Modern Farmhouse Ideas: 12 Fresh Designs You’ve Never Considered!

It took all my restraint to type “modern farmhouse ideas” in that subject line, because for years I avoided anything to do with “farmhouse” style. (If you know, you KNOW.) But hear me out on this one! 🙂

I have sweet memories of going over to play with friends in an actual farmhouse as a child. It was simple and messy and people came in with good clean dirt and a family worked and lived hard there and THAT was a real farmhouse.

Years later, in New Zealand we were invited for a visit at a real old farmhouse for afternoon tea at the base of a mountain range (we’d all been hiking), and it had big ol’ ceilings with countless things cooking or being soaked and prepped and it was totally messy but felt clean and again there was that good clean dirt and farm smell…THAT was another real farmhouse.

Not at all like what “farmhouse” style has meant in recent years, has it? Yikes! The poor word “farmhouse” has just been completely adulterated and beaten to a pulp over the last–what is it? 10, 15 years?

Living room showing modern farmhouse ideas with white vertical shiplap, a large white couch with a rustic coffee table and a set of large black french doors.
Think you know what REAL farmhouse style you actually are? To see fresh designs + tips, read on!
A minimalist modern farmhouse dining room with a rustic wood table, wishbone dining chairs and a wicker basket on top of the table. The table sits on concrete floors. A large plant sets behind the table.
Be the first to see our latest designs before they hit the internet! 🙂 Join our Insiders list today and get our Mini-design Kickstart Guide FREE!

Unless you actually live in a farmhouse (and some of them are truly, truly gorgeous and historic and incredible), then I haven’t wanted to hear that word.😂

Even “modern farmhouse”…no. Hadn’t seen anyone do it to a non-actual-farmhouse and make it look right.

I would never even have attempted “farmhouse” had this not been a client request. Yet here I am, pushing my own personal envelope from my usual comfortable style and coming up with several modern farmhouse styles that actually look like it belongs in the 2025+ and beyond!

MODERN FARMHOUSE IDEAS

Let’s Start With a Recent Client Example:

Keep in mind we’re working with individualized client requests on our questionnaires such as

  • “I love painted wood floors.”
  • “I love a minimalist-Scandinavian look.”
  • “I want food to be the focus in this room.”
  • “I like simple and clean.”
  • “I want it to feel bright in both summer and winter.”

And I think we achieved that! How?

  1. Keeping the high ceilings and historic details.
  2. Contrasting all that detail with fresh white paint and fresh floors.
  3. Modernizing the “milk glass” pendant (as well as introducing a little movement with the cords which can be adjusted for the different centerpieces at different times of year).
  4. Clean lines on the banquette.
  5. Adding a hint of leather and brass to bring it a little less “farmy” 😉
  6. Keeping the traditional wood table material but doing it with more modern details.
  7. Antique artwork in a fresh, minimalist frame (no old artwork in thick, scrolly frames)
  8. Not even a rug under this dining table to keep it easy and fresh per the client’s needs.

I never thought I’d say this before, but I could live in a farmhouse like this. (Matt hasn’t read this post yet, and he’ll be shocked because he’s heard my heartfelt groans for years every time someone says the word “farmhouse.” Surprise, honey!🤗)

A cozy dining room shows modern farmhouse ideas with white ship lap walls, an antique wooden table and bench seating around the large dining table.

The client wanted

  • Fresh.
  • Clean.
  • Modern.
  • Minimalist yet warm.
  • Keeping with the historic home and not losing the true farmhouse feel.

I wanted to avoid the designs looking like the below “modern farmhouse” look that’s all over the place. You know the one. (e.g. when people take creamy whites, woods + black items, mix in them together, and call it a day.)

A modern farmhouse kitchen with white kitchen cabinets and large island with wood bar stools. There are large black windows and black pendant lighting hangs down from wooden beams
An example of what I will not be doing…
An entryway showcasing modern farmhouse ideas with a wooden console table and large sign leans on top of the console table. The console table is decorated with a lantern, lamp, flowers, baskets, picture frames and a pillow.
For tips on better plants & techniques than this, read on!

