Modern farmhouse style is all the rage. It delivers an effortless, timeless, and cool appeal that balances old and new. It gives you just the right mix of cozy comfort and contemporary chic character for a look that combines personality and style that’s all your own. If you’re looking for a new way to approach your design, this could be the ideal option. But first, we'll help you build a solid foundation on what it is and how to incorporate it into your home.
Defining Modern Farmhouse Style
It’s fresher and more versatile than you might think. Better yet, you don’t have to immerse yourself in anything but rustic charm to achieve the look you want. Modern farmhouse style incorporates elements of farmhouse decor and aesthetic with the sleek, clean lines of contemporary style. It’s like the ultimate combination of effortlessly cool and invitingly cozy.
There's no rigid definition — it's much more open to your own expression and interpretation. Common elements include light-colored stone, natural elements, and woodwork contrasting with modern components. For example, you might find features like:
- Shiplap
- Board and batten
- Exposed beams
- Sleek countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Mixed metals
- Modern fabrics
- Streamlined lighting
Modern farmhouse style includes plenty of open spaces in the design, often with bare windows to let in gorgeous views and natural light. The overall effect should feel somewhat high-end and elegant but balanced with relaxed, natural elements.
Modern vs. Traditional Farmhouse
So, how does the modern farmhouse style differ from the traditional version? While there are similar elements, traditional farmhouse design is created with three things in mind: simplicity, functionality, and practicality. You'll find lots of wood and accessories like apron sinks and simple furniture, all with basic rectangular or square floor plans.
Modern farmhouse puts a contemporary twist on things. It’s not all barn doors and antiques. It can include them, but it also adds features like smooth countertops, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary furniture, giving it timeless appeal.
Modern Farmhouse Style Ideas
There’s no wrong way to incorporate modern farmhouse style into your home, that’s part of what makes it so appealing for so many. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate modern farmhouse style into your design, consider the following:
- Go Natural: Bring sophisticated natural elements into the mix, including organic accessories and things that are irregular or a little imperfect. Natural edge wood tables and benches are a perfect example of easy-to-integrate natural accessories.
- Focus on Flooring: Wide plank floors are a farmhouse-style staple. Lighten things up to achieve a bright, airy appeal by stripping dark floors and refinishing them in light wood tones or paint colors.
- Lacquer the Ceiling: Things are looking up, and when you have a bright, glossy ceiling, they also look lighter and brighter.
- Keep Colors Neutral: Stick with a neutral palette as the dominant one for each room. Incorporate a punch of color to accent and add extra personality as desired. For example, you might use colorful antique signs in a bright white room for a cool and cozy effect.
- Think Understated: It’s easy to overdo it. But remember that you want a mix of rustic and refined, cozy and elegant. Use restraint to maintain the right balance.
Modern Farmhouse Furniture
With this aesthetic, it’s really all about the contrast. Juxtapose natural elements with industrial accents and luxe glamour. Designers love combining eclectic elements to increase the visual interest of the room. For example, if you have a wood beam ceiling in the living area, you might opt for a contemporary leather sofa, vintage velvet accent chairs, and modern light fixtures. Or, you might mix a wood bed frame with industrial light fixtures and natural cotton bedding.
Many different types of furniture can work. It’s all about how you accessorize and what’s going on in the rest of the room. If you have lots of farmhouse decor, you might skip any farmhouse furnishings altogether in favor of modern elements to balance it out.
Modern Farmhouse Decor
Farmhouse decor lets you finish the look and feel of the aesthetic. Adding texture to the room goes a long way toward finishing off the farmhouse appeal, particularly when you mix in woven baskets, wicker accents, and natural-fiber rugs and textiles. Use vintage items and antiques, but do so sparingly to avoid having them take over the space and dominate the otherwise airy, open, contemporary appeal.
Add rugs for extra texture, contrast, and balance. Intersperse industrial touches and pops of color. Prioritize interesting light fixtures in each room, and incorporate unique fixtures and features to add personality and interest to each room.
What makes modern farmhouse style? It’s all about creating the look that makes you happy to come home. Where can you find the furniture, accessories, and decor to do just that? Discover the large, flexible, inventory and incredible service offered by CORT Furniture Rental. You get the furniture you want on your terms, with the freedom to opt-out or switch things up at any time.
