Introduction to Modern Farmhouse Decor
Modern farmhouse decor is a style of interior design that combines contemporary elements with traditional aesthetics. This look has become increasingly popular over the last decade.
Modern farmhouse style is rooted in the practicality and simplicity of classic farmhouse design. Traditional farmhouses emphasized function over form, with practical furnishings and architectural details. Modern farmhouse takes these traditional elements but incorporates more contemporary and elegant touches.
The hallmarks of modern farmhouse decor include natural materials, vintage accents, neutral color palettes, and a cozy yet airy feel. The look often features elements like wood floors, subway tile, galvanized metal, linen fabrics, and repurposed antique furniture. Instead of cluttered rooms, the style focuses on clean lines and purposeful decoration.
While traditional farmhouse was rustic and primitive, modern farmhouse aims for a more refined take on the aesthetic. Soft white walls, modern silhouettes, and chic finishes give this style a fresh, inviting look. The overall goal is to evoke the charm and simplicity of a country farmhouse but with a cleaner, brighter, more modern appeal.
The popularity of decor has steadily grown, especially among millennials and young families. This style offers an appealing middle ground between modern and traditional design. The nostalgic vintage touches combined with clean lines result in spaces that feel cozy yet current. For many homeowners, the modern farmhouse look provides a soothing, livable aesthetic perfect for family living.
Key Characteristics
Modern farmhouse style is defined by some key characteristics that set it apart and give it that cozy, vintage feel. Some of the main elements of modern farmhouse decor include:
**Neutral Color Palette**
The color scheme for modern farmhouse design tends to stick to neutral, earthy tones like whites, tans, grays, and browns. These muted colors pair perfectly with the natural textures and materials used in farmhouse style. Soft whites, creams, and greys make up the background while pops of black and wood tones provide contrast. This creates a soothing, relaxed color palette.
**Natural Materials**
Relies heavily on the use of natural materials like wood, metal, and stone. Aged wood shows up on floors, furniture, ceilings, and accent walls, providing warmth and texture. Galvanized metal and stone elements add rustic character. Other natural materials like jute, linen, cotton, wool, and leather make up textiles like rugs, pillows, throws, and upholstery. The natural elements root the look in nature.
**Textures**
Layering textures is key in modern farmhouse style. Burlap, linen, leather, galvanized metal, unfinished wood – these types of materials bring depth and dimension through their natural rough-hewn textures. Accent walls clad in reclaimed wood planks, linen upholstered furniture, galvanized metal buckets, and burlap pillows all add visual interest. Distressed finishes also help capture the worn, vintage look.
**Vintage Accents**
Vintage and antique pieces help reinforce the aged, timeworn aesthetic of modern farmhouse decor. Items like antique signs, old windows, salvaged barn wood, galvanized buckets, and distressed furniture all provide a sense of history. Accent pieces like vintage inspired lighting and antique-looking rugs further capture the old-fashioned farmhouse vibe. A mix of modern pieces with antique and vintage accents creates the “modern farmhouse” look.
Farmhouse Living Room Ideas
The living room is often considered the heart of the home, and in a farmhouse style living room the focus is on comfort and functionality. Some key elements to create a cozy farmhouse living room include:
**Comfy Seating**
Slipcovered sofas and armchairs in natural fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal for a farmhouse living room. Avoid formal, upholstered furniture and opt for a more relaxed look with sink-in couches and lounge chairs that invite relaxation. Add pillows and throws for extra comfort. A sofa with a chaise lounge on one end is a great option to maximize seating and lounging space.
**Wood Coffee Tables**
Coffee tables made from reclaimed wood, oak, acacia, or pine help bring natural elements into the living room. Look for tables with storage space underneath for books, blankets, or games. Rustic, handmade coffee tables with character add charm.
**Woven Rugs**
Layering woven or braided rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors adds coziness and texture. Jute, sisal, cotton, and wool rugs complement the farmhouse aesthetic. In high traffic areas, look for durable, stain-resistant rugs.
