What is modern farmhouse design
All About Modern Farmhouse Style
Traditional design offering comfortable, inviting spaces with a modern touch
The Spruce / Marty Baldwin
Comfy, cozy, and full of charm, modern farmhouse is not going out of style anytime soon. Designers like Joanna Gaines of "Fixer Upper" have showcased this chic style in all its comforting glory, and people are flocking to the look. In many ways, it grew as a response to the minimalist trend that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Modern farmhouse design allows people to embrace tradition and surround themselves with decor that makes them feel good—but with a modern twist reflective of the times.
If you want to get the modern farmhouse look, here's what you need to know.
What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?
Modern farmhouse design evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. It's traditional without being fussy, classic without being like a museum, and comfortable in a way that makes you want to put your feet up and stay a while.
While classic farmhouse style evokes homesteads with plenty of vintage furnishings and traditional fabrics, modern farmhouse style is a bit less rustic and adds more contemporary touches, such as a neutral color scheme and smooth lines. Modern farmhouse is all about mixing comfortable furniture with salvaged materials, such as reclaimed wood.
Antiques are right at home in modern farmhouse interiors, though they shouldn't be too delicate to touch. Everything should be tactile and tangible. Most of all, modern farmhouse style is cozy without being cluttered.
KG Designs
Common Elements of Modern Farmhouse Style
In every modern farmhouse home, you'll find some combination of these decor elements:
- Reclaimed wood
- Barnboard details
- Big comfortable furniture
- Architectural salvage
- Pine furniture
- Wrought iron accents
- Wide plank floors
- Vintage accessories
The Spruce / Marty Baldwin
Rebecca Rollins
Get the Modern Farmhouse Look
The key to achieving a modern farmhouse interior and exterior is all about comfort.
Furniture should invite you to sit down, and nothing should look as though it's too fragile to touch. There's a down-home feeling in modern farmhouse decor that should invite a sense of laughter and fun.
- Start with a color palette of warm or cool neutrals (cream, beige, silver, sage, and gray all work well), and then layer in some natural wood tones. Look for salvaged woods that have some wear and tear whenever possible. Scratches, knots, and nicks add to the authenticity of the look.
- Feel free to use colors you're fond of as accent pieces. But to stay true to the look, try to keep the overall color scheme neutral with light colors. Contrasting black elements can add a bit of edge.
- Use a variety of textures to give the look some depth. Mix woods and metals. And combine fabrics, such as cotton, canvas, wool, chenille, or whatever else you like. Because modern farmhouse style is largely made up of neutral colors, you'll need a mix of textures to keep the space from looking flat.
For example, in a modern farmhouse living room, you could add texture with upholstered furniture, pillows, curtains, and even wall art made of wood or metal. - Layer in some mixed metals by way of light fixtures, hardware, and architectural details like railings. As a general rule, it's best to use no more than three metals per room. For instance, in a modern farmhouse kitchen, you might have complementary metals on your appliances, cabinet hardware, and lighting.
- Use organic materials to keep the space feeling as though it's connected to the outdoors. Wood floors and architectural details are best, but also consider introducing stone, wicker, rattan, sisal, and other natural materials wherever it makes sense.
- Accessories are an important element, but under no circumstances should you overdo it and try to squeeze in too many. A few well-placed accessories that are given room to breathe are all you need to complete the look.
The Spruce / Marty Baldwin
Modern Farmhouse Interiors vs.
Exteriors A modern farmhouse exterior often has some combination of the following elements:
- White paint (can be painted brick, siding, etc.)
- Potentially board and batten or x-shaped trim that's reminiscent of barns
- Simple front door—often a double door and/or a door with windows or sidelights to let in extra natural light—that's commonly stained wood or painted in a subtle color
- A black, gray, or metal roof
- Not overly ornate trim
- Potentially shutters
- A simple rectangular structure, possibly with additions that are also rectangular
- A large front covered porch
- Many windows
- Modern versions of rustic lighting, such as a streamlined lantern
- Neat and simple landscaping
The modern farmhouse exterior complements the modern farmhouse interior in several ways. For one, the windows let in lots of natural light to make the interior feel bright, inviting, and comfortable. The simplicity of the exterior also sets the tone that the house isn't too fussy or stuffy, which is carried through inside with the uncomplicated modern farmhouse decor.
