The Modern Farmhouse design style is all the rage right now, and for good reason! This style merges the classic, rustic charm of a traditional farmhouse with the clean lines and modern sensibility of contemporary design. The result is a warm and inviting aesthetic that is both practical and stylish.
If you’re interested in designing a home with modern farmhouse flair, you’ve come to the right place! The Redecor team has created the perfect Style Guide with all the tips and inspiration you need to enjoy this Season to the max. Let’s go!
Tip 1: Focus on Simple Elegance
Sorry maximalists, this time you’re going to have to reign your extravagant tendencies in! One of the hallmarks of Modern Farmhouse design is its simplicity. This means clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on natural materials. To achieve this look, opt for neutral colors like white, beige, and gray, and use natural materials like wood, stone, and metal. Keep decor to a minimum, and let the beauty of the materials and architecture speak for itself.
Here’s an example from the beautiful Inspiration Catalog that the professional home designers on the Redecor team have whipped up for you.
As you can see in this bedroom design, the color palette is relatively neutral and natural, without strong pops of color. Our designers have stuck with grey tones that give the room a cozy feeling, with “Linen Coziness” pillows and “Rustic Muslin” throws tying the textiles in the room together. Simple doesn’t mean you have to go the “matchy-matchy” route. You can see the play on two different types of woods, one in the cabinet which is leaning toward the greys and one in the picture frame of the beautiful new wall art, “Best Friends”, which is a warmer tone. By incorporating two different kinds of wood colors, you can add a richness and a warmth to the room easily, without having to rely on extravagant colors.
Tip 2: Embrace Rustic Details
While modern farmhouse design is simple and uncluttered, it also embraces rustic details that add warmth and character. Think exposed wood beams, shiplap walls, and vintage decor pieces like old signs and wooden crates. These details add depth and texture to the space, and help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
In this bathroom for example, you can see the beautiful metal details in the mirror and bathroom fixtures are mirrored in the “Sunny Hexagon” backsplash. Both are shiny metal but in slightly different tones, which brings in interest while keeping the room cohesive. You can see the beautiful woven boxes on the bathroom floor, another great way to add storage space as well as character to such a small space. The marble-esque details on the sink cabinet and bathroom, “Light Resin”, add a touch of sophistication. Another addition to the bathroom that is both old and new is the “Classic Allure” tiles adorning the walls – a cleaner, sleeker play on a relatively retro design. This bathroom is bursting with rustic modern chic!
Tip 3: Mix Old and New
Modern farmhouse design is all about the mix of old and new. This means blending vintage and antique pieces with modern furnishings and decor. For example, you could pair an antique wooden table with sleek, modern chairs, or hang a vintage chandelier in a space with contemporary art. This juxtaposition of styles adds interest and personality to the space.
Choosing modern accents like clean grey walls and shiny black fixtures and appliances instantly give this kitchen a modern feel. The “Ornate Gray” backsplash, with its nostalgic flower pattern, is a touch of the old in what would otherwise be a colder room. Notice how our designers chose to stay within the grey color palette, showing how you don’t necessarily have to rely on warm colors and tones to create a cozy atmosphere – it can be done with beautiful patterns as well! The “Farmhouse Fishbone” flooring is another nod to the past. These types of wooden floors were all the rage in 1600 France and have since been replicated all over the world. The decision to go with a lighter tone complements the grey walls and textiles in a way that makes the room feel light and airy despite only having one window. The “Elegant Notstalgia” rug, while staying in the greys so prominent in this room, adds a touch of coziness through its patterns that slightly mimic the backsplash. Everything in this room ties in perfectly together!
Tip 4: Keep it Functional
While modern farmhouse design is beautiful, it’s also practical and functional. To achieve this balance, focus on creating spaces that are comfortable and livable. Opt for comfortable furniture and decor that is durable and easy to clean, and incorporate plenty of storage solutions to keep clutter at bay. Remember that the goal is to create a space that looks beautiful but also works for your lifestyle.
While this tip doesn’t require an Inspiration Catalog picture, it is completely worth mentioning! At the end of the day, having a livable and beautiful space is what redecorating is all about. The Farmhouse aesthetic is all about coziness and making a house feel like a home, so keep that in mind when designing.
Tip 5: Incorporate Natural Textures
Another key aspect of modern farmhouse design is the use of natural textures. This includes materials like linen, burlap, and jute, as well as woven baskets, natural wood accents, and plants. These elements add warmth and texture to the space, and help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
In this corner of the house, natural materials thrive. Notice how the “Splendid Jute” rug goes hand in hand with the dark woven baskets and table top. Hats off to the designers who planned such an effortless staging! While we’re on the subject of textiles, the “Symmetry Simplicity” pillows are a wonderful textured addition that can go well in nearly every room, but are especially complimentary here thanks to the light wood on the walls. The “Denim Wood” cabinet at the corner comes to show you that you can incorporate splashes of color tastefully in this design style – so long as you pick the right materials. The decision to add the color to the wood rather than the textiles or woven aspects of the room is a great one as it stays within the lines of Farmhouse design elements such as wood – while giving it a modern, colorful twist. The throw on the sofa plays into the blue to tie the look together (and successfully so!).
With these tips and some inspiration, you can design a home with modern farmhouse charm that is both stylish and livable. So go ahead, embrace rustic details, mix old and new, and create a space that feels warm and inviting. Happy designing and may you have a wonderful and beautiful Season, Redecorators!
