In recent years, the phrase “modern farmhouse” has been tossed around as liberally as glitter at the Eras Tour. But what is it, exactly? Generally speaking, the modern farmhouse look embraces the longtime staples of a historic country farmhouse—shiplap walls, open shelving, apron front sinks, wide-plank hardwood floors—while peppering in modern-day elements that lend the look a more contemporary “I'm-not-actually-a-farmer” edge. (Think steel-frame windows, clean-lined light fixtures, and contemporary art.)
You’ll also find that the modern farmhouse look tends to favor neutrals (white paint, pine finishes, nubby linens) which allows for more rustic architectural accents—barn doors, reclaimed mantels, and exposed beams—to stand out.
Largely popularized by shows like Fixer Upper, designers such as Shea McGee, and, yes, this very magazine, it’s an aesthetic that has become so ubiquitous that nowadays the phrase “modern farmhouse” can elicit eye rolls from designers who are (understandably) a bit tired of receiving the same roster of requests from clients over and over again. (The New York Times even referred to the modern farmhouse aesthetic as this generation’s “McMansion.” The nerve!)
Still, we all know the internet tends to hate on anything with widely popular appeal, and this decorating style is nowhere close to fading. Despite its naysayers, when done well, the modern farmhouse aesthetic can serve up a really nice balance of the new and the old. (Check out actress Diane Keaton’s stunning home for proof!)
After all, at its core, the farmhouse aesthetic is rooted in practicality, which never goes out of style. Here are a few things to consider if you’re tempted to join the modern farmhouse family.
1. Skip the One-Size-Fits-All Exterior.
Most backlash associated with this look tends to be a response to the architectural sameness—particularly when perfectly pretty old homes are remodeled or torn down in the name of strikingly similar side-to-sides that feel spit out of a conveyor belt. A few of the designers and architects we spoke with are a bit tired of the black window sashes. Others cited scale as an issue: “Huge expanses of interrupted glass can undermine the innate humble nature of a ‘farmhouse,’” says Cristiana Pledger, an architect in Birmingham, Alabama. But there are plenty of examples of modern farmhouses that beautifully break the mold.
2. Prioritize Real Patina.
“For me, it’s all about authenticity,” says Emily Doerfler, a designer in Bend, Oregon. “Too often I see faux vintage or overly distressed and cheap materials being used in modern farmhouses. The key to achieving the look is using authentic materials.” There is no substitute for real patina, so skip the repro sign or uniformly “distressed” dresser at the big box store and proceed straight to the antiques shops for the real deal. (That goes for wood beams, too.)
3. Incorporate a Little Color.
If you gravitate toward neutrals, you do you! But if Instagram has made you feel as if the “only” way to do modern farmhouse is with an overwhelmingly white palette, we’re here to set the record straight. Generally speaking, nature-inspired tones—rich greens, warm pinks, sky blues—feel right at home in a farmhouse. “Your home’s surroundings—what your land looks like, whether you’re by the water versus surrounded by a lot of greenery—provide good directional cues to inspire your color palette,” says Nicole Gibbons, founder of paint company Clare. If you want to up the “modern” quotient, go bolder with a high-contrast pop of red or bright yellow.
4. Use Lighting as a Lever.
The modern farmhouse look is all about balance, and light fixtures go a long way toward achieving that equilibrium. In a room that’s already rich with patina, you may want to consider a modern-leaning light fixture. In a space that feels overwhelmingly “new construction,” a crusty salvaged lantern may be just what you need. On the fence? An iron pendant or chandelier can often bridge the gap.
Annie Schlechter A Sputnick-style light fixture is an unexpected element in an otherwise traditional dining space.
5. Add Whimsy with Wallcovering.
A bold pop of pattern can also give a farmhouse a modern feel. A good rule of thumb: The more traditionally country the motif—think pastorals, florals, toiles, plaids, checks, and quilt motifs—the bolder you can dare to go with the colorway. A few editor favorites include Gable by Farrow and Ball, Klöverblad by Josef Frank, Big Gingham by Max Humphrey for Chasing Paper, Pinwheel Quilt by Chris Benz for Wallshoppe, and Red Pink Quilt by Sara Fitz.
RELATED: Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen With Wallpaper
6. Look to the Shakers.
The Shaker religious sect’s guiding principles of honesty, unity, and simplicity informed not only how they lived, but also the artful pieces they designed. These days, the Shaker aesthetic, with its simple lines and lack of adornment, can feel downright modern, which is why it’s a great reference point for modern farmhouse design. (And c’mon, who doesn't love a pegrail?)
7. Try a Little Lacquer.
High-gloss paint finishes are yet another way to infuse a modern feel into a farmhouse—and, unlike architectural elements, paint is an easy thing to swap out should you tire of the treatment. “A high-gloss finish—on furniture, on floors—brings that unexpected hint of edge,” says Country Living Senior Homes & Style Editor Anna Logan. “I also love using a high-shine finish on a traditionally country silhouette, such as a Windsor chair. The combo creates a wonderfully playful push-pull.”
8. Mix and Match Eras.
Your aged items needn’t all date to the same period. In fact, plucking pieces from different decades, or centuries, helps a home feel as if it’s evolved over time. Plus: a clean-lined mid-century chair or sofa goes a long way toward giving a room a little edge.
9. Make It Personal.
At the end of the day, a home should reflect you and the things you love. In the age of social media, tastemakers wield a lot of influence (they are called influencers, after all), but the best spaces are the ones that feel like a personal scrapbook, not a carbon copy. By infusing your home with quirky collections and sentimental heirlooms, you’ll be creating a far-from-cookie-cutter space that tells your story.
Rachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.
