It’s a look you’re seeing everywhere, and for good reason: modern farmhouse decor strikes the perfect balance of rustic and chic, practical but cozy, and timeless yet totally of-the-moment. And it’s beyond easy to make it your own, especially when you include farmhouse rugs, of course. We’re breaking down how to nail the charming look at home, whether you want to bring it to one room or to the entire house.
Play Up Natural Materials
When it comes to modern farmhouse decor, stick to materials that have a natural element to play up the rustic inspiration of the space. Think woven pieces, like rattan baskets and accents, jute rugs, chunky knits (like our cozy, sweater-like Braided rug), and anything else that has a beautifully tactile look and feel. Woods of all stains and finishes are great choices for furnishings, and we love how they pair with other natural materials like leather, linen, galvanized metal, brass, and exposed brick.
Embrace Classic Patterns
Because the modern farmhouse look is rooted in history, we say to incorporate classic, goes-with-anything patterns you can mix and match with ease, like stripes, plaid and gingham, and natural motifs like leaves or subtle florals. We love adding a hint of print to floors with a rug, but you can also look to pillows, curtains, blankets, artwork, and accents to bring in more pattern.
Soothe with Hues
Part of the charm of modern farmhouse decor is how soothing, serene, and welcoming it feels. So feel free to mix and match, or go monochrome with soft and earthy hues like blue, cream, brown and beige, gray, green, and yellow.
Love bold and bright colors? Keep reading—we’ll dive into those in a bit.
Mix Old and New
As its name implies, the modern farmhouse look is all about striking the right balance of old and new. One of our favorite ways to bring in your “something old” is to shop antique stores and flea markets, which are the perfect places to find steals and pieces that have the authentic vintage charm you’re looking for. A few things we’d add to our basket on a thrifty shopping trip: woven baskets, pitchers to use as vases, old books with pretty spines and covers, little brass accents, well-made wood furniture… we could keep going all day!
You’ll want to pair these vintage finds with sleek, modern pieces to create a striking, pleasing-to-the-eye contrast. Think polished ceramics, finds with matte finishes, and sleek and simple lines.
Show Off Architecture—or Add Your Own
We can’t get away with talking about the modern farmhouse look without talking about shiplap—or other charming wall details like wainscoting or picture rails. We know not every home is blessed with these enviable good bones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the look.
So many of our favorite follows on blogs and Instagram are using their DIY prowess to bring architectural beauty to their walls. This Old House has a thorough tutorial on installing your own wainscoting, and we love She Gave It a Go’s play-by-play on how she pulled off her own faux shiplap wall.
Choose Furnishings with Charm
Of course, you can’t complete a room without practical, beautiful furnishings. Not everything in your space has to be brimming with antique character—after all, you do need some modern moments in the mix!—but we recommend choosing a few key pieces that add farmhouse charm. For example: vintage-inspired iron beds, lanterns, or lighting with woven shades, Windsor dining chairs, tables with carved or spindle legs, and anything with a weathered wood finish.
Try Something Unexpected
And finally, we want you to know that the tips above are very much guidelines, and not hard-and-fast rules. So please feel free to make the modern farmhouse look your own! We absolutely love the idea of mixing in these farmhouse elements with your existing decor, and think that part of the beauty of this look is that it can be interpreted in so many different ways. Love a boho moment? Throw a farmhouse rug or even a Moroccan rug into the mix! Big on bright colors and patterns? Go for it! Incorporate your favorite pieces with some or all of these modern farmhouse elements, and you’re well on your way to creating a charming, cozy space that you’ll love.
