What is the Modern Farmhouse design style?
Modern Farmhouse interior design style combines contemporary clean, modern lines and high-contrast neutrals with the rustic charm of the Traditional Farmhouse style. This look generally features rustic wood, shiplap walls or ceilings, exposed beams and/or exposed stone or brick, industrial lighting, and a high contrast color palette of cool tones to create a cozy yet modern feel.
The Modern Farmhouse interior design style has been a huge hit as of late, and the big box stores have noticed, stepping up to bring this style to the masses, which by nature is how styles end up becoming more of a “trend” – and sadly, when this happens, the style can become outdated faster than usual.
By following the tips below, you can elevate the Modern Farmhouse to create something that will withstand the test of time. The idea is to cultivate a look that makes sense for you while also taking into account the architecture of your space as well as its location.
We’re here with some workarounds for that!
5 Ways to Elevate the Modern Farmhouse Style
These 5 tips are some of our favorites for adding longevity to the Modern Farmhouse style.
1. Color Palette
Often, the Modern Farmhouse style incorporates high-contrast colors that lean toward the cool side. To elevate the look in terms of paint, try adding in more subdued colorways that are a bit muddier and more tone-on-tone. Many of the Modern Farmhouse homes of recent years are bright white; even going with a creamier white can give the space even more warmth and still keep it light and bright. Consider softer historical colors – and don’t be afraid to venture out into more playful tones!
A large amount of black and white patterned cement tile is featured in the Modern Farmhouses of today; simply opting for a historically accurate tile can make a huge impact and can really take your home to a new level of timelessness. Think about limestone or travertine – these can add that air of rustic charm but in an elevated way.
2. Rustic Wood
One of the most recognizable elements of the Modern Farmhouse style is the use of a cool-toned rustic wood, specifically natural patina wood, which has that infamous reclaimed-barn-wood look.
When you’re looking to add a sense of history to your interior design, consider opting for richer, darker, more saturated wood tones with your flooring, furniture, and stain selections.
This is also an ideal opportunity for you to mix wood tones within your space. Typically with Modern Farmhouse, cool tones should be mixed with other cool wood tones, but to achieve that next-level look, don’t be afraid to try mixing deep, rich tones with the lighter tones for tone-on-tone contrast, or branching out into some warmer tones. Whatever your decided-upon undertone is, just try to stay in that family (i.e. cool tones with cool tones, warm with warm, neutral with neutral). This could be a great opportunity for you to perfectly pair two of your favorite antique pieces or update some of your built-in cabinets!
3. Lighting
industrial lighting goes hand-in-hand with Modern Farmhouse, but for an elevated look, opt for more modern, sleeker lighting that adds a sense of history to your space. You might also consider lighting more common to bespoke English-inspired designs – it adds so much dimension and interest!
4. Shiplap
Often called tongue-and-groove paneling, nickel-gap paneling, or car siding, shiplap is an excellent way to add traditional charm to a modern space, and it’s used quite a lot with Modern Farmhouse, typically as a wall and/or ceiling treatment.
Most shiplap you see in Modern Farmhouse designs is featured horizontally – installing shiplap vertically will upscale your space two-fold: vertical shiplap adds a fresh look, and it’s a super simple and effective way to add height to any room.
5. Exposed Beams / Exposed Stone or Brick
We’re still big fans of exposed beams and exposed stone or brick. When you add these details to a home, historical accuracy and an architecturally sound structure is essential to creating a look that’s intentional rather than adding something with the sole purpose of creating a visual impact. Pay special attention to transitions where the beams or stone/brick start and stop, and make sure you don't have an issue where it might start or stop abruptly.
Take your elevated style a step further by selecting pieces and accessories with bespoke traditional details that add charm and character, and consider some of those special custom touches you can add to your pieces and built-ins to take your space to the next level of timeless style.