**Exposed Beams or Shiplap Walls**
Exposing the ceiling beams and installing reclaimed wood planks on the walls gives a room an instant farmhouse upgrade. The rustic architectural details add visual interest and a sense of history. If exposing beams isn’t feasible, faux beams made of wood can recreate the look.
**Fireplace Focal Point**
A classic brick or stone fireplace makes a lovely focal point, especially flanked by built-in bookshelves. If there is no existing fireplace, a faux fireplace mantel or a pair of French doors leading outside can also serve as the living room’s anchor. Cluster seating around the focal point to create a natural gathering spot.
Farmhouse Kitchen Design
The heart of the home, the farmhouse kitchen is all about creating a warm, inviting space for cooking, eating, and gathering. Farmhouse kitchens are characterized by a mix of modern and vintage elements that come together to create a timeless, rustic chic style.
Some key elements of farmhouse kitchen design include:
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are a farmhouse kitchen staple. Made from wood, these countertops add natural warmth and texture to the space. Popular wood choices for butcher block include maple, walnut, cherry, and oak. Butcher block is naturally antibacterial and stands up well to heavy use, making it perfect for food prep. An easy way to get the butcher block look is by using butcher block laminate countertops, which provide the aesthetic at a lower cost.
Farmhouse Sink
A classic farmhouse sink is a must-have. Usually made of stainless steel or porcelain, farmhouse sinks are large, deep sinks that can handle big dishes and lots of use. They come in modern and traditional styles. Farmhouse sinks make a statement and are very functional.
Open Shelving
Open shelving provides both form and function in a farmhouse kitchen. The simple wooden shelves add warmth and allow you to stylishly display dishes, cookbooks, and decor. Open shelving creates a casual, laidback look. For a more modern feel, try open metal shelving.
Pendant Lights Over Island
Hanging pendant lights over the kitchen island is typical in farmhouse style. Vintage-inspired pendants, often with Edison bulbs, pair nicely with the aesthetic. Opt for metal or woven pendants for a more modern farmhouse style. Pendants provide focused task lighting for the island.
Vintage-Inspired Appliances
Bringing in some vintage elements helps achieve farmhouse style. Opt for a retro fridge, range, or dishwasher. Look for options with a colorful, classic style. Vintage-looking appliances add charm and keep the kitchen from feeling too sleek or modern.
By incorporating elements like butcher block counters, a farmhouse sink, open shelving, pendant lighting, and vintage-style appliances you can create the perfect farmhouse kitchen aesthetic. The look is fresh and timeless, blending modern convenience with rustic warmth.
Farmhouse Bedroom Design
Farmhouse style bedrooms are cozy and inviting with a focus on natural textures and materials. The bed is often the centerpiece, featuring a wood frame in a muted stain or painted white. Choose bedding in neutral solids, plaids, or subtle patterns with layers of linens in white, cream, or beige.
Accent a farmhouse bedroom with woven textiles like cotton quilts or crocheted blankets layered at the foot of the bed. Macrame wall hangings and linen curtains continue the tactile, textured look. For flooring, try sisal, jute, or braided rugs in natural fibers like wool. These materials add warmth underfoot.
Rustic wood nightstands, dressers, and armoires complement the bed frame. Seek out vintage-style lighting with Edison bulbs to complete the farmhouse vibe. Pendant lights, sconces, and table lamps in metal finishes like nickel or brass work well. Finally, decorative touches like a ladder-style bookcase, woven baskets, and potted plants give a cozy, lived-in feel.
Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas
The bathroom is a great room to showcase farmhouse style. Some key elements to incorporate include:
Clawfoot Tub
A clawfoot tub is a classic farmhouse feature. The exposed feet give it a vintage look, and clawfoot tubs offer a relaxing soak. Place your tub under a window to create a spa-like atmosphere. For added character, look for a tub with feet in an oil-rubbed bronze or antique nickel finish.