And the typically large front porches—or wraparound porches—show that the home is a place to gather. Plus, the clean lines of the exterior also complement the uncluttered nature of the interior, which helps to modernize the whole look.
PC Photography / Getty Images
Amber Pierce Designs
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Andrea Davis / Unsplash
How Modern Farmhouse Compares to Other Styles
Modern farmhouse is similar to country style. However, while country tends to lean a little toward kitschy, modern farmhouse retains a certain level of sophistication. Country also relies heavily on accessories while modern farmhouse keeps them to a minimum.
Industrial farmhouse style has become an offshoot of modern farmhouse. As its name suggests, it draws inspiration both from farmhouse and industrial styles. Industrial style by itself plays up raw architectural elements, including metals, wood, bricks, glass, and concrete. And it uses relatively dark neutral tones.
The main difference between modern farmhouse and industrial farmhouse is that the industrial version tends to use darker finishes, mixed metals, and live-edge wood. Modern farmhouse, on the other hand, tends to be whiter and brighter.
FAQ
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Cozy, contemporary, clean, simple, rustic, and comforting; these words encompass the modern farmhouse style. Expect to see neutral colors, reclaimed wood, shiplap, and big comfy furniture.
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Modern farmhouse style is similar to country style but uses white or light neutral colors with a cleaner, more contemporary look, while country style includes bright and pastel colors, and floral or gingham patterns. Both styles use reclaimed wood, pottery, metals, and baskets in their decor.
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Neutral colors, including whites, are used on the walls in the modern farmhouse look. Other colors include grays, beige, greige, tans, blues, and greens.
what is it, and how to achieve it |
(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)
The trend of modern farmhouse came into its own in 2020 and it's going to be around for some time to come.
This contemporary yet cozy style is bang on the zeitgeist, allowing more personality than city sleek modern and more calm than traditional rural stylings. As with any new look, there's a lot to learn out there, so we've comprised our go-to guide on how to get the modern farmhouse style in your own home.
Explore with us the nuances of this trend, what colors you should look at and which materials you could use in your scheme. And see more modern farmhouse ideas – creative ways to perfect this style in your home – in our design gallery.
What is modern farmhouse style?
(Image credit: Philip Vile)
The modern farmhouse style is the perfect blend of the traditional country look with the more minimal contemporary design.
Clean lines and a sleek aesthetic has been the go-to interiors style for a while, but with so much happening in the world these days, we're craving a touch of the more comforting, cozy elements.
Like with this Nicky Dobree designed interior, modern farmhouse retains a fresh look, and yet embraces natural elements and celebrates the beauty of imperfections throughout.
What is the difference between country and farmhouse style?
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
When you hear the word 'farmhouse' you might imagine the classic rustic look, perhaps slightly cluttered and without any strong design thread. This is where the 'modern' element of this style is important. Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder of Sims Hilditch comments that although people often crave the charm of a country style home, 'they also want their home to be practical and to work for their needs.'
Modern farmhouse is the contemporary take on the rustic style, so everything is tailored into making sure you have everything you need to continue to live a modern life, just with a farmhouse tint. While country homes are beautiful, this style takes our favourite comforting elements from there and adds sleek touches with smooth lines, brushed metals and neutral palettes.
Emma Sims-Hilditch suggests a few ways to achieve the modern farmhouse look without going too classic country.
'To us, modern farmhouse style is all about creating a cozy interior with layers, pattern and color. One way to get this look (if budget allows) is to open up ceilings to expose the rafters and make the most of the height. Alternatively, adding materials such as limewashed timber cladding to walls and ceilings can immediately transform a room. When it comes to choosing fabrics, try pairing multiple patterns and materials such as a chunky linen with a smooth velvet in a similar color palette.'
