Style Guide: Modern Farmhouse

Whether it’s hair, or fashion, or home décor – styles and trends often come and go. Some last longer and some quickly pass us by, but there are certain styles that can stick around for years or return to popularity again and again.

Modern Farmhouse is one such style that appeals to homeowners year after year.

The phrase “Modern Farmhouse” appears to have been first used in a 2016 New York Times article describing home makeovers that used reclaimed wood, old sinks, and other antique elements. Following the article, Internet searches for the term Modern Farmhouse and related information skyrocketed.

However, the style and resulting trend have often been credited to reality TV home make-over stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines, who made the trend popular on their HGTV show, “Fixer Upper.”

So, what is Modern Farmhouse, and how do you achieve the look in your own home?

Although built on a similar foundation as the traditional Farmhouse look, Modern Farmhouse is the more polished, “sport-jacket and jeans” wearing cousin to the more rustic or country look. It’s cozy without being cluttered. It’s comfortable and inviting. It’s feet on the coffee table and warm, flannel throws instead of cut crystal glasses and fragile artwork.

Modern Farmhouse incorporates a cozy, welcoming feel with features such as raw woods, exposed brick, and other natural materials and finishes, while neutral colors and simple accents add warmth and charm.

Here are some of the ingredients of the Modern Farmhouse style and how you can achieve the look in your own home.

Use neutral but warm and inviting colors

Use whites, beiges, creams, and greys as primary colors on walls to create a warm, inviting environment and set the tone for the Modern Farmhouse look. Then add matte black finishes or accents to pull the whole look together.

Texture adds dimension to any room

Use shiplap, beadboard, or wainscoting on the walls to add patterns, texture, and dimension to any room, and to emulate the traditional farmhouse style.

Use natural materials to create a connection with the outdoors

Natural or reclaimed woods, barnboard, and wide planks provide a rustic feel, while wool, cotton, and canvas materials make great natural accents. Although neutral colors are important, the occasional brightly colored accent brings more life to any space.

Use metals to add a modern touch

Steel, wrought iron, wire, and brass can bring a modern touch to the room and complete the look. Whether furniture, fixtures, or railings, metal accents can provide either a modern or traditional country feel depending on the design.

Choose weathered or distressed furnishings to create a comfy feel

Scratches and dings, chipped paint, and distressed leather all invite people to put their feet up and get comfortable. Avoid delicate, uninviting pieces and go for practical and purposeful. Shaker styles or reclaimed woods are great selections for any room.

Decorate simply but with charm and character

Flea market items, rustic signs, old barnwood shelves, and other unique items offset the modern and add more farmhouse. Don’t overdo the accents and decorations, stay simple and uncluttered to keep the cozy feel.

Whether you convert your existing home to Modern Farmhouse or start with a clean slate and design your new home build from scratch, decorating your home can be a fun and satisfying project. No matter what style you choose, your home is your personal canvas on which to create the perfect representation of your own unique tastes and style.