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Modern farmhouse kitchen design: The tips and tricks you need to know

Bring the modern farmhouse style to your kitchen with classic design elements and a hint of rustic charm

Rustic farmhouse kitchen with kitchen island
BM_27 / Shutterstock

The modern farmhouse design style is one of interior design’s most popular home aesthetics. From Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Fixer Upper to Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin’s Farmhouse Fixer, this style has been a staple of American homes for a few years now and continues with its momentum. People adore the cozy decorum and simple, organic layout of these spaces.

So, if you’re a lover of the modern farmhouse kitchen design and want to incorporate this look into your home, we have some amazing tips and tricks for pulling off this inviting aesthetic.

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Opt for a neutral color palette

Farmhouse kitchen with rustic wood floors
Chris Haver / Shutterstock

Most modern farmhouse kitchens adhere to a neutral color palette. Cream, white, beige, wood tones, and off-white hues are the most common. To invite a modern feel to the room, neutral tones help create a fresh, clean, and sophisticated air of minimalism. It’s common to see these neutral colors expressed via the wall paint tones, backsplash tiles, countertops, and decor.

Pops of navy and evergreen are trendy

Navy blue farmhouse-style kitchen design
Hendrickson Photography / Shutterstock

Adding navy or evergreen tones to your modern farmhouse kitchen is trendy. Navy colors are added to cabinets and floor runners to create a sense of peace and calm. Evergreen hues can also be displayed through cabinetry, vintage shelves, and fine china cabinets to give a more organic and biophilic look.

Install a kitchen island if you have the space

Blue kitchen cabinets in farmhouse design
phototropic / Getty Images

It’s safe to say that most modern farmhouse kitchen designs have a central kitchen island. The island is the heart of the room and often a hub for food prep and entertainment. If your space allows it, consider adding a kitchen island to your modern farmhouse design to create additional seating and storage space.

A farmhouse sink is a must-have

Large rustic kitchen interior
Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock

The modern farmhouse design style is all about blending the minimal aesthetics of modern design with the cozy and homey look of farmhouse interiors. One way to strike the perfect balance is by adding the classic farmhouse sink. This timeless addition is perfect for inviting the farmhouse look without making your design feel kitschy or outdated.

Use barn doors and exposed beams

double barn doors
Neil Podoll / Shutterstock

Depending on other elements in your design, you might want to balance your modern touches with stunning farmhouse structural pieces. Barn doors are one option for adding a farmhouse look. You can use barn doors as a separation between the kitchen and living spaces or as a door to your pantry. Exposed beams are also a fantastic addition. They add a rustic touch that gives your kitchen more charm and character.

Open shelving can be aesthetic

farmhouse style kitchen with open windows and shelving
BM_27 / Shutterstock

Many homeowners are torn on open shelving due to practicality. While open shelving isn’t always the best for maximizing storage, it is a classic modern farmhouse addition. Open shelving in the kitchen can boost the visual appeal of the space. Additionally, it gives you a place to show off your decor pieces and nicer dishes. Of course, open shelving is almost a must-have in modern farmhouse design, especially if your space allows it.

Quartz counters vs. butcher block countertops

White and blue kitchen cabinets
Hendrickson Photography / Shutterstock

If your modern farmhouse design begins to lean too far into the rustic side of this style, you might consider swapping out your counters for quartz countertops. Quartz is a sleek, modern addition to the kitchen. It’s easy to maintain and blends seamlessly with the neutral color palette.

Alternatively, consider installing butcher block countertops if your space feels too minimal and modern. These counters are a favorite among homeowners who crave a more natural and organic look.

Pendant lighting is a must

Blue and white kitchen with modern lighting
Gabo_Arts / Shutterstock

One detail you don’t want to miss when designing your modern farmhouse kitchen is the lighting. Overlooking your light fixtures can make or break your design. In the modern farmhouse aesthetic, pendant lighting is a must. With so many gorgeous options to choose from, you can find pendant lights to suit your unique style and your color palette.

Add some shaker cabinets

Gray kitchen cabinets with white subway tile backsplash above them
Jason Finn / Shutterstock

Shaker cabinets are a timeless kitchen addition that looks good in many design styles. Due to their versatility, they are one of the best options for styling a modern farmhouse space. Shaker cabinets are also perfect for homeowners who prefer simple white cabinetry or want to experiment with more colors like navy or evergreen hues. Adding minimal hardware or copper details can also make these cabinets appear elegant and classy.

Invite character into the space with unique features

small kitchen storage and organization
tartanparty / Shutterstock

One of the reasons the modern farmhouse design style has gained so much popularity is that homeowners adore the personal touches and the familiarity of the aesthetic. Modern farmhouse kitchens are filled with charm and unique features that feel cozy and personal to the owner.

Here are a few ideas on how to add more character to your modern farmhouse design:

  • Install curtains under the sink
  • Have a brick accent wall
  • Oversized oven range hoods are trendy
  • Butcher block counters and central islands are a fan favorite
  • Copper details have become a must-have in this interior design style

The modern farmhouse design style is one of the most popular choices for kitchen interiors. With so many unique features to choose from and a simple color palette that’s highly versatile, homeowners adore all the charm and personality they can put into this aesthetic. Be sure to follow these tips and tricks when decorating your space, and don’t shy away from experimenting with unique additions.

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
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