As Emma advises, fabrics and materials are kept within a fairly strict color pattern – this will prevent the look from becoming too eclectic and rustic, and instead feel curated and considered, as one might expect from a modern home.
Why is modern farmhouse style so popular?
(Image credit: Champalimaud)
Where once stark minimalism in the home provided a welcome clean sanctuary from the outside world, as we spend more time in the house, we're craving something a little more comforting.
While the fresh design aesthetic is still prominent and desired, adding more personality, warmth and charm into the home speaks to how we're all feeling at the moment.
Modern farmhouse also celebrates the historic, reminding us of simpler times, without forcing us to give up any of the contemporary lifestyle elements to which we are accustomed. Anna Beeber, Partner at Champalimaud Design explains: 'Today, the modern farmhouse is a celebration of the historic form, updated with interiors that embrace a contemporary design perspective. With these kinds of projects our studio is always careful to celebrate the history and include a little patina while being mindful of our client’s modern lifestyle. The relationship between the old and the new must be considered and work in tandem with one another – the harmony is essential.'
What are the best modern farmhouse style neutral colors to use?
(Image credit: Little Greene)
When you think modern farmhouse, think neutrals.
One of the easiest ways to start building up this look is by layering whites, creams and soft grays. By sticking to a largely neutral scheme, you're adding that contemporary freshness which the style requires.
'To avoid a room looking stark, an off white or pale neutral is always a good approach to take,' advises Ruth Mottershead Creative Director, Little Greene. 'Using different neutral tones from the same colour family allows for layering and seamless shifts from room to room giving a sense of consistency with subtle nuances. Consider the use of graduated tones of a colour – for example our Little Greene 'Colour Scales' collection offers our most popular colours within families of four graduated tones made using the same pigments just in different strengths. French Grey, Slaked Lime, Portland Stone and Rolling Fog are just a few of the neutral colour families in this collection that would work beautifully in a modern farmhouse.'
Take inspiration in mixing neutrals from this modern farmhouse kitchen, which uses the warming Mushroom on the wall and crisp, contemporary Flint on the units; both paints from Little Greene.
What are good farmhouse colors?
(Image credit: Gunter & Co)
Part of the key in adding the 'modern' into modern farmhouse is adding in contrasting colours to the neutral backgrounds. Interior designer Kate Lester points out: 'Don’t forget the black! Adding pops of black doesn’t make a space feel darker, in fact, it’s the opposite! Black is the perfect juxtaposition to the crisp white and creates a perfectly balanced backdrop for rugs and furnishings.'
As well as blacks, look to inky blues, emerald greens and charcoal grays for wonderful hints of modernity and personality in your modern farmhouse. 'The best colors for farmhouse spaces are colours that blend well with their vernacular and natural setting,' advises Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co. 'We like to experiment with denser natural greens, blues, pinks or terracottas, both on walls or in terms of accents such as tiled splashbacks, colors of handles or even internal cabinet materials. It’s no surprise that shades of green, or darker blues are very often used in countryside settings, they feel at home and give a certain grounding to the overall scheme.
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Another way of letting your personality to shine through with color is by looking to softer shades. A few touches of pastel pinks and sage greens can add a feminine touch, while still allowing the modern scheme to stay strong.
What materials are modern farmhouse?
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Whereas the strictly modern home relies on a clean palette of stainless steel, sleek surfaces and polished stones, the modern farmhouse look needs to mix these up with more natural finishes.
Combining the contemporary materials with weathered finishes adds that farmhouse character and warmth that you're looking for. Think untreated, raw woods, exposed brickwork and leathers and tiles with a patina. Katie Cox of Ham Interiors describes how they create the modern farmhouse feel: 'we use contemporary lines and clean finishes with rustic but not overly traditional touches.'
Similarly, Little Greene's Ruth Mottershead likes to emphasise the natural texture of materials.
