Modern farmhouses aren’t going to decline in popularity any time soon. This combination of contemporary and classic design adds the beauty of natural features combined with the warmth of traditional styles. Farmhouses don’t have to feature outdated styles; the modern farmhouse integrates the charm of country living with the timeless look of modern homes. If you’re craving to get in touch with your rustic side while still maintaining some modern accents and amenities, learn how to add more contemporary farmhouse styles in this guide.
1. Wooden Accents
One key feature of any farmhouse, modern or traditional, is the use of wood. If you want to make your home look more rustic, any wood style is a great choice. Distressed wood can make a farmhouse look even more authentic, but all wood helps. Wooden furniture, cabinets, floors, and even walls can create a cabin-like feel that many farmers enjoy. As a bonus, using reclaimed or repurposed wood for your accents can reduce your carbon footprint and save the trees!
2. Go Green (Literally)
Consider adding more plants to your home. If you don’t have a green thumb for houseplants, you can add realistic artificial plants as a substitute. Farming requires getting in touch with nature, so our lifestyle should reflect this. Consider adding a vine plant to the top of your kitchen cabinets. Add a large fern with natural pottery in the corner of a room. Line a staircase with some subtle artificial vines. There isn’t a wrong way to incorporate some greenery into your home. A sunroom can serve as a beautiful plant host while maintaining a farmhouse look.
3. White, Neutral, or Natural Kitchens
The modern farmhouse movement embraces neutral or natural tones. All-white kitchens are extremely popular with this style for its natural, bright look. If you’re not a fan of all-white, don’t worry. You can also use neutral tones like gray, beige, clay, or peach palettes. If those don’t strike your fancy, consider incorporating more natural features like wood, stone, and clay to add to a rustic farmhouse feel. You don’t have to commit to a color you dislike to fit in, but using natural accents or neutral colors can recreate textbook modern farmhouse looks easily.
4. Woven Furniture
Woven decor and furniture can solidify a rustic farmhouse home. Woven furniture takes many forms, and rattan can create a particularly modern look. If woven furniture isn’t comfortable or aesthetically pleasing, consider other natural elements in furniture like wood or leather. Neutral colors can also make excellent farmhouse furniture. It’s time to shine if you like maximalist patterns like plaid or floral print. While these patterns mimic more traditional farmhouse styles than modern, you can create a modern spin by adding neutral colors or natural elements as well.
5. Basket Shelving
Open shelving creates a homemade, natural look to any home that accents a farmhouse nicely. Basket shelving is not only perfect for exposed shelving but also adds more of that woven look that makes a farmhouse home. Basket shelves are also really convenient; you can arrange and organize your items any way you’d like, and if you want to move entire baskets, you can do so quite easily.
6. Build a Barn
If your craving for modern farmhouse styles goes beyond just the aesthetic, try your hand at actual farming. You don’t have to go all out; a crop or two, or perhaps a chicken coop, can authenticate the farmhouse look. You can also build a barn, even if you don’t plan on starting a farm. A barn can serve as a garage replacement to complement a farmhouse. Modern barns even have features like pole barn rafters to marry contemporary with the cowpoke. Building a barn may not be practical for every home, but it’s a way to commit to the farmhouse style!
7. Expose Beams
Like adding more wood to the home, exposed beams in your ceiling, walls, or floors can add class and intimacy to your modern farmhouse. Exposed beams highlight a home’s craftsmanship and can add rustic charm. If you’re not in the mood for significant renovations, exposed wood can be added to furniture, fireplace mantels, or decor as an alternative.
8. Linen Textures
Homes with curtains, towels, tablecloths, or other furniture utilizing linen textures can easily add a rustic look. Linens can come in many colors, often neutral, according to your preference, and offer ample privacy over windows. Linen adds a clean, natural style that is eco-friendly, soft, and durable.
9. Distressed Features
Distressed furniture or features add a used, worn charm without actually being worn. Distressing simulates vintage looks without taking away function. Some distressed furniture does feature actual reclaimed wood, where the distress is authentic but preserved. Distressed features come in many different materials and colors for ultimate customization while remaining in the farmhouse realm. Distressed furniture integrating reclaimed wood and metal can add modern accents as well.
10. Natural Lighting
There’s no better way to create a farmhouse look than using natural materials. One of the most accessible natural materials to harvest is the sun! Consider opening up or adding more windows to your home to bring in more natural light, especially in the kitchen and living areas. Natural lighting can brighten a home to accentuate those neutral colors and wood features previously mentioned.
Conclusion
Modern farmhouse styles rely on neutral tones and natural features to bring out rustic and charming craftsmanship. By incorporating more neutral colors, natural textures and materials, and exposed touches, you can transform your living space into a lovely, rustic getaway. Linens, plants, and wood are great ways to bring your farmhouse to life.
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