What is Modern Farmhouse Style
Comfy, cute, and full of charm, modern farmhouse style is more popular than ever. Hello Magnolia Home and Fixer Upper. They have made us all fall in love with the classic trend again.
This blog post is full of modern farmhouse interior photos and the secrets to farmhouse interior design characteristics. Even find some modern farmhouse design plans!
There’s a reason why so many of us continue to fall head-over-heels for the farmhouse style. Its unique take on comfort and simplicity creates a welcoming feeling that could make anyone feel at home, even if they’ve don’t live on a farm. However, some people shy away due to the assumption that this interior design style can feel a little outdated.
That’s where modern farmhouse design comes into play. Modern farmhouse style is a unique farmhouse style that adds a bit more flair. Typically adding more textures and metals than the classic farmhouse style make it more modern.
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How to Decorate Modern Farmhouse Style
Women are now looking to embrace tradition and surround themselves with things that make them feel good and make their homes comfortable.
The modern farmhouse is traditional without being plain, classic without being like a museum, and comfortable in a way that makes you want to put your feet up and stay awhile.
The modern farmhouse style is all about mixing cozy furniture with salvaged materials like reclaimed wood. Antiques are right at home mixed in with different metals and stoneware. Adding different textures and more depth to rooms.
Everything is tactile and tangible. Most of all, the modern farmhouse is clean and not cluttered a bit more minimal and sparse than the classic farmhouse style.
Let’s dive into a bit more of the differences between classic farmhouse style and modern farmhouse style. They are very similar but also pretty different which you will see below.
Classic Farmhouse Style
In every classic farmhouse, you’ll find a combination of some of the below items:
- antiques
- wood floors
- Big, comfortable furniture
- Chalk paint furniture
- White farmhouse sink
- Lot’s of floral prints and bright colors
- Wide plank floors
- Vintage accessories
Modern Farmhouse Style
In the newer modern farmhouse homes, you might find some of the below items mixed in with items from the above list…
- shiplap
- White everything or neutral colors
- More minimal and monotone designs
- Metal accents and mirrors
- Copper or stone apron sinks
- More brass and gold accents
- Industrial type lights
- More wood, less painted furniture
- Slipcovered couches
There are a few things that you can start out with doing when building or remodeling a home with a modern farmhouse style in mind. Starting from scratch can be so much fun because you have a blank space and the possibilities are endless.
Shop the Look below
Here are some of my all-time favorites. just click the image to see more!
DIY Shiplap
The shiplap trend is here and going to be around for a while even if some say it’s not going! The added architectural lines and white color make rooms look bigger and brighter. There are so many tutorials and great photos for inspiration below are a few of my favorites for you to see.
Adding shiplap to walls or whole rooms can be tedious but does not have to break the bank whenyou do it. It is also a project most can do on their own. Might have to beg the hubby first though!
White is the color to choose to paint them and the lines add such character to any room.
The photo on from above is from Pinterest, find the shiplap photo here. If you would like to see my board on Pinterest with 100’s of shiplap wall ideas click the image below. Follow and pin for later.
DIY Crown Molding
Adding crown molding and just a little bit more wood to a window or ceiling can make a huge difference. This is also something that can be a DIY project that does not have to cost an arm and a leg.
Using crown molding to outline windows, doors, and trim can bring more depth to the room.
Exposed Wood Beams
Old wood or barn wood make exposed wood beams a great addition. Keeping an element of nature in your home and adding some great architectural details. They might not be the easiest to install but they make a world of difference in a home.
Modern Farmhouse Paint Colors
Choosing a paint color. This is the part a lot of people get stuck on. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a light color especially white. I wrote a whole blog post on farmhouse paint colors and the Magnolia Home line. Check it out by clicking here.
Do not forget that not only the walls need to be painted but also some doors and trim will need to be painted as well.
If you get stuck try finding a picture you like and start from there. What color is the wall? But try and keep in mind that natural light is a huge key in how colors are betrayed. If you have fewer windows and light coming into the room is going to look darker.
Take a look at this before and after picture of my kitchen. The browns made the place look darker and very outdated. My newly remodeled modern farmhouse is much brighter and inviting with light colors.
Head over to this blog post about Magnolia Home paint colors to read all about how I came up with our wall color and where to buy it.
Make sure the picture you are using for inspiration is close to what you need. The same amount of light and size too. Normally if you reach out to the source they will tell you what color they used for what.
When I was looking for ideas on what to paint our front door and french doors I searched interior paint colors on Pinterest. The ideas were endless. I came across this photo below from Finder’s Keepers and fell in love. So I chose to go a shade darker than she did here just because. We have not painted our doors yet but I do I will post an update with photos!
Take a look at a before and after shot of this entryway from Finder’s Keepers Design. What a transformation. White, ship-lapped walls and a grey front door. The pain color shown here is Behr Flannel Grey. Check out Finders Keepers Blog to learn more about her home and colors.
Picking Out Your Flooring
Wood, lighter shades, and wider planks have seemed to be the trend lately. The lighter the flooring color the less dirt is shown too. BONUS!
Decorating Your Modern Farmhouse
Once the main items like paint, walls, and trim are done you can get to the fun part. Decorating! Picking out fun new items or using old ones in a new way.
One thing to keep in mind if you are designing a room is practicality. You have to be able to use the room (especially if you have kids). Before you start your redesign, take some time to look at the space.
These days more thought tends to go into decorating in modern farmhouses, but practicality is still an important factor. Nothing should be too precious or breakable you can’t use it.