Friends don’t let friends do things that don’t make their hearts happy. (If the above styles are absolutely your #1 choice then don’t let me discourage you; just make sure it’s really achieving your life goals!)

My guess is that 99% of you reading right now will get more energized and excited by at least one of the “improved” modern farmhouse ideas I’m going to show you below…

MODERN FARMHOUSE IDEAS

Pick One: What Actual Farmhouse Style Is You…Really?

First, you need to figure out what exact vibe you’re going for!

(This guide I wrote & designed walks you through step-by-step how to do that, blend your actual unique aesthetic + lifestyle functionality. I created it to help you smart-but-busy-people save time and stay focused, so there it is!)

And what I mean by that is, what kind of farmhouse look are you going for?

(I talk about this in my modern Mediterranean post…you gotta narrow it down a bit or it’s not going to make any sense visually…a super common problem.)

Are you digging something more American-traditional modern farmhouse style?

Modern farmhouse interior ideas showing a large great room with a white couch. Behind the couch is a large wooden dining table with a large vase on top of the table. A white kitchen is behind the dining table
Read The Only 7 Living Room Rug Rules You (Actually) Need to Know!

Or does your heart say “Yes!” to a little more sophisticated take on European modern farmhouse?

Modern farmhouse ideas in a bathroom with a stone vessel sink on top of a wall mounted stone slab. A rustic counter stool and wood stump set below the wall mounted sink. A black non-symmetrical mirror and black wall sconces are mounted on the wall above the sink.
One of my favorite designs we did for a client project! Simply add 1-2 items like a modern mirror and/or lighting and you can instantly get the look without having to buy 10 “modern” things to really “get your point across” :)…

PS on the above: we have a post all about Why You Should ONLY Do Wall-mount Faucets! 🙂

Are you into a coastal modern farmhouse vibe?

A white living room with hardwood floors provides modern farmhouse ideas with large black windows and a white couch with neutral pillows on it. A rustic rectangular coffee table with two wicker baskets on top. The ceilings are tall and have shiplap with wood beams on them.

We can nuance this even more with vertical plank walls which can lean coastal or what I’d call a modern farmhouse cottage (almost cabin-like!) feel!

Modern farmhouse living room ideas with a white couch, hardwood floors, vertical plank walls and a wooden rustic coffee table that sits on top of a neutral textured rug.
EVERY SINGLE DESIGN CHOICE YOU MAKE will affect the feel of your room. Nothing will carry the whole room by itself, and the room can feel “off” with just an item or two that don’t feel right in the space visually. This is art, people! You’re blending a functional life + beauty/art!

Or are you drawn to a California cottage farmhouse feel?

Modern farmhouse ideas for the exterior of a home with a white barn and white barn doors on a gravel driveway with a garden to the left side of the barn
An exterior garage shows modern farmhouse ideas with white painted stone and large wooden barn doors and black outdoor wall sconces. a stone path with gardens on each side of it lines the way to the barn doors.

Do your eyes sigh with relief with a more eclectic modern farmhouse style?

A cozy living room shows modern farmhouse ideas with a beige couch and large leather ottoman. It also has hardwood floors and a large antique rug. The room features large tall ceilings and is painted white.
You’ll never believe what we made our living room coffee table ottoman out of!

There’s even an “industrial modern farmhouse” style you can go for!

A powder bathroom provides modern farmhouse ideas with white painted brick walls, a stone vessel sink sits on top of a wooden bathroom cabinet.
Join our Insiders list today and get our Mini-design Kickstart Guide FREE!

Or are you more into a minimalist modern look?

A dining room with modern farmhouse ideas has a large, rustic wooden table and wishbone chairs. A large plant is in the corner of the dining room and a large woven light hangs above the table.

Maybe a Southwestern-style modern farmhouse is the style you never knew you always wanted? It’s got the planks but the smooth plastered walls and earthy rug…so calming!

