Farmhouse Reimagined: Transitioning from Traditional to Modern Style

Published: January 24, 2024

Updated: February 20, 2024

It’s happening right before our eyes: the beloved distressed vintage and farmhouse aesthetic we all came to love and cherish is being updated for a look that is a tad more polished and cohesive. If you desire a change but don’t know where to begin, we have suggestions for you! It can seem overwhelming, feeling like you need to change your paint color, switch out your furniture, and change your décor all at once, but we’re here to tell you that you can start small with simple, modern updates.

“Transforming your farmhouse into a more modern farmhouse style involves simple design adjustments,” advises interior designer Neha Kaimal. “A distinctive approach is integrating visually darker colors into your palette. Additionally, infuse modern elements into the farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary lighting or modern decor pieces throughout the space,” Kaimal suggests. We hope you will leave feeling inspired and informed about the aesthetic sweeping the nation with a resolve to get decorating!

Add More Black

PHOTO:

nuestramodernfarmhouse

During the height of the farmhouse home trend, white and gray were all the rage. In the transitional phase between aesthetics, homeowner Jessica recommends “Blending in more wood tones and black.” Sandy wood tones like those in this home’s hardwood floors are particularly popular near black cabinetry and floating shelves.

Interior designer Ellen Matthews also emphasizes the importance of the furniture choices. “Trade out rustic furniture pieces with bulky silhouettes for those featuring cleaner lines and a more streamlined look,” she says. “These simple changes can significantly impact the overall feel of the space,” Matthews advises.

Include More Greenery

PHOTO:

neutralcuratedhome

Whether in the form of real or faux plants or landscape artwork, greenery is a go in this home trend. With the popularity of Frame TVs, many homeowners are using the landscape feature on their televisions to work art into their homes in an unconventional way. The remaining decor should be organized, simple, and minimal to prevent an overcrowded effect.

No More Wreaths, Cotton, or Words

PHOTO:

schenkliving

“Buffalo plaid, galvanized tin, animals, anything trying to be cutesy or whimsical, tiered trays, tobacco baskets….” They all have to go, explains renovation enthusiast Lauren. We’ve experienced a significant shift in wall and table decor, but if you follow these tips, your home will look fresh and new. If farmhouse themes still speak to you, consider a minimalistic vase of dried twigs or an antique wooden rake to stand in the corner, as they are both rustic but quite subdued compared to former trends.

Honor Mid-century Modern

PHOTO:

nimu.designstudio

Skinny short legs, various colors and materials, and flush, flat faces describe furniture in this aesthetic. Lauren continues her transitional recommendations by explaining, “Furniture is not matchy or distressed and reminds me of mid-century modern.” Lauren has an extensive grasp on this captivating trend, and we’re all for it!

Include Earthy Tones

PHOTO:

space_made_home

Not only are black accents an incredibly prominent trend in this design scape, but also beautiful, warm browns. Reader Dawn, when updating her home stated, “I went with more earthy tones than grays and whites… the lighter, brighter colors are more modern.” She is absolutely right! A creamy white headboard looks pristine next to a mismatched mid-century oak bedside table with complementary brown suede pillows.

Moving to a Newer Home

PHOTO:

whitefarmonthehill

It may sound simpler than it is, but if you want to really nail the modern farmhouse trend, move to a bigger home! Most new builds are not only significantly larger than the traditional single-family home, but almost all of them have embraced this as their main theme represented in their windows style, bathroom layouts, and kitchens. It is quite comical to compare the modern farmhouse to a traditional homestead of 1100-1200 square feet, but so it is with our modern world.

Minimize Decor

PHOTO:

oursweetbluebirds

If you’re in the process of stripping down your farmhouse aesthetic, take these words of advice from designer Regan. She explains that contemporary home design includes “no clutter, minimal things on walls, no antiques, and modern furniture.” The living room shown here, with its magnificent vaulted ceilings, represents her explanations well, as all decorative items are very simple and focused.

Remove Intricate Molding

PHOTO:

the.reno.gal

As present-day farmhouses are a tad more contemporary, removing any unnecessary crown molding or trim is ideal. Exposed beams can work very well in this style, but “less intricate trim and moldings, and more flat stock” will do the trick, says contributor Evan. In addition, custom light fixtures with a bolder design are quite fitting as a necessary piece of decor.

Play With Monochromatic Pieces

PHOTO:

_poppyjames_

Contemporary color trends may appear oversimplified, but they are anything but. Furniture in modern farmhouses is very streamlined, so “keep to more monochromatic pieces… include more visual vases versus small baskets,” explains Cristin. The living room shown here exemplifies this perfectly. There are many layers, but all are done in relatively the same bright, creamy color with wooden accents.

Be Creative!

PHOTO:

therenovatedroost

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the modern farmhouse trend is that it allows for a great deal of originality. Antiques are not entirely out, nor are more traditional elements like matching furniture, the color gray, and crown molding. Most importantly, they need to be used intentionally. Decades of design trends are being combined and manipulated to work organically together, and the return to polished, quality materials is tangible. As a result, we have a fresh, unique, clean, and intentional aesthetic, and what more could you want for your home?