and heavy, lending to a more farmhouse-rich aesthetic. However, you’ll want to keep it balanced to achieve the modern effect. Go minimal where you can.
Modern farmhouse design is a beloved aesthetic that many homeowners have flocked to over the years. Due to its popularity, it’s one of the most sought-after looks in home design. Additionally, the ability to adapt to new trends keeps modern farmhouse design fresh and inviting each year.
