Modern farmhouse interior design has come a long way in recent years. However, you might consider this style limiting or only for a specific type of home —the modernized version of a country-style home can still be chic while giving off the casual vibe of a rural lifestyle.
What is Modern Farmhouse Design?
While modern and farmhouses might seem opposites, this design trend has become particularly popular in recent years. Classic without being stuffy, cozy without being busy, it is less rustic than traditional farmhouse décor. A neutral colour scheme, clean lines and salvaged material like reclaimed wood are staples of this design trend.
Modern farmhouse interior design has become trendy as homeowners look to their roots but desire an updated version of the home where they grew up. Those looking for a rustic home are attracted to the sophistication that replaces kitsch with this style. Modern farmhouse design also significantly limits accessories, unlike country home design.
What are Popular Modern Farmhouse Colour Schemes?
Farmhouse design pulls in natural and rustic elements, so it’s no surprise that the popular colour schemes in modern farmhouse design are soft and neutral. Although that doesn’t mean you can’t use colour! Typically, you’ll see soft white, cream or greige walls to keep the palette neutral. Some of the most popular colours that have stood the test of time are:
- Crushed Ice from Sherwin-Williams: greige with cool undertones
- Decorators White from Benjamin Moore: white with slightly cool undertones
- Cream Delight by Valspar: white or cream with warm undertones
Outside the neutrals, light blues, blue-greys, green-greys, sage greens, soft pinks, purples and yellows, and deeper colours like barn reds and deep browns are also popular. Here are some popular, more saturated colours:
- Andes Summit by Benjamin Moore: blue-grey that bridges the line between bold and classic
- Sea Salt by Sherwin Willams: grey-green that is commonly used in kitchens.
- Cottage Red by Benjamin Moore: a fantastic accent colour
- Charcoal by Sherwin Williams: brings a moodier twist to modern farmhouse decor
When picking a white or greige colour, experts urge you to pay attention to the undertones, as you’ll want to match the undertones with your current decor and personal taste preferences. Simply White and Decorators White from Benjamin Moore have been popular for decades, and for good reason! If you’re looking for a pop of colour, it looks incredible paired with Benjamin Moore’s Avon Green or Kensington Blue.
For a bold and modern look on your home’s exterior, consider pairing Benjamin Moore’s Black Satin with Brilliant White.
What are Common Features for Modern Farmhouse Style?
Although there are no set rules for the modern farmhouse aesthetic, if you see these standard features in a home, you’ll know it has a modern farmhouse style. Common features include:
Apron-Front Sinks
Apron-front or farmhouse sinks have been staples in many homes for over a century. They are typically deep and wide, perfect for washing large pots and pans! Modern farmhouse sinks come in a variety of materials, including copper, stainless steel, and fireclay.
Shiplap Walls
Shiplap is a great way to give your walls some visual interest without the busy look of wallpaper or a brightly coloured accent wall. This unique wall cladding is one of the hallmarks of farmhouse design and is typically painted white or another neutral colour, matching the trim for a clean and crisp look.
Barn Doors
What could be more farmhouse than barn doors? Whether you use reclaimed wood doors, or modern white doors, some of the best places in your home to use barn doors are your pantry, closet, laundry room or den.
Bare Windows
Since minimalism is one of the hallmarks of modern farmhouse design, it is common to have windows without curtains.
Modern Farmhouse Design Ideas for Your Home
There are many trends and elements that can give your home the modern farmhouse look. Let’s look at some of the most popular design options.
Neutral Colours
While pops of colour on accent pieces are great, the neutral colour palate is the mainstay that keeps this decorating style modern. Country homes use bright colours and pastels, but to modernize, stick to bright white or neutral walls to let the heavier furniture and vintage décor do the talking.
Reclaimed Wood
A standard in both country and modern farmhouse designs, reclaimed wood is central to providing a rural feel. Keep it chic by avoiding cliches like barn house doors — instead, opt for a reclaimed wood table that is professionally finished and can act as a staple piece in your home.
Upgraded Sinks
The classic white porcelain apron-front farmhouse sink is one you will find in all country homes — to continue this tradition with a modern twist, install this style using soapstone or stainless steel instead of porcelain.
Comfy Furniture
A staple of modern farmhouse interior design is comfortable seating — you want to feel welcome and at home when you view this décor. So avoid hard seating and leather couches — the softer the furniture, the better. And to keep your reclaimed wood table modern, consider bench seating instead of the mismatched wooden chairs you would find in a country home.
Mixed Metals
Mix the metals used in your home for a classy yet rustic appeal. Using multiple types of metal — copper, iron, brass and chrome — can ensure you avoid the matchy-matchy look of more contemporary minimalist design trends while providing that modern farmhouse feel.
