Tips for Designing the Modern Farmhouse Kitchen of Your Dreams

If you've watched any home improvement shows like Fixer Upper, HomeTown, or Good Bones, chances are you're familiar with modern farmhouse design! It's a popular design style that mixes three essential design ingredients – clean, modern features, rustic elements, and industrial-inspired accents – to create a functional and aesthetically exciting space. When it's done well, the resulting blend is not only a sophisticated kitchen, but it's also warm and inviting.  

No matter what design style you subscribe to, your kitchen is the heart of your home. If you're obsessed with making your guests and family feel welcome and warm, then the farmhouse aesthetic is a great choice. It's a laidback choice that you know when you see it. Typically it’s white, showcases an apron front farmhouse sink, lots of wood accents, and brass fixtures. 

Today, you don't have to live in the country on a rural homestead to enjoy the charms of a modern farmhouse kitchen. No matter where you live, you can bring the warmth of a bygone era, with a nod to modern style, into your home. 

Here are some tips for bringing a modern farmhouse kitchen that feels like it's right off the farm, yet is undeniably trendy, into your home! 

The Elements of A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

The key to modern farmhouse design is a balance between contemporary and traditional aesthetics. It's really the best of both worlds – and you have plenty of room to experiment and put your own take on the design. However, there are several considerations and coordinating elements that pull this look together. These include: 

• Neutral Colors: Typical farmhouse kitchens are bright, airy, and comfortable. Using neutral colors as the base of your design can give you a warm feel when combined with natural light. Opt for lighter shades of grays and whites for cabinetry and backsplash. 

• Natural Materials: Once you've established a neutral base, modern farmhouse design turns to rustic, natural elements. Woods are an excellent choice. Use wood for furniture, consider butcher block countertops, and turn toward warmer species to keep the room feeling modern. 

• Industrial/Antique Elements: Finally, round out your design by bringing in some unique industrial or antique elements in your lighting and accessories. The roughness of these items ground the space in tradition and complete the look. When accessorizing, use these types of things sparingly. Remember, less is more; too many of these items and you run the risk of making the room feel a little dated.  

Creating a subtle balance between these elements is the central philosophy behind the modern farmhouse design aesthetic. As you can see, you have a lot of leeway when creating your design. To make it truly unique and represent your personal style, look for natural materials and design accessories that speak to you! 

Design Ideas For Capturing Modern Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse style doesn't mean making cookie-cutter choices. By choosing some key elements and filling in with unique items, homeowners and designers capture that coveted relaxed style that makes modern farmhouse design such a growing trend. Here are some design ideas to give you a solid base and inspire your creative flair when designing your kitchen! 

• Think “Rustic”

Warm natural materials can lend an aged-to-perfection style to your kitchen. Materials like reclaimed white oak beams, tumbled edge dark slate flooring, Carrara marble countertops, and vintage look hardware are all style-defining elements. To balance old and new, blend modern appliances into the room's antique vibe! In place of that traditional island, why not consider a large rustic farmhouse table as a focal point?

• Shaker Cabinets

Simple Shaker cabinets offer homeowners a clean, modern look that can add to the contemporary side of your design. Throw in a classic, crisp white subway tile backsplash and natural elements like hand-hewn ceiling beams, and you have the solid foundation of modern farmhouse design. 

• Vary The Whites

Remember, the modern farmhouse kitchen balances the old and new with stylish simplicity. White is a classic color choice for the modern farmhouse design. You can still keep things interesting by combining different textures like matte cabinetry, glossy subway tiles, and painted shiplap as the wall covering. Accessorize with pops of color to complete the look. 

• Embrace Contrasts in Your Design

Think contrast when planning your design. You can vary the whites and balance old and new, but another approach uses the contrast between raw and polished. Shiny stainless steel appliances contrast beautifully with a whitewashed plywood backsplash is one example. Add in a contemporary pendant over the island, and you have the makings of a great design. 

• Get Inspiration From Your Home's Character

If you live in an older home, turn to its architectural charm and details for inspiration. Thoughtfully chosen vintage style features like beadboard paneling on the island can add texture and beauty. Combine them with wood countertops and classic seating to add charm. 

• Simple Upgrades To Inject A Modern Farmhouse Soul!

You can transform your kitchen toward a modern farmhouse design with some simple makeover strategies. Consider painting your existing cabinets and swapping out standard chrome hardware for oil-rubbed bronze knobs and pulls. Replacing upper cabinets for open shelving and displaying your antique pottery, or adding a beadboard ceiling can bring you closer to your ideal design.  

* It's All in the Details

The details are the way to make your modern farmhouse kitchen uniquely yours. Features like beadboard, rustic wooden corbels, mixed metals, a hand-hammered copper apron front sink, or oil-rubbed bronze cup pulls can personalize your space! 

The Takeaway...

Modern farmhouse design offers homeowners plenty of benefits. It's a design style that can give you the ability to show off your personal sense of style while providing excellent functionality. It's all about balance and bringing classic design elements into your kitchen that are timeless, warm, and inviting, while still giving you a distinctly modern aesthetic.  

If you live in the West Central Alabama area, and you're planning a kitchen remodeling project, give the design experts at Toulmin Kitchen & Bath a