Interior trends: what is modern farmhouse decor?

A modern offshoot of traditional farmhouse decor, modern farmhouse decor is the brighter, sleeker version. Whilst still incorporating that relaxed feel and a sense of warmth and character, the modern farmhouse trend is more restrained, more minimalist, and more, well, modern. 

With some similarities to Scandi interior style, whether it’s our newfound focus on a simpler, clean and organic lifestyle or a yearning to embrace the past in what can feel like complicated modern times. Modern farmhouse decor bridges the gap between past and present for a sophisticated style that looks right at home in a contemporary or period house.

How does modern farmhouse decor differ from traditional farmhouse decor?

As ever in the interior design world, trends are not a monolith. One inspires and evolves into another. And that’s just the case with traditional and modern farmhouse decor. The original, traditional farmhouse decor is nostalgic and sentimental—it’s a celebration of the past and looks back to a bygone era. 

Whereas modern farmhouse decor is forward-facing. It’s an updated version, better suited to our modern lives and contemporary homes. It’s more minimal. There’s less fuss and fewer trimmings. There’s still that same focus on natural materials and rustic elements, but with added modern touches like glossy white marble countertops and sleek industrial lighting. There are still vintage or reclaimed elements but used more sparingly. Less is more when it comes to modern farmhouse decor.

Key characteristics of the modern farmhouse decor style

Modern farmhouse characteristic: neutral colour palette

A neutral colour palette is synonymous with modern farmhouse decor. Creating a relaxed and inviting backdrop, warming beiges, greiges and oaty whites are the paints colours to go for on your walls, whilst introducing accent colours through your furnishings. Take a look at our guide on how to style new neutrals in your home to get the look or get a better understanding of the different neutral colour palettes.

Modern farmhouse characteristic: natural elements

Natural elements are another cornerstone of the modern farmhouse decor style. The original farmhouses that inspired the trend would have had wood-panelled walls, wood floorboards and exposed wood beams.  Whilst this might be a bit too much wood for our modern tastes, you can recreate elements of it with shiplap cladding, a rustic wood coffee or dining table or reclaimed scaffolding style open shelving in the kitchen. 

Modern farmhouse characteristic: industrial accents

The modern farmhouse decor trend shares some elements with the industrial decor style. It’s that balance of form and function which both trends celebrate. Mix reclaimed woods with chunky metals for a warm yet sturdy style. Think wrought iron bed frames against a shiplap cladding feature wall, black frame crittall style doors and windows, industrial pendant lighting and open shelving in the kitchen and metal trunk or recycled wood coffee tables in the living room. 

Modern farmhouse characteristic: a mix of vintage and modern pieces

From salvaged fixtures and fittings in kitchens and bathrooms to a vintage armchair in the living room, mixing in older pieces to your modern farmhouse decor is the perfect way to add some depth and history to a modern decor trend. Mix your modern furnishings with those that have had a previous life, like a salvaged Singer sewing machine turned console table, a traditional gas stove, or a butcher’s block-cum-kitchen island. Why not try your hand at upcycling?

Modern farmhouse characteristic: comfort and functionality

Traditional farmhouse decor tends to be more quaint and comfort-orientated, whilst modern farmhouse decor strikes a happy medium between comfort and function. When choosing fabrics and furnishings, make sure to ask yourself: is it comfortable or is it functional? It doesn’t need to be both (and some decorative items might be neither, but keep these to a minimum).

This translates into your decor style as soft Persian rugs in either the kitchen or living room, oversized dining room tables or linen sofas—ideal for getting the entire family around—or large windowpane style mirrors that look great and bounce light around the room.

Modern farmhouse characteristic: minimalism

Bearing comfort, form and function in mind,  you want to keep your decor style on the minimal side. Ask yourself what purpose will something serve in your home and how will it enhance it? Modern farmhouse decor is more paired-back than its traditional counterpart, so you’ll need to practice a bit of restraint. It’s a decor trope, but less is definitely more when it comes to modern farmhouse decor.

If you’ve been inspired by this style, why not take a look at our 9 modern farmhouse kitchen ideas or these 7 modern farmhouse living room ideas to recreate the look in your home.