Barn Door on Shower
Barn doors are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for small bathrooms. A sliding barn door made of wood or metal can conceal your walk-in shower. For easy cleaning, use a door with a flat panel design rather than one with X details that can collect moisture. Install a track along the ceiling rather than the floor for a seamless look.
Subway Tile
Subway tile offers farmhouse appeal in an affordable and low-maintenance material. The rectangular shape and beveled edge creates visual interest. Subway tile comes in bright white as well as shades like light grey, navy, and sage green for a more eclectic look. Use it on the tub/shower surround, as an accent stripe, or on the entire wall.
Vintage-Look Fixtures
Fixtures like sinks, faucets, and lighting offer lots of room for infusing farmhouse charm. Look for fixtures with a worn, antique appearance such as bronze, copper, or brushed nickel. Go for a wall-mount or pedestal sink rather than a traditional vanity. Add character with cross-handle faucets. Incorporate pendant lights, sconces, or a multi-bulb vanity light fixture.
Basket Storage
Incorporate baskets for a farmhouse look while adding storage space. Use baskets to hold rolled towels, toilet paper, bath toys, and other essentials. For a cohesive feel, opt for baskets with neutral tones and varied textures and weaves, like seagrass and rattan. Hang them on the walls or set them on open shelves. Baskets give the space a collected, vintage vibe.
Farmhouse Exterior Design
The exterior of a modern farmhouse makes a statement with charming accents and welcoming curb appeal. Some key features of farmhouse exterior design include:
Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding is a hallmark of farmhouse style. The contrasting vertical boards and battens add texture and visual interest to exterior walls. Painted or stained in light, natural wood tones, board and batten siding evokes a sense of warmth and rustic charm.
Large Front Porch
A prominent front porch is essential for farmhouse exterior design. The large, covered space serves as an inviting entryway and a perfect spot for relaxing outdoors. White railings and pillars support the porch roof. Rocking chairs, benches, and potted plants enhance the cozy vibe.
Black Window Shutters
Black window shutters perfectly complement white siding and trim. The dark shutters pop against light exterior colors. Both functional and decorative, shutters framed around windows deliver quintessential farmhouse curb appeal.
Potted Plants and Flowers
Flower pots, planters, and window boxes bursting with blooms give a farmhouse exterior personality and vibrancy. Vines climbing up walls or railings and pots lining the front porch add natural beauty and welcoming charm. The lush greenery signals the homegrown appeal of farmhouse style.
With charming accents like board and batten siding, a welcoming front porch, black shutters, and abundant plants, the farmhouse exterior exudes vintage-inspired beauty and comfort. The timeless design promises both rustic warmth and contemporary country appeal.
Farmhouse Furniture Style
The farmhouse furniture style focuses on durable, natural materials with a rustic yet elegant aesthetic. Some key features include:
Reclaimed Wood Tables
Reclaimed wood dining tables are a hallmark of farmhouse decor. The slightly weathered patina and natural wood grain of reclaimed wood adds rustic charm. Farmhouse dining tables are often made from reclaimed barn wood or other antique wood sources. A classic farm table seats 6-8 people to accommodate large family meals. Reclaimed wood coffee tables and consoles also fit the cozy farmhouse living room.
Upholstered Arm Chairs
For seating, look for slipcovered arm chairs. The soft upholstered cushions and arms provide comfort, while the linen or cotton fabric coverings enable easy cleaning. Neutral off-white and beige colors keep arm chairs looking timeless. Tufted detailing adds subtle texture.
Woven Seating
In addition to upholstered arm chairs, woven seating like wicker or rattan fits the casual farmhouse aesthetic. Painted wicker chairs provide a weathered look. Natural woven side chairs or barstools complement reclaimed wood tables.
Distressed Finishes
Distressing is a finish technique that creates an antique worn look. Signs of wear like dings, scratches, or faded areas give furniture a rustic charm. Farmhouse wood furniture often features visible wood grain with a slightly distressed finish.
