Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Farmhouse style has made its mark in home decor and furnishings. Although Farmhouse has been around for decades, it wasn’t a mainstream style until we met these two…
Two people – Joanna & Chip. Two Words – Fixer Upper. While the Gaines’ did not invent Modern Farmhouse, they definitely made it popular & accessible. There’s tons of fascinating information on line about why this style took off during this period in time.
But that’s actually not the point of the Style Series… The Style Series is meant to be an easy to understand guide to popular interior design/decor styles. We’re going to talk about the hallmark elements of each style, so that you can more easily understand the differences/similarities of them and subsequently be able to better understand your own personal style.
So let’s get into it! Farmhouse style has a lot of different subcategories each with their own personality. First let’s start with Modern Farmhouse… This is the form of Farmhouse style that most people are familiar with.
This style is characterized by a mixture of new & old pieces. The color palette is typically all neutral, so the trick is to play with contrast and texture. Modern Farmhouse is all about having a space that is lived in, but polished. It feels light, and airy but also relaxed and cozy.
Modern Farmhouse Style
Color Palette: Typically Neutral Tones – White, Black, Gray, Brown with occasional pops of Blue or Green. Lots & lots of white & gray are prevalent in a typical Modern Farmhouse style! However, there are lots of Modern Farmhouse spaces with muted or bold pops of colors like Yellow or Red.
You’ll know its Modern Farmhouse when you see:
- Shiplap! (Is there anything more Modern Farmhouse than shiplap?!)
- Distressed looking decor/furniture that is rusty or has chipped paint
- Mismatched Decor/Furniture
- Farmhouse/Apron Sinks
- Signs, especially vintage/salvage industrial signs that are metal or wood
- Baskets – all shapes & sizes! Metal or Woven. Empty or Filled.
- Open Shelving
- Pottery, Glass – especially Milk Glass… wait, you don’t know what Milk Glass is?
Ta da! Pretty, right? Anyway, back to the list…
- Exposed Wood Beams and Fireplace Mantles
- Salvaged Windows or Doors
- Wreaths or Potted Greenery
- Fabrics like Jute, Linen and Burlap
So that’s my basic take on Modern Farmhouse. Next in the Style Series, we’ll take a deeper dive into Farmhouse Style by looking at several different types like Shabby Chic, Rustic, French Country and Primitive 🙂