Instead, items should be hardy and able to be used. Thinking outside the box we can use old things like storage or displays. Take a look at this picture below it shows how you can use an ordinary item and make it useful.
Also, a modern farmhouse-style home should consist of hand-me-downs and flea market finds, combined with newer pieces as well. Using pieces you find and making them fit your room and needs.
Consider details like where the most traffic is, the lighting, and the furniture arrangement. Consider what’s working and what isn’t, as well as what changes you can make in order to make practicality your first priority.
I see all these amazing homes on Pinterest and Instagram and can instantly tell which ones do not have kids or their kids are older. I can not have everything white or I would never stop washing things. I have a 2 and 4-year old that loves to make messes.
I have been really wanting to cover up our couches with slipcovers but my hubby is against it. Right now we have faux leather and it wipes off easily. Which I am constantly wiping it off. But when the girls are older I definitely want to cover them.
If you are on the hunt and want to try slipcovers try the ones out below. My sister has them on her couch and loves them!
I just need to be practical and keep them in mind. One other thing I have a lot of is storage. Storage can make a huge difference when you want to declutter or have access to things. With two kids I have a lot of toys to hide and need a lot of space. We live in a small home and I try to utilize all of my small space.
Things that are good for storage are shelves, cabinets, armoirs, and dinettes. They can hold stuff and can also make good statement pieces.
Take a look at the new cabinet I just refurbished. I needed more space for some of their toys and arts and crafts supplies. Head over to this blog post about the DIY project.
Once you’re ready to start gathering your larger items and furniture, remember that function should be your primary focus. Let your furniture and storage options take center stage in the room, above anything else. Once those are in place you can keep adding to the room.
One variety of furniture I am really obsessed with right now is the deconstructed style chairs and couches. I also adore the tufted benches and chairs. These are small ways to add texture and depth as stated above. Pieces should come from all over the place. Styles and materials can be all mixed up to add more depth.
Take a look at this room below and see how they added different types of furniture and used different textures and fabrics. These pictures are all from the same room. You can find the full blog post on Liz Marie Blog.
Color Palette for Your Home
The colors you choose will make or break your room. Gone are the pastel colors and red and blue that tend to darken the area. These days, a more neutral color palette is a crucial part of any modern farmhouse design. Don’t add too many colors and different hues to create a modern farmhouse look.
When you are thinking colors it is a good idea to use the 60-30-10 rule. White would be the 60 percent, main color choice. As for the other colors try and keep earthy colors like greys, tans, or browns in mind. And the accent shade needs to be the boldest at 10 percent.
In my home, I use mostly white, grey, and black. In my bedrooms, I use more creams and tans with grey. Not every room has to be the same but try and keep it somewhat consistent. These are fast and free suggestions to use to achieve the look you want.
Let’s look at some examples of rooms that work with the 60-3-10 rule. Below I have some stunning rooms that fit the modern farmhouse style.
First up is this gorgeous room from A Beautiful Burst she has mixed in blues and natural tans and woods. The layering of the frames is super cool. She has a lot of textures like wood with metal feet.
The living room is a good example of how she has white grey and accent color pink. The floral really pops and makes this room stand out. You can see the cute farmhouse living room here.
Modern Farmhouse Light Fixtures
Now time to think about some lights. There are so many different possibilities. There are lamps, light fixtures, or hanging lights. Really endless ideas for this. If your room is lacking natural sunlight you might want to add a couple of extra bright LED lights to the room.
I just heard about this really cool trick where you add a push-on light or remote-controlled light inside a fixture where you do not have electricity available. Read the full article here and see the inspo below.
Check out some of my favorite light options. Lots of different options including bulbs, finishes, and colors.
Farmhouse Decor & Accessories
Now your room is starting to feel more complete and it is time to add some accent pieces. Maybe a stack or two of old books? Or some potted plants or faux greenery? Maybe add some galvanized tin items or a 3 tiered tray? Below are some stunning pieces for inspiration.
Try incorporating some natural wood pieces. Maybe some salvaged woods that have some wear and tear whenever possible. Scratches, nicks, and chipping add to the authenticity of the look.
While decorating the space add in a variety of textures in order to give the room some depth. Mix woods and metals, but also add in stoneware and glass too. For stoneware think items made of cement or terracotta/clay pots.
Accessories are important to add to the room and they add more character but try and not go overboard with them, it tends to be a lot of clutter. Layering mantels and shelves are a great way to decorate with smaller items. Pictures frames, vases, and nick-knacks.
Farmhouses should look like they’ve evolved over time. Matchy-matchy is a no-no. Your furniture and decor should not be all the exact same fabric and look. That’s not to say that you can’t buy a few pieces at a big box store. Hello IKEA!
When buying new furniture try and pair it with some vintage chairs you’ve had reupholstered or found. Pieces should come from all over the place. Styles and materials can be all mixed up to add more depth.
Modern farmhouse style shouldn’t look too calculated or perfect either. For instance, craft show items and reproduction nostalgia designed to look “country” can be fun if it’s just one or two items but put too many of them in a room and it will instantly look unnatural or too rehearsed.
Instead, check out flea markets and antique shows for items with real nostalgic value. Think vintage ladders, old mirrors, and paintings, or even rusty old cabinets. When adding some real vintage pieces you will create instant character.
Now that you have ideas and inspiration for your modern farmhouse please share your thoughts below or repin images for later! I love hearing from my readers!
If you want to read about a bathroom remodel for under $1500 check out this post.
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