What is Modern Farmhouse Design? A Guide on Everything to Know

Who doesn't dream of a simpler life from time to time?

Unfortunately, not everyone can tuck themselves away in a quaint country cottage, far from the stress and noise of urban life. But, while you may not get a view rolling green pastures from your living room, that doesn't mean city dwellers can't enjoy a few of the same aesthetics.

Modern farmhouse design has enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in recent years, and for a good reason. This clean but cozy look couples vintage and modern elements to create a classic and timeless design you'll be able to enjoy for years to come.

Are you interested in learning a little more about the modern farmhouse style? You've come to the right place.

Here is everything you need to know about what makes modern farmhouse design, and how you can use it to bring a little bit of the country into your home.

What Is Modern Farmhouse?

While the origins of modern farmhouse design come from a few different places, its origins lie in the old fashioned working farmhouse. That is to say, simple, sparsely decorated, and highly practical homes.

However, over the years, modern farmhouse design pulled a few elements from other trends to transform into something new.

The current form of modern farmhouse design can trace its roots back to the minimalist movement. A fact that may come across as a bit surprising considering the chic farmhouse look is almost the antithesis of stark, Scandinavian minimalism.

But, take a closer look at what makes modern farmhouse design special. This aesthetic features a notably muted color palette and favors practicality over design when it comes to furniture.

While the modern farmhouse look features a few more comforts, like throw pillows and fresh-cut flowers, it is at heart a warmer form of minimalism.

Modern farmhouse design came to the forefront of interior design thanks to a few different shifting trends. But, it can credit a lot of its mainstream popularity to shows like Fixer Upper on HGTV.

The modern farmhouse look is all about the comforts of tradition mixed with the practicality of modernism. So, you can be sure that this particular look is going to stay in style for years to come.

Now that we know where modern farmhouse design came from, it's time to examine a few of its key elements to gain a better understanding of how you can execute this classic style in your own home.

The Color Palette

Modern farmhouse design's color palette is its most substantial link to is origins in minimalism and Scandinavian design.

A lot of modern farmhouse design features a lot of cream or off-white, coupled with muted or natural tones and hues such as sage, gray, or beige.

This design scheme pays homage to natural landscapes. So, it tends to feature a lot of natural wood and earth tones, with brighter colors mixed in sparingly.

Design palettes used in creating modern farmhouse design tend to be pretty flat, or even monochromatic.

It's a bit like French cuisine. You let the elements of the room speak for themselves, without the added spice of a lot of accent colors or designs.

Overall, the modern farmhouse color palette invokes a feeling of warmth and even earthiness. And, when used correctly, this barebones palette can transform a room into a highly welcoming space.

Comfort Is Key

The most significant shift between modern farmhouse design and its predecessor, minimalism, is the emphasis on comfort.

Most modern farmhouse design features large, comfortable-looking furniture. Dining areas tend to feature large, open tables with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. And, couches, chairs, and beds are often stacked up with thick blankets and plush pillows.

The goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and homey space where you and your family and friends can relax and escape the stresses of the outside world.

That said, it's important to remember that modern farmhouse design isn't crowded or cluttered. Walking the fine line between cozy and chaos can be tricky, but proper modern farmhouse design pulls it off almost effortlessly.

Make It Practical

As we mentioned earlier in this piece, one of the other key elements in creating modern farmhouse design is practicality.

In modern farmhouse design, every piece you add to a room should serve at least one function. So, there's not a lot of need for decorative chairs, accent tables, or other purely aesthetic touches.

That said, furniture that doubles as storage, such as shelving units or coffee tables, fits in very well in modern farmhouse design.

Furniture arrangement is also important when creating a modern farmhouse design. Because the goal is functionality, rooms should be arranged to include as much open space as possible to allow for free movement.

This emphasis on practicality is also why rolling barn doors are such a popular feature in modern farmhouse design.

These unique doors allow users the option of privacy, without having to worry about blocking the path of the door.

A Rustic Elegance

Finally, one of the most notable and attractive aspects of modern farmhouse design is the vintage element.

In modern farmhouse design, the vintage or rustic elements come to play in the form of reclaimed wood, salvaged architectural elements, and, of course, simplistic antiques.

However, adding vintage elements without making the room look crowded or chaotic can be a bit of a balancing act.

When adding your antiques or rustic elements, it's important to remember to value quality over quantity.

All you need are one or two well-made pieces or elements, and they'll speak for themselves.

Creating Your Dream Modern Farmhouse

The modern farmhouse look is warm, practical, and perfect for any home. That said, it takes a little bit of expertise to gather all of its necessary elements and bring this style to life.

Are you interested in bringing modern farmhouse design to your home, but aren't sure where to start? We're here to help.

Contact us for more information about our available services or to schedule a consultation today.