Are you in need of a living room refresher? Personally, I love the look of modern farmhouse designs. There’s something about the clean yet cozy feeling this design brings to a home that really resonates with me. Keep reading to learn more about modern farmhouse designs, and find some helpful tips when it comes to sprucing up your living room to channel a bit more of this aesthetic.
Rustic yet chic, contemporary yet country—modern farmhouse style marries the best of old and new. Whether you prefer farmhouse decor that leans more cottage, country, or even contemporary, the style offers something for everyone. As Andrea Crowley explains for Better Homes & Gardens, “known for its use of neutral colours and natural materials, modern farmhouse style draws on the past but with contemporary twists like tailored lines, mixed materials, and layered textures.”
Here are some of my favourite living rooms designs which draw heavily on the modern farmhouse aesthetic:
This living room offers clean lines, an open space, and a pop of colour with the beautiful sliding barn doors. As Andrea Crowley notes, these salvaged sliding barn doors were refinished and stained caramel for a warm contrast to the stone and concrete elements in this modern farmhouse living room.
If you have a bright living room as is, try adding in sliding barn doors to spruce up your space or consider a little fireplace renovation.
San Francisco-based designer, Heather Hilliard says to go with a minimal fireplace to help further achieve the clean farmhouse living room aesthetic.
Distressed wood is another tell-tale sign of modern farmhouse design, as well as the beautiful black metal details. I always find that distressed wood reminds me of a cozy cabin, and brings an element of warmth to any room, while the pops of classic black details remind me of a newly finished modern home.
PRO TIP: New York City-based designer Michelle Gerson explains that one of her favourite things to do is paint all of the door and window sashes in black.
This gives the look of old iron windows and is a simple hack if you’re thinking of doing a simple renovation!
Cowhide chairs, shiplap walls, as well as exposed beams are all also traditional markers of farmhouse style. As Andrea Crowley explains, “this home modernized the look by installing the shiplap vertically then painting usually white shiplap dark gray. The contemporary accent wall provides sharp relief for a light beige tailored sofa and artwork.”
PRO TIP: “Respect the architectural elements of a farmhouse space and add clean, straight-lined furnishings,” says Nashville-based designer, Chad James. “Color-blocking with fabrics juxtaposed with more primitive elements is also an easy way to create the best modern farmhouse look.”
Take a look at this gorgeous fabric for example:
Do these tips have you thinking of ways to incorporate the modern farmhouse look into your living room? Comment below and let me know!