An entry way showing modern farmhouse ideas with a rustic wooden console table and large art hangs on white walls with a neutral textured rug in front of the console table.
Read our 7 Strategies for Choosing the Perfect Interior Color!

Do you see how there isn’t just one style of (I’m using my Joey quote fingers😜) “modern farmhouse ideas”?!?

You need to find your style within this range! (Or we create your very own style that NO ONE else has before, like some of these “vibe” images we’ve created to help clients find their direction!)

How? Read on!

MODERN FARMHOUSE IDEAS

“How Can I Make ‘My’ Look a Reality For Myself, Jess?”

Honestly, if you’re not able to call me to consult 1-on-1 right now, here’s my fastest, most efficient, most beautifully fast-tracked recommendation for you to put into motion right now and not lose the momentum you’ve already gained by your brain looking through the above:

  1. Grab our #1 Essential Home Guide to make sure you know the direction you’re going! (It’s a steal right now, just fyi.)
  2. Next, move on to the Room Design & Layout Guide to make sure you have your functions right and are working with what you have!
  3. You’ll then be in the best position to utilize the tips below WHEN and WHERE they fit perfectly in!

This is my recommendation.

You can continue to try to DIY it 100% or you can cut out a lot of hours and mistakes by using our guides.

That’s why we created them—to help you (and from the comfort of your PJs if you want 😉 )!

MODERN FARMHOUSE living room ideas

10+ Modern Farmhouse Examples With Tips!

My first tip is a bit unorthodox but I’m telling you…when done right, it’s like magic! It sets you apart.

A living room showcasing modern farmhouse ideas with large cathedral ceilings with wooden beams and three sets of black French doors. Two long white couches face each other with a large wooden coffee table in between them. The living room has hardwood floors and a neutral textured rug.
Read How to Layout a Narrow (Or Awkward-shaped) Living Room!

Yep, I’m going to talk to you about adding a hint of leather, whether it’s a chair…

Modern farmhouse ideas in this living room with a set of large black French doors. A white couch and neutral chair set on an antique rug with a large leather ottoman in between them.

…an ottoman, or even a pillow!

Adding some leather for depth of texture and that warm chocolatey feel can take you from amateur decorator to finessed next-level design. Because unless you’re going for the all-white coastal farmhouse look, you’re going to want some contrast.

Desperately!

Trust me. Leather is just one way to achieve that on several levels, both in color and texture.

If adding that hint of leather materiality feels too difficult for you, I’ll jump to my next tip which is an easy one almost everyone can get on board with!

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #9: A Design Trick Anyone Can Use (In Any Room)!

A super easy “trick” I use is adding non-traditional plants. (No faux hyacinths in a vase, or ivy trailing along your upper cabinet tops.)

Every room needs some green. (And I mean real green.) Not only does it clean your air but it gives that fresh LIFE to your space. I also talk about the importance of plants in my post about creating luxe bedrooms at home + sleeping better.

Modern farmhouse ideas in a dining room with a rustic wooden table and two plants on top of the wooden table. White cushioned dining chairs with white walls and a woven pendant light that hangs above the table.

Tip #8: A Well-done Modern Farmhouse Craves Texture!

Tying into my plant recommendation, I’m also using the above photo as an example of adding texture wherever you can. Vintage or textured pots are one of the most affordable “easy-add” ways to do this. Typically your farmhouse style table will be wood, with plenty of texture, but that doesn’t mean you can’t layer the textures.

Even if you have a cheap black laminate or MDF/veneer table, let’s say (which you can’t replace right now), a textured pot, bowl, or vase will also upscale it and help balance the mod feel of that man-made material.

Typically you’ll want as much natural wood for your dining and console tables when doing a modern farmhouse style. (I’m not a fan of most metal or metal-and-glass console tables when you’re trying to make this work. It can be done, but it’ll take some shopping time to find a good one!)

See how beautifully calming and subdued this can be?

A beautiful rustic wooden ceiling with beams provides modern farmhouse ideas in this entry way that also has a rustic wooden console table with neutral landscape art that hangs above the console table with ceramic vases that sit on the console table.

