San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Why the modern farmhouse look is so fab
You may not live on a farm out in the sticks. But you can give your home a warmer and more comforting appearance and vibe by incorporating a hybrid of pastoral and contemporar y design elements in your interiors a la the modern farmhouse look.
Madi Allgaier, an interior designer with Vevano Home in Salt Lake City, said this design aesthetic is all about mixing rustic and modern components to create inviting and cozy spaces.
“Although many believe the classic farmhouse style began in Europe between the 16th and 17th centuries, the term ‘modern farmhouse’ only came about within the last few years,” she said.
Unlike the classic farmhouse style, which more prominently features natural wood accents, vintage furnishings, and an apron sink, modern farmhouse employs several different rustic woods and textures paired with sleeker and modern fixtures.
“This pairing may be done using hardware, lighting, or accessories, too. There are also fewer decorative items in a modern farmhouse, which uses more impactful statement pieces,” Allgaier said.
Chris Meier, director of visual merchandising and design for Midwest-based Loves Furniture & Mattresses, describes a modern farmhouse as a showcase for a simple, muted palette of monochromatic colors. “It’s a little more casual and less countr y and incorporates Shaker-style cabinets, stamp-ef fect tile for floors and backsplashes, overstuf fed upholster y, textual accent pillows, geometrics, and simple global prints,” Meier said. “It’s really influenced by American colonial times and Southern low countr y with midcentur y and modern pieces mixed in to complete the look.”
Exper ts say we’ve always had the country farmhouse look; it just changes ever y few years. For example, the Santa Fe farmhouse style was prevalent in the 1980s, while in the 1990s farmhouse adopted a more primitive look, according to Meier.
Ask Tim Mcbee, president of CRM Construction Management for Florida and the Carolinas, and he’ll tell you that modern farmhouse particularly appeals to homeowners thanks to its emphasis on straighter lines and additional light.
“This look makes the home appear more family-friendly. And
with its transitional blend, it allows for freedom of color accents and classic to modern furniture with a spectrum of textures, as well,” Mcbee said.
One of the biggest advantages of modern farmhouse is that it can instantly add warmth and familiarity to a residence.
“Because it’s based on traditional design principles, it can easily be designed to fit many different families and lifestyles,” Allgaier said. “It’s most popular in suburban or rural areas.”
Additionally, it often works best in homes with an open floor plan.
“It may not work as well in older homes where you have formal dining and living areas separated from one another,”
Meier cautioned. “A midcentur y modern home also does not tend to accommodate modern farmhouse.”
To bring this aesthetic to your living spaces, prepare for some minor to significant upgrades.
“White Shaker cabinetr y and apron-front sinks are often used with modern farmhouse, as well as wood or laminate flooring. And in contrast to your clean white cabinetr y, black or bronze hardware is most common,” Allgaier said.
The most important rule here is to keep a neutral backdrop, Meier noted.
“If you like the look in your kitchen, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel entirely — incorporate white Shaker cabinets or a subway tile backsplash as opposed to committing to a patterned tile. Then, use accent pieces in the form of vases, throws, reclaimed wood, pillows, and other items,” he advised.
Textures make a big difference, too; jute, linen, or a woven antique rug can complete the ef fect.
As with any style, don’t expect the current modern farmhouse drift to last forever.
“Overall, the farmhouse trend has peaked and is star ting to wind down. In the next two years, modern farmhouse may morph into something else — that’s why it’s impor tant to keep a neutral backdrop,” Meier suggested.
But with the right preparation, this look can last a long time in your home.
“If the modern farmhouse style is executed well, it will not go out of style prematurely,” Allgaier said. “To ensure that, the mixing of modern and rustic elements is crucial. Incorporate antiques and family heirloom pieces that make your space feel comfortable and inviting, but contrast it with something like a modern black chandelier.”
Get the balance between these two opposing elements right, and “your modern farmhouse style will have much more success and longevity,” she added.