Better Homes And Gardens Farmhouse Light

The terms "modern" and "farmhouse" might have once seemed like opposites, but this combination of design styles is now trending in a big way. In fact, searches for "modern farmhouse" began rising in 2015, with no sign of slowing down. Harnessing country elements with a contemporary spin, modern farmhouse decor blends clean lines, neutral color palettes, layered textures, and natural materials to create a timeless look that's bursting with character. Whether you're looking for an updated take on the farmhouse kitchen or a cozy rural-inspired living room, this style strikes the perfect balance between old and new. We'll show you how to cultivate your love for modern farmhouse decor with tricks that put a fresh spin on rustic details.

white modern farmhouse entryway built-ins and herringbone tile

Welcome Modern Farmhouse Style

An inviting first impression is key to farmhouse-style homes. And what better way to welcome guests than with a cozy modern farmhouse mudroom! This entryway nails the look with white cabinets, natural wood accents, and woven baskets. Shiplap details above the built-in bench add iconic farmhouse flair.

modern farmhouse with geometric open shelving and exposed beams

Cozy Up Modern Architecture

Expansive rooms designed in a contemporary style can feel cold and unhospitable without a few cozy accents. Take cues from this loftlike dining room and add warmth with exposed beams, distressed wood finishes, and textured accents. These pine beams were left with an unfinished look to bolster the organic feel. Modern farmhouse decor including black high-back Windsor dining chairs and an industrial-style pendant light deliver contrast against all the white and wood tones.

modern farmhouse bedroom dormer with exposed wood ceiling

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Unite Styles and Eras

Marry modern and vintage elements for a character-rich mix. In this farmhouse bedroom, barn boards line the ceiling with rustic texture that contrasts the trendy geometric rug underfoot. The vintage-style metal bed is dressed in crisp white linens and simple striped pillows. At its foot, a bench crafted from a reclaimed wood beam rests atop modern black hairpin legs.

white farmhouse living room mantle brick fireplace

Add Farmhouse Character with Shiplap

Although shiplap was once relegated to utilitarian buildings like barns and outhouses, the style of rough-hewn wood slats is now a mainstay in indoor farmhouse spaces. Modernize the look with simple furnishings in a crisp neutral color scheme. In this modern farmhouse living room, pops of blue from the pillows and rug keep the all-white space from looking bland.

Kitchen with brick corner and island with seating

Embrace a Casual Design

Exposed brick is one of those cool design tricks that can be industrial, traditional, or edgy. Give the raw texture modern farmhouse flair by pairing it with open shelving packed with curvy antiques and vintage books. Consider keeping the rest of the space bright white so you don't overpower your sophisticated exposed masonry.

Bedroom with wooden furniture and ledge with artwork

Hand-Stitched Farmhouse Style

Quilts are practically a dime a dozen at quaint farming stores and antique shops, so be sure to pick one up for your modern farmhouse bedroom. Make this decorative accessory look contemporary by choosing a quilt or blanket that features pops of bold color in lieu of painterly florals and paisley. Pare down the rest of the decor to let the quilt shine as the focal point.

Kitchen with island and stool seating

Industrial Accents

Industrial design is often rooted in hard finishes and raw textures. However, when paired with vintage wall signage and delicate textiles, the look reads decidedly farmhouse. To add a contemporary twist to your rustic industrial accents, try them in bright, saturated colors, like the swanky yellow metal barstools in this modern farmhouse kitchen.

Dining area with large light fixtures and wooden table

Reclaimed Modern Farmhouse Decor

There's nothing more thrilling than uncovering dusty treasures like beat-up wooden boxes and bubbled glass vessels from an old farmhouse. Rather than plopping your farmhouse antiques on the floor or shelf where you'd expect them, try rethinking their purpose. Here, old glass bottles are given new lives as contemporary pendant lights.

Kitchen with dark walls and white cabinets

Antique Signage Adds Comfort

Pause for a moment and imagine this bright white kitchen without its green and yellow accents and handwritten sign. It would be cool and contemporary, yes, but also far from cozy! The introduction of an accent color or two on top of a black-and-white foundation, plus that quaint, personalized sign, give the ultramodern space a down-home, farmlike feel.

Dining area with wooden table and bench seating

Farmhouse Table Facelift

For generations, farmhouse tables have been a gathering place for friends and family. Yet, the rustic, worn-in tables of old have since seen a modern facelift. These days, rather than mismatched chairs, sleek seating and pared-back benches finish off a large wooden table.

Bedroom with dark wooden sliding door

Credit: Richard Leo Johnson

Playful Wood-Tone Pairings

While raw wood isn't necessarily groundbreaking when it comes to farmhouse design, including broad tonal shifts in the material is something new to consider. Try incorporating the entire gamut of wood finishes—from ultralight to dark ebony—in your space. Wood grains naturally complement each other, no matter the color, so it's hard to go wrong.

Kitchen with white brick and island seating

Oversized Pendants Light the Way

One might assume that adding homey character to a stark gray-and-white kitchen like this one would be a challenge. But think again! It's easy to add fresh farmhouse style to a contemporary kitchen simply by incorporating elements such as natural wood, plants, and oversize pendants, like the iron lanterns seen here.

white dining room with striped rug and green chair pillows

Slide into Modern Farmhouse Design

One design technique that has catapulted farmhouse decor into the mainstream spotlight is the sliding barn door. Both practical and stylish, this on-trend accent nods to the agricultural roots of modern farmhouse style. Outfit a barn door with contemporary X-shape molding and bright white paint for an of-the-moment look.

Kitchen with white brick and dining room seating

Credit: Anthony Masterson Photography

Mixed Metals

Iron, copper, brass, chrome—farmhouse style has never been one for matchy-matchy detailing, but modern farmhouse designs play up mixed metallic textures more than ever to give spaces an updated lease on life. Here, an iron mount holds up a sliding barn door, copper metal outfits the lighting, and chrome coats the appliances and seating, yet it all feels intentional thanks to the consistent shiny finish seen throughout.

Dining area with bench seating and books

Balance with Bench Seating

When one pictures a farmhouse, it's easy to imagine a cozy space built to accommodate large, friendly gatherings. Banquette seating was built for such occasions and has recently benefited from the upgrade of modern chair choices. Rather than opting for the typical spindle-back chair, try pulling up a collection of midcentury-style seating. This simple switch will give your space an updated excuse to throw a party.

Kitchen with bar seating and wooden cabinets

Farmhouse Sinks That Shine

The farmhouse sink is another classic detail. Whether you are a die-hard loyalist or you're brand-new to the farmhouse aesthetic, it's easy to fall in love with a traditional apron-front sink. Contemporary options now feature modern materials like stainless steel or soapstone in addition to the classic white porcelain.