Vintage Accessories
Vintage details like antique signage can add to the comforting farmhouse vibe. Instead of just placing vintage items on shelves as you would see in a country home, try repurposing them into valuable parts of the home — like using old wooden boxes to create a stand or turning vintage glass bottles into a lampshade. This practice avoids the cluttered look that can come with country-style living areas while still providing the antique elements.
Interior vs Exterior Farmhouse Design Styles
Farmhouse design is a style that extends to the outside of the home as well. The same design principles apply; you’ll likely see neutral siding, contrasted with black window casings, and a pop of colour on the front door. A cozy and welcoming front porch area may have comfortable chairs and a vintage-inspired lantern over the door.
Modern Farmhouse Designers to Follow for Design Ideas
There are many great blogs and accounts if you’re looking for modern farmhouse interior design inspiration. Some of my favourite accounts to follow for modern farmhouse design are woodworkers who make and sell their own furniture and designers and farmhouse owners. Here are a few bloggers worth checking out.
#1. @modernfarmhouse_ohio
Audrey is turning her brand new house into a stunning, custom-made modern farmhouse. She shares simple DIYs and affordable upgrades that make a big impact! Audrey also shares a behind-the-scenes look at the building and designing process, proving this style can work just as well in a newly built home as in an older farmhouse.
#2. @boxwoodavenue
Chloe lives on a farm, but she doesn’t go full-on country farmhouse — instead, she opts for a modern touch that feels pulled together while still being homey. Her content provides the perfect example of how to modernize traditional farmhouse living.
#3. @peteandselena
If you’re looking for a designer to follow, look no further than Pete and Selena, where all the latest trends in modern farmhouse design are beautifully photographed and showcased. This account details the minimalism that makes farmhouse décor stylish while providing insight into how the designers do it.
Is Modern Farmhouse Interior Design For You?
The modern farmhouse design look is excellent for those who live in the country but don’t want their home to look like their parents’ home. It’s also an exceptional style when redecorating a cottage home. And if you’re more urban but miss the rural lifestyle, this design trend can also work for your home. It’s highly versatile, which is the best part. It can move with you from the country to the city without looking awkward. Depending on your preference, a few tweaks can make it more modern or country.
Farmhouse Design FAQs
What is the modern farmhouse look?
At its core, the modern farmhouse look blends classic farmhouse design staples with contemporary elements. The end result is cozy and comfortable spaces without too much visual clutter. Popularized mainly by TV shows like Fixer Upper, modern farmhouse design typically uses a neutral colour scheme, clean lines and natural materials like reclaimed wood and stone.
Over the last decade, the modern farmhouse aesthetic has evolved. It now often includes black window casings, plants or greenery, open shelving and layers of texture like chunky knit blankets or handmade quilts.
It differs from the classic or traditional farmhouse style in a few ways. The conventional farmhouse aesthetic is a more rustic look, usually using busier fabrics like plaids, and deeper colours on the walls. Modern Farmhouse pairs rustic elements like exposed beams or a stone fireplace with stylish accessories like a contemporary white sofa and a simple coffee table.
What are modern farmhouse design principles?
The principles of modern farmhouse design are simple, clean lines and neutral colours, with a combination of modern finishes and rustic elements. Modern farmhouse homes are designed for both functionality and comfort.
While there are no hard-and-fast rules for this design aesthetic, you will often see white or neutral walls, less intricate finish work, exposed beams, shiplap, apron-front sinks, and butcher block countertops. Another critical element is the blend of rustic or reclaimed wood with contemporary metal, like modern stainless steel appliances in a kitchen with rustic wood floors or cabinets. In modern farmhouse architecture, you’ll often see vaulted ceilings, plenty of windows to let in light, and an open floor plan.
One of the hallmarks of modern farmhouse design is simplicity. Similar to Scandinavian design, you will see minimal decor and little visual clutter. This approach makes design elements like exposed beams, stone fireplaces and rustic floors the star of your room.
What’s the difference between modern and contemporary farmhouse design?
Although there is no distinct difference between modern and contemporary farmhouse design, there are a few ways that you can make your modern farmhouse look more contemporary. When choosing paint colours, opt for a cooler-toned white, light grey or off-white, accented with black for a more contemporary look. To offset the cooler tones, use plants for a pop of colour and nature throughout the space.
Choose wood pieces with sleek, simple lines instead of ornate or rustic details for a more contemporary look. For example, a simple dark wood table instead of a reclaimed wood table or modern dark hardwood floors instead of wide plank pine will greatly impact the space.