'A key element when creating a modern farmhouse look is texture - so pair neutrals with related shades in rich wool, tumbled linens, and mid-century style reclaimed or textured wood furniture. These types of schemes evoke a sense of calm but still have an element of interest through texture, elevating the look from simply ‘country' to a more contemporary feel.'
While a lot of the modern farmhouse elements can be added or built into a home, if you already live in a period property there are a few other things to consider. 'I am a firm believer that structural details like beams shouldn’t be hidden or changed in any way,' says kitchen designer Tom Howley. 'The beauty of working within architecturally diverse properties is that the briefs are further defined. All designers love working within a brief. It helps to direct your design ideas, and instead of limiting you, these restrictions can actually provide further platforms for great design if you consider the possibilities rationally and creatively.
For the perfect modern farmhouse kitchen, incorporate these architectural details into your overall scheme.'
In these properties you may have issues with the original materials, on which Tom comments: 'A lesser-known tip in getting the modern farm house look lies in behind your cabinetry. In many properties, listed homes in particular, the flooring can be uneven. You may be unable to correct or straighten original flooring to stop the cabinetry from opening or closing of its own volition. And anyway, it would be such a shame to tamper with original flagstone or wooden floorboards! We use magnets in our cabinetry to correct this instead.'
How do you achieve the modern farmhouse style in a kitchen?
(Image credit: Philip Vile)
The kitchen is the perfect place to start your modern farmhouse journey. As the heart of the home, the natural warmth and feeling of relaxation of the space lends itself ideally to this type of scheme.
Moreover, as kitchens obviously require many modern trappings, like cooking gadgets and white goods, you can start your journey here by working on blending these with more traditional touches.
Interior designer Nicky Dobree explains how she created this modern farmhouse kitchen. 'Framed with exposed brick the Crittall windows bring the exterior in and create added texture against this wall. The exposed timber beams add warmth to the space and draw the eye up adding to the sense of airiness. The timber cupboard doors with leather handles enhance the country feeling of the kitchen and the large white ceramic lamps that sit on the surface are a nice softer alternative way to lighting this area creating intimacy in the space.'
'The large central oak island is the perfect place to prep, gather, eat and chat,' continues Nicky. 'Keeping it open on one side stops it from feeling too blocky and enables people to sit opposite each other rather than always in a line. The vintage singer stools sourced at an antique fair, add a personal touch. Large wicker baskets under the island are used for storage with drawers and cupboards on the other side. Floating oak shelves are ideal for displaying items and break up the white wall between the windows.
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Other ways of adding the modern farmhouse style into a kitchen include using sleek Shaker style cabinetry with brushed metal handles, oversized industrial light fixtures and a large, raw wood dining table for family and friends to gather around. With appliances, stick to modern stainless steel and avoid retro shapes and colourways with your gadgets, otherwise you'll veer into country farmhouse, rather than modern.
What is modern farmhouse architecture?
(Image credit: Amy Bartlam)
Modern farmhouse style is just as appealing when looking at the exterior as it is the interior. Traditional country homes offer many of the key architectural notes that modern farmhouse buildings use; timber cladding, lofted spaces and, often, wraparound porches. Other external touches to consider are industrial elements, such as metal light fixtures.
This more contemporary interpretation requires a crisp paint on the outside. White is one of the most classic colors for farmhouses to be painted in.
During colonial times, whitewash was used as it acted as a preventative from mildew, and it also offered mild antibacterial properties. Today these are less of a concern, but choosing to keep the exterior in the traditional whitewash, while adding in contrasting highlights of a darker color, usually black, keeps things modern and fresh.
Indoors, modern farmhouses typically have more open floor plans and larger windows than their classic counterparts. The bones may be from the traditional country farmhouse design, but these changes allow more air and light to flow through.
Overall, 'Keep millwork details simple,' advises interior designer Kate Lester. 'For a true modern farmhouse look we skip crown molding and lean towards more casual detailing, like a board and batten or shiplap paneling. We also keep door and window casing simple and streamlined. Less really is more when you are trying to achieve this look.'
