9 modern farmhouse kitchen decor ideas

The proverbial heart of the home, there’s no space where modern farmhouse decor is better suited than the kitchen. Incorporating characteristics of industrial decor style and Scandi interior style, it bridges the gap between traditional farmhouse decor and contemporary living. Creating a relaxed and welcoming ambience, it’s perfect for both simple suppers and entertaining. It’s modern living with those ‘good life’ trimmings. Find out how to create the look with these modern farmhouse kitchen decor ideas.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: a light, neutral colour palette

Unlike traditional farmhouse decor, which tends to be more colourful, modern farmhouse kitchens favours lighter, neutral colours, that also to make the best kitchen paint colours, like warming whites, beiges, with charcoal greys as accents. Create contrast by painting your upper and lower level kitchen cabinets in lighter and darker shades or layer on the texture with some shiplap cladding wall panelling. Whatever look you go for, get an in-depth understanding of the different neutral colour palettes or get some inspiration from these 6 neutral kitchen ideas.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: natural elements

Create that rustic feel by incorporating natural elements into your decor. Countertops are a great place to do this. Choose between glossy marble, dark granite, or rustic wood—gorgeous when contrasted with lighter or dark lower cabinets or white subway tiles. Terracotta, stone, or exposed wooden floorboards are all great options for creating warmth and texture (with an accompanying rug, more on that later). Or, opt for brushed copper, iron or brass cupboard handles and fittings.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: industrial pendant lighting

We’ve never met an industrial pendant light we didn’t like, but they look particularly on point in a modern farmhouse kitchen. Place them above a kitchen island or dining table to create a statement look and demarcate the space—and remember to always opt for warming, filament style bulbs to create that welcoming feel. Get inspired with these 5 pendant lighting styles that will enhance your decor.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: textiles and fabrics 

Soften those industrial tendencies of modern farmhouse decor by introducing textiles and fabrics into your kitchen. It can be anything from a deep red Persian rug to a blue and white ticking stripe table runner—little splashes of colour in an otherwise neutral colour scheme. Or what about creating a stylish bay window dining nook with upholstered bench seating or patterned Venetian blinds?

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: mix in vintage pieces 

Create that perfect balance between modern and farmhouse by mixing in vintage pieces, like flea market find teapots and copper kettles, to church pew seating or a butcher’s block as a quirky alternative to a kitchen island. Whatever curiosities you pick up, incorporating vintage or salvaged items creates an intriguing narrative whilst adding depth to an otherwise modern decor trend.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: open shelving 

And where better to display those vintage finds than on open shelving? Go for the classic industrial style with reclaimed scaffolding shelves with rustic iron supports or a more traditional farmhouse feel by painting your open shelving the same colour as your walls. The golden rule of how to style open shelving in your kitchen? Leave the cereal boxes and tin cans to the cupboards. Be it cookbooks or ceramics, Kilner jars or indoor plants, make sure you’re storing pieces that you want to show off.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: large kitchen island

We know not everyone has space for a kitchen island, but if you do, you won’t regret including one. A stalwart feature of the modern farmhouse style, the kitchen island is the perfect combination of form and function. Whether you use yours for extra chopping space, instal a hob or sink or just as a place to congregate whilst cooking, not only do they look gorgeous they’re incredibly practical.

Modern farmhouse kitchen idea: rustic utilities 

As with mixing in a few vintage finds, create that juxtaposition between old and new in your modern farmhouse kitchen by incorporating a few rustic utilities. Be it a deep butler’s sink (another beautiful yet practical addition), salvaged taps and fittings or a large gas stove—rustic utilities nod towards the traditional origins of the modern farmhouse decor style.

A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking, so if you’re still not sure which is the one for you, get inspired by these 7 kitchen decor ideas! Or if you love a before and after, take a look at these 5 kitchen makeovers.