Repurposed Pieces
Farmhouse style embraces repurposed antique furniture, from dressers converted to kitchen islands to clawfoot tubs made into sinks. Vintage signs, ladders, and baskets also double as functional decor. Displaying collected pieces gives a home an effortlessly curated look.
Farmhouse Wall Decor
Farmhouse style is all about creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in the home. One of the best ways to achieve this rustic chic look is through your wall decor choices. When decorating your walls in a modern farmhouse style, look for pieces that feel authentic and connect you to nature.
Some key farmhouse wall decor ideas include:
Framed Botanical Prints
Botanical prints are quintessential farmhouse. Choose classic prints featuring herbs, flowers, trees, or produce. Black and white prints have a graphic, modern feel. For a pop of color, opt for prints with a single color like blue or green. Frame botanical prints in rustic wood frames for a cohesive look. Hang them alone or group several together in a gallery wall display.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls with a cluster of frames are a hallmark of farmhouse style. Mix and match framed prints, paintings, mirrors, and family photos. Black and white schemes look crisp and modern, while adding in wood frames creates appealing contrast. For a homey feel, opt for similar colored frames in white, black, gray, or wood tones.
Mirrors with Rustic Frames
Mirrors make spaces feel more open while reflecting light. Choose mirrors with wood, metal, or distressed frames for farmhouse appeal. Lean mirrors against walls or hang them saloon-style with leather straps. Round and oval mirrors with natural wood frames complement farmhouse spaces.
Signage with Folksy Sayings
Signs and plaques with rustic designs and folksy sayings add farmhouse personality. Opt for sayings about family, home, farm life or blessings. Distressed wood signs with whitewashed lettering look timeworn and authentic. For a modern touch, choose clean-lined signs in black and white. Display whimsical garden signs outdoors to embrace the farmhouse lifestyle.
With the right wall decor choices, you can create a cozy farmhouse atmosphere in any space. Layer in natural textures, earthy colors, and vintage touches for a relaxed, inviting look.
Bringing Farmhouse Style Home
The farmhouse decor look is beloved for its charming and cozy aesthetic. While some aspects can feel unattainable, there are many easy ways to bring touches of farmhouse style into your home.
Tips for Adding Farmhouse Touches
- Incorporate natural wood tones into your furniture and decor. Distressed wood finishes are very on-trend.
- Add textiles like cotton, linen, burlap, or woven throws and pillows. These bring warmth and texture.
- Use galvanized metal buckets, bins, pots, and containers for storage and decor.
- Display fresh greenery like eucalyptus in vases and plants in terracotta pots.
- Include antique or vintage pieces like windows, doors, signs, or furniture. These add character.
- Add touches of black metal hardware like hooks, knobs, and lighting fixtures. This contrasts nicely with wood.
- Incorporate farmhouse wall decor like wooden signs, family photos, and art featuring nature, animals, or agriculture.
Budget-Friendly Farmhouse Ideas
You don’t need a huge budget to get the farmhouse look. Some budget-friendly ideas include:
- Paint existing furniture white or light neutral colors. This gives a clean, airy look.
- Check secondhand and thrift stores for antique-looking finds. These add vintage farmhouse charm.- Use inexpensive baskets from craft stores for storage. These look great on open shelves.
- Add a classic gingham tablecloth and white dishes to your kitchen table.
- Display collected items like milk glass jars, tin cans, or old windows on open shelving.
- Make your own art or signs with reclaimed wood, stencils, and paint.
Common Farmhouse Pitfalls
It’s easy to go overboard with the farmhouse aesthetic. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Only using the colors white, light wood, and black. Incorporate other neutrals like greys, tans, and blues.
- Overdoing distressed finishes. A little goes a long way.
- Using farmhouse décor that looks mass-produced. Curate antique and vintage finds.
- Making spaces feel cluttered with too many knickknacks and decor items. Edit down to key signature pieces.
- Forgetting functionality. Make sure spaces still feel livable for your lifestyle.
The farmhouse look can make any home cozy and inviting. With some key furnishing and décor choices, you can bring charming farmhouse style to your spaces.