Thea Babington-Stitt is a Content Editor at Future. She has been an interiors journalist for nearly 10 years and has held positions at LivingEtc, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens.
Currently, she is writing for Ideal Home and Style At Home's websites and magazines.
Modern house interior design > 780 photos of cottage interiors
The evolution of comfort
The interior of a modern country house is very different from the one that existed several centuries ago. Furniture and other interior items are now perceived as usual and ordinary, but before that it was an unaffordable luxury. Few people had chairs and tables, and only very wealthy landowners could afford wardrobes and beds. The usual furnishings consisted of benches and chests, which served both for storing things and for sleeping. nine0003
At the present time, the interiors of country houses can be furnished with the most incredible furniture - transformable, modular, combinable, plastic and inflatable.
All this has become possible with the advent of new styles and new technologies.
Minimalism
Interior in the style of minimalism is:
- ingenious simplicity, elegance and elegance,
- refusal from excessive consumption and excesses,
- expansion of free space by reducing the amount of furniture,
- decor is practically absent, all design elements are functional,
- simple materials are used - plaster, wood, textiles, an important condition for materials is environmental friendliness,
- kitchen: straight lines, utensils and appliances removed from view, the living room creates a single space with the dining room.
Country
- common name for country style in different countries: French Provence, American ranch, Mediterranean house, Scandinavian cottage,
- escape from urbanization, from the stone jungle closer to nature and home comfort,
- rough simplicity, natural materials - stone, wood, in textiles - chintz, linen in "cheerful" colors,
- such an interior seems to be created for the modern design of a country house or cottage.
Japanese (Chinese) style
Features of the Japanese style in interior design:
- exotic and sophisticated,
- elements of Asian culture are used - ceramics, furniture, paintings,
- a lot of attention is paid to the teachings of Feng Shui - harmonious space, the correct arrangement of objects in the interior,
- lack of straight lines and angles, soft shapes,
- traditional materials - bamboo, silk, ceramics,
- good lighting, soft pastel colors.
Neo-baroque
- return to the modern interior of decorativeness and elegance,
- attention to detail and decorative elements - complex curls, intricate lines,
- difference from classical baroque in materials: classical forms, modern material (plastic, glass, synthetic fabrics),
- gives glamor and allows you to stand out among the monotonous interiors.
All you have to do is choose one of the modern home interior design styles that appeals to you and inspires you. The rest - making it a reality - is the task of the TopDom design bureau. Be sure: your dream is real! nine0003
Cottage or country house interior: 70 photos, design ideas
The interior of the cottage should be as comfortable and cozy as possible, so that its residents can really relax and take a break from the noise and everyday life outside the city.
The possibility of arranging a large area, the presence of high ceilings, as well as proximity to natural beauties - all this contributes to the use of a creative approach to creating a truly ergonomic space. To decorate the interior of a cottage or a country house, you need to follow a number of recommendations, which we will discuss below. nine0003
What designers advise
If the interiors of apartments in the city do not always depend on the features of the building, then the design of private houses will depend directly on the design of the building. For example, an Art Nouveau design is unlikely to look harmonious inside a wooden frame with traditional elements. In other words, the first recommendation is to maintain harmony between the interior and exterior of a country house.
As for the interior design of the room, we can say about the following nuances:
- Choose a single style for interior design;
- Provide the required color scheme;
- Choose high-quality modern finishing materials;
- Choose pieces of furniture that match the style;
- Use decorative elements and artificial lighting wisely.
All these factors must be taken into account in order to create a beautiful cottage interior.
Colors
When designing any interior, including a country house, it is important to choose the right color solutions. The wrong palette can make you feel bad and reduce productivity. Of course, it all depends on individual preferences, but there are general patterns. nine0003
Furnishing a private house involves the use of several basic (more than four) shades of those colors that seem most attractive to the owner. But only one color should prevail for decorating the walls. It is recommended to give preference to neutral calm tones, while colorful shades should be used as accents. Remember that in a cozy cottage there is no need for excessive variegation, but it all depends on the style you choose, so there may be various color options. nine0003
One way to create an original interior is to combine smooth and embossed surfaces with different textures. In such a situation, even a monochromatic design looks contrasting and attractive.