Tip #7: Artwork Done Right!

Speaking of artwork, you’ll want to be careful with the common modern farmhouse gallery wall. Harness your inner curator-slash-art gallery owner and get creative and un-traditional about how you hang your art.

Stand your canvas or framed art up against the wall, whether on the floor or the console table…play with it! (I talk through this kind of “playing around” stage in my Room Design Guide.)

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #6: Don’t Assume Black = Modern.

I love black as much as the next interior designer, but it can be too one-dimensional when it comes to modern farmhouse. People throw in a black light fixture or a black table and call it good!

Instead, try adding some dark chocolate browns instead of (or in addition to!) black. It’ll give you the depth and warmth you’re looking for.

If you want more warmth and contrast and already have a lot of white or cream, do more! Again, so much depends on your room, your light, and these factors for choosing the perfect interior colors for your space!

I’ll show you more examples of this below as they tie into rugs and contrast…

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #5: Subtle vs Hard Contrast

Modern farmhouse interior ideas with a long wooden console table against a white wall. A piece of neutral artwork hangs above the console table and a console table has a vignette of pottery on top of it.
How to Style In a Simple + Stunning Way!

Look at the above. There’s no black ironwork or “X” designs anywhere to make this a “clear farmhouse style as we know it from TV.”

This is the subtle, warm contrast I’m talking about. If you dig this, bookmark it so you aren’t tempted to go all black! (Not that black is wrong by any means, as you’ll see further below. 😉 )

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #4: Rugs

Honestly, aren’t we all tired of the same-old same-old rugs everyone has? I’m not going to name any names, but if you’re going with more of a “traditional” modern farmhouse…

…avoiding a traditional rug allows you to get the depth and interest and warmth in one easy step!

(I’ll link the rug below which I am using right now in a client project and the good news it’s a retailer that anyone can order from without having to go through us!)

A great room provides modern farmhouse ideas with vertical plant walls, a white kitchen with black kitchen island, an antique rug with a white couch are in the living room.
similar rug I loooove!

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #3: Never go “strict farmhouse.”

Don’t go strict farmhouse. It tends to be too one dimensional and lack interest.

Mix in some boho baskets or a vintage rug where it works well…modern artwork…global accents…this is where you get to put your own spin on it!

(Scroll up to refer back to my styles earlier, from eclectic to California desert farmhouse styles!)

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #2: Go Big!

Whether it’s something as simple of a focal point as big black floor-to-ceiling windows, a stretch of repeated lighting (another trick), or…

A large wall of black French doors provides modern farmhouse ideas in this great room with a large wooden dining table, a white couch in the living room with an antique rug set to one side of the photos and a kitchen with both black and white kitchen cabinets set to the other side of the photo.

…an XL table with MASSIVE + creative seating that sets you apart…

A cozy dining room with multiple sets of black French doors against one wall provide modern farmhouse ideas with a large rustic wooden table is surrounded by upholstered bench seating and a white kitchen is behind the dining room.

…then you’re achieving both function + beauty + your own unique spin on whatever style you love!

Modern Farmhouse interior ideas

Tip #1: Function First!

You will never be satisfied with your home “nest” unless it truly functions for you.

“My home functions!” a woman told me years ago. “My cabinets hold everything. My fridge works. It functions!”

Yes, that’s one way to look at the word “functional,” but let’s put the FUN in functional! Is it FUN to live in your home?

This isn’t a crazy concept. Matt and I experienced in this house, enjoying the near-endless “smooth like buttah!” movements between tasks, storage, organization, you name it. It was truly FUN to experience…even when cleaning or doing work. (I honestly still can’t get over how much easier laundry is.)

If you’re not sure how to start, we’ve created these guides and I always recommend starting with the FOUNDATIONAL #1 step HERE!

For all our

  1. home projects by room,
  2. more client project peeks and
  3. Design Insights from my brain to yours (free!)…

…it’s all on THIS page.

Leave a Reply