Inspiration

7 modern farmhouse living room decor ideas

25 November 2022· Lick
Modern farmhouse living room space with a grey sofa and large windows

The sleeker version of traditional farmhouse decor, modern farmhouse decor incorporates that sense of warmth and character whilst imbuing a feel of contemporary style and modern sensibilities. It’s more restrained, more minimalist, more sophisticated. Bridging the gap between old and new, the result is a decor style that is relaxed yet comfortable: perfect for a living room. So, get the look in your home with these 6 modern farmhouse living room decor ideas.

Modern farmhouse living room idea: a warm, neutral colour palette

When it comes to your walls, go for a neutral paint palette that’s warm and inviting. Think warming beiges and greiges, and whites with a subtle, oaty undertone like White 05. Get to know the different neutral colour palettes to find the perfect one for you. Neutrals always work well in a living room as they’re relaxing, soothing and promote a restful feel. You don’t want anything too stimulating in a space for kicking back in. Take a look at these 6 neutral living room ideas for some inspiration.

Image of a neutral colour palette featuring Lick White 03, White 05, Beige 01, Greige 02 and Beige 02

Modern farmhouse living room idea: natural textures and materials

Then, when it comes to your upholstery, you can incorporate some warmer, colourful tones. Stick to natural materials like linens and cotton for added comfort, adding nature-inspired greens or contrasting cornflower blues with terracotta oranges. If you really want to decorate like a pro, find out how to create a mood board from scratch.

Image of a warm colour palette featuring Lick Blue 04, Green 02, Green 01 and Orange 02

Modern farmhouse open living room space decorated with plants and flowers by Amber Interior Design

Modern farmhouse living room idea: an oversized rug

The crowning glory of a modern farmhouse living room is an oversized rug. It really pulls a room together and creates a soft and inviting seating area. Think about your textures. If you want something more hardwearing, go for a natural fibre jute or sisal rug. Whereas, if you want to add a splash of colour, why not opt for a Persian style rug. Or somewhere in between with a hand-loomed kilim rug. If you’re going for a colourful option, you can pick out tones from your rug to inform your decor throughout your living room.

Modern farmhouse living room with an oversized rug and grey furniture via Amber Interior Design

Modern farmhouse living room idea: shiplap cladding

A favourite of both modern and traditional farmhouse decor, shiplap cladding adds texture and visual interest to a living room. It’s particularly effective in modern houses for creating that lived-in feel. Use reclaimed wood for an extra rustic aesthetic or paint it for a more subtle look. Find out how to create shiplap cladding in your modern farmhouse living room.

Modern farmhouse living room space with a grey sofa and large windows

Modern farmhouse living room idea: rustic wooden accents

Another way to create that cosy vibe and instil some texture into your living room is with rustic wood accents. This can be anything from embracing existing features like an exposed wood beam above a fireplace to tearing up those carpets to expose wooden floorboards. Alternatively, if you don’t have these period features you can get the look with a rustic, wooden coffee table or reclaimed scaffolding open shelving.

Modern farmhouse living room with exposed wooden beams by Studio McGee

Modern farmhouse living room idea: house plants and flowers

Bring the outdoors in and add a bit of life to your modern farmhouse living room with indoor plants and flowers. Fiddle leaf figs are very modern farmhouse or, if you’ve got lots of natural light, what about an olive tree in an oversized terracotta pot? Or plant up some lavender in smaller terracotta or zinc pots for a splash of colour and fragrance.

Modern farmhouse living room with a large window and potted plant via Amber Interior Design

Modern farmhouse living room with green curtains and flowers via Amber Interior Design

Modern farmhouse living room idea: mix in vintage pieces 

Find that happy medium between contemporary and traditional by mixing in vintage pieces with your modern farmhouse design. It could be anything from a reclaimed Singer sewing machine as a console table, antique vases, an oversized windowpane style mirror or a vintage metal shop or street sign. By incorporating older items, that have a sense of history or a past attached to them, you start to create a narrative and a sense of depth to an otherwise modern decor style.

Windowpane mirror in a modern farmhouse living room painted with Lick Beige 03 by @inside_number_5_

Open shelving decorated in Lick Green 02 by @oursurreynest

If you love the modern farmhouse decor style as much as we do, why not take a look at these 9 modern farmhouse kitchen ideas for a little more inspiration.