In the ever-evolving landscape of interior design, one style has captured the hearts of homeowners and designers alike: Modern farmhouse.
This beloved trend effortlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary flair to create a perfect balance between old-world aesthetics and modern sensibilities. In this guide, our in-house interior stylist, Adrika, shares her expert tips on this interior design trend. She dives deeper into the nuances of modern farmhouse design and the key elements to master the art of this interior design style.
What is the modern farmhouse design style?
Modern farmhouse is a popular concept that seamlessly marries the rustic allure of traditional farmhouses with the clean sophistication of modern aesthetics. By fusing warmth, authenticity, and contemporary elegance, modern farmhouse design creates spaces that exude comfort and charm, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a home that embraces both tradition and modernity.
Originating in Germany and Scandinavia in the 1700s, houses in those times were big and spacious. These homes were all about practicality and were built to accommodate the daily lives of farming families. "Wood was a predominant feature of these original farmhouses as it was abundantly available. This explains why you’ll see exposed wooden beams, flooring, and furniture," Adrika shares.
As time progressed, and with the rise of urbanization and industrialization, the appeal of rural living and the nostalgic charm of farmhouse aesthetics began to influence interior design trends. The concept of "farmhouse style" emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing rustic elements, natural materials, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in interior spaces.
Are modern farmhouse styles only reserved for the countryside?
"Oftentimes, I hear people saying that this style is only reserved for people residing in the countryside," shares Adrika. "While an actual farmhouse might feel worlds away from an inner-city apartment, it doesn’t mean you can’t bring this aesthetic into your home!"
The modern farmhouse design is favored by many because it enables their homes to feel like an escape. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and romanticizes rural living, reminding people of simpler times spent in the countryside. Even in the bustling city, they can come home to a cozy space that reminds them of the quietness of the countryside.
"And, this style still incorporates touches of modernity, so you won’t exactly be living life like in the 1700s," she remarks.
Key characteristics of the modern farmhouse interior style
Here are some key characteristics you should take note of when designing a modern farmhouse interior:
- Exposed wooden beams: These beams harken back to the rustic charm of traditional farmhouses and barns and play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.
- Incorporate vintage or antique pieces: Vintage and antique decor add character and charm to the design, infusing a sense of history and nostalgia.
- Large, comfortable furniture: This style favors large furniture to create a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of rural living.
- Layering of textures: This is a signature element of the style and contributes to creating an inviting atmosphere and dynamic space.
- Natural textures and materials: Using materials like solid wood, leather, brick, and metals like iron and steel bring authenticity to the space.
Modern farmhouse interior styling tips
Opt for wooden pieces
When looking for furniture for your modern farmhouse home, opt for pieces made from solid wood. Wooden furniture adds warmth and a touch of nature to the interior. The natural grain and unique character of the wood contribute to the style's cozy and inviting ambiance.
"Rustic wooden pieces will quickly bring the farmhouse aesthetic into the space - the more worn and weathered the better - so no need to worry about wear and tear!" Adrika shares.
Whether it's a wooden dining table, coffee table, or bed frame, wooden pieces evoke a sense of authenticity, connecting the space to its rural roots.
To help you visualize how a modern farmhouse interior might look, we used our room designer tool along with some wooden furniture pieces from our collection - the Dawson Chaise Sectional Sofa, Seb Extended Dining Table and Chairs Set, Seb Round Coffee Table, and Lilou Jute Area Rug.
Bring in natural materials
Bringing in natural materials is a fundamental element of modern farmhouse interior design because it aligns perfectly with the style's emphasis on rustic simplicity, connection to nature, and timeless charm.
Aside from choosing wooden furniture pieces, you can introduce natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and jute for curtains, rugs, and upholstery. These materials have a tactile appeal and contribute to the cozy atmosphere.
"Baskets are also a great way to bring in another natural material and can be used as storage or on shelving as decoration," shares Adrika.
Don't forget to incorporate indoor plants and greenery to bring the outdoors in. Plants add a fresh, lively touch and pop of green to your space.
Go for oversized furniture
Oversized furniture pieces contribute to the overall farmhouse charm to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in the space.
Furthermore, modern farmhouse designs often emphasize family-oriented living. Hence, oversized furniture accommodates this lifestyle by creating spaces where families can gather and spend quality time together.
Large furniture like sectional sofas and extendable dining tables are great additions to a modern farmhouse design as they can easily fit many people comfortably.
Adrika shares that when looking for oversized sofas, select one that has deep seats to help make the space feel extra cozy.
Layering is key
"This is a fundamental concept of modern farmhouse design. You want the space to feel comfortable and inviting," says Adrika. This involves adding multiple layers of different textures, fabrics, and elements to create depth, visual interest, and a cozy ambiance in the space.
Layer blankets, cushions, and throws on your sofa to invite people to relax and make the room feel more welcoming. Adding them to your bed also makes it more comfortable.
Use area rugs in your living room to not only add texture but define the seating space. Natural fiber rugs, such as jute or sisal, are popular choices as they contribute to the rustic and organic feel of modern farmhouse design.
Accent with vintage pieces
Accenting with vintage pieces is a key aspect of this interior design style that adds character, nostalgia, and a sense of history to the space. Vintage pieces infuse the design with a unique character and charm, reflecting the style's appreciation for old-world aesthetics.
"Seek out time-worn and weathered decor items like vintage signs, aged mirrors, or rustic picture frames. These elements add a touch of vintage allure and craftsmanship to walls and surfaces without it being too overwhelming."
Incorporate patterns
Patterns help create a dynamic and inviting ambiance while complementing the overall farmhouse style.
"Plaid, gingham, and simple floral patterned decor items are a great way to bring this look in," she shares. Introduce these patterns through cushions, throw blankets, and even curtains. Layer these patterned textiles with solid-colored furniture pieces to create a balanced and cohesive look.
You can also use patterned area rugs to define and anchor living spaces within open floor plans. Consider rugs with geometric patterns, herringbone designs, or traditional motifs that complement the farmhouse aesthetic.
Additionally, display patterned accessories, such as vases, decorative trays, or throw rugs, to add pops of pattern in smaller doses throughout the space.
Mastering modern farmhouse interior design allows you to create an inviting space that harmoniously blends rustic and modern aesthetics. Whether it's a cozy living room, a charming kitchen, or a welcoming bedroom, the modern farmhouse style continues to captivate many with its enduring appeal.
So, embrace the charm of this style and bring the comfort of rural living into contemporary homes with a touch of sophistication.
If you need more help visualizing how the modern farmhouse interior can work for you, check out Castlery's room designer tool! This tool allows you to bring your imagination to life by placing different furniture pieces and customizing colors to suit the modern farmhouse interior design. Try it out today!