With its charming and cozy appeal, the modern farmhouse aesthetic continues to be a popular choice that shows no signs of fading away. This style provides comfort and is increasingly embraced by people. The trend emerged as a counterpoint to the minimalist movement that gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. By incorporating contemporary elements into traditional design, modern farmhouse allows individuals to surround themselves with décor that evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth. To achieve the modern farmhouse look, here’s what you should keep in mind.
What Is Modern Farmhouse Style?
The modern farmhouse aesthetic creates a sense of coziness and comfort. It embraces tradition while remaining unpretentious and classic without feeling like a museum exhibit. Instead, it encourages a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to kick back and unwind.
Compared to the traditional farmhouse style that features vintage décor and traditional fabrics, modern farmhouse design incorporates more contemporary elements like a subdued color palette and sleek lines. It’s characterized by a blend of comfortable furnishings and salvaged materials like reclaimed wood.
Antique pieces are also welcome in modern farmhouse interiors, but they should be durable enough to be handled. Everything in this style should be tactile and have a tangible quality. Above all, modern farmhouse emphasizes a comfortable ambiance that is not cluttered.
Common Elements of Modern Farmhouse Style
Incorporated into every modern farmhouse residence are varying combinations of the following décor features:
- Reclaimed wood
- Barn board accents
- Spacious and cozy furniture
- Architectural remnants
- Pine furniture
- Wrought iron embellishments
- Wide plank flooring
- Antique adornments
How to Get the Modern Farmhouse Look
To achieve the modern farmhouse style, the focus is on creating a comfortable atmosphere both inside and outside the home. Furniture should be inviting, and nothing should appear too fragile or delicate. This décor style aims to create a warm, welcoming environment that inspires a sense of enjoyment and relaxation.
Begin by selecting a color palette of warm or cool neutrals, such as cream, beige, silver, sage, or gray, and incorporate natural wood tones wherever possible. Look for salvaged woods that feature some wear and tear, such as scratches, knots, and nicks, as these imperfections add authenticity to the look. You can introduce accent colors that you love, but keeping the overall color scheme light and neutral is recommended. Contrasting black elements can provide a touch of edginess to the décor.
Create visual interest and depth by using a variety of textures, mixing woods and metals, and combining fabrics like cotton, canvas, wool, and chenille. The neutral color scheme in modern farmhouse décor means that a mix of textures is needed to prevent the space from appearing flat. In a living room, for instance, you can add texture with upholstered furniture, pillows, curtains, and wall art made of wood or metal.
Introduce mixed metals through light fixtures, hardware, and architectural details such as railings. It’s best to limit the use of metals to three per room, with complementary metals on your appliances, cabinet hardware, and lighting in the kitchen.
Use organic materials such as wood, stone, wicker, rattan, and sisal to maintain a connection with the outdoors. While wood floors and architectural details are best, other natural materials can also be incorporated where it makes sense.
Accessories play a crucial role, but it’s essential not to overdo it by trying to fit in too many. A few well-placed accessories that are given room to breathe are all you need to complete the look of a modern farmhouse interior and exterior.