Keep in mind that even just one textured detail can significantly enliven the space. For example, in a Scandinavian-style house, you can combine discreet curtains made of plain fabric and the same furniture upholstery with wicker chairs, large-knit covers, etc. nine0003
Furniture
In cottages or country houses it is better not to clutter up the space with a lot of furniture. Moreover, modern trends dictate the fashion for minimalism. This is especially true for small houses, where it is best to pick up multifunctional pieces of furniture, possibly folding ones. In spacious country houses, large-sized furniture looks better.
It must be remembered that the combination of large objects and small details will look the most harmonious. If you place exceptionally large structures in rooms, they will not be perceived expressively. But too many small elements will sooner or later begin to annoy the residents and guests of the house. nine0003
Lighting
Luminaires are selected based on their appearance.
It is important that during the day they fit into the overall style. Depending on the background, chandeliers, floor lamps or sconces are selected, they can be dark, light, golden - the main thing is that the atmosphere of a country house is stylistically coherent.
It is important to choose a lampshade wisely, so decide in advance which style you prefer - country, classic or minimalist. In large rooms, it is recommended to install large chandeliers, and for small rooms, compact lamps are more suitable. nine0003
Country house interior style
In country cottages you can embody any design delights. However, in addition to fashion trends, be sure to take into account the individual preferences of the owners of the house. Consider the main characteristics of the most popular styles for interior design of cottages: country, provence, chalet, as well as Scandinavian and modern style.
Country cottage
This style is suitable for lovers of rustic romance and family traditions.
Country is the best option for owners of wooden houses. nine0003
Modern materials such as metal, glass or plastic are unacceptable in such interiors. For decoration, they often use wallpaper with floral motifs or stripes, decorative plaster or stone, imitation of a wooden beam.
Color solutions should be as natural as possible. For the living room, the main focus can be a fireplace, it is recommended to choose furniture that is not high. In the kitchen, put an old sideboard with shelves, a massive wooden table, linen or chintz curtains, and painted dishes. nine0003
Provence style cottage
This style is considered the ideal solution for creating a cozy countryside atmosphere. Mandatory attributes of the Provence style are considered to be the use of natural materials and floral motifs.
This trendy French trend assumes an important role for furniture and decorative elements. Choose solid furniture, perhaps vintage or aged. It is best if it is in light shades.
As for decor, wicker elements, vases with lavender, porcelain and baskets look good in Provence style interiors. All this brings a unique atmosphere to the house and makes staying in it comfortable, which is very important for cottages or suburban buildings. nine0003
Chalet-style cottage
For wooden cottages, the chalet style is also suitable, which will create a fabulous cozy interior with minimal decoration. As a rule, the floor and ceiling in such buildings are wooden, and the ceiling beams remain visible.
The main characteristics of the style are conciseness, the use of natural materials with a minimum of processing, as well as environmental friendliness. A mandatory detail is the fireplace, which occupies a central place in the living room.
Decor includes wool, leather and fur skins. Household appliances in the kitchen are hidden behind cabinets so that the atmosphere of antiquity is preserved in the house. As a chandelier, plafonds made in the shape of a candle are ideal.
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Scandinavian style cottage
This direction is distinguished by restraint, minimal inclusion of decor and the use of high-quality natural materials. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on home improvement, but prefer modern trends and want to create a spacious, bright interior, pay attention to the Scandinavian style.
It is enough to level the walls in the house and choose a neutral background - most often it is just white paint. Wood is used as decoration. If necessary, the interior can be bright accents. nine0003
As for the furniture, it should be soft and comfortable, but the shape should be as simple as possible. In the Scandinavian style, natural wood is welcome. You can dilute the strict atmosphere with the help of pleasant little things, for example, unusual curtains or plants in a flower pot.
Modern style cottage
Interiors decorated in a modern style often use furniture made of inexpensive materials - wood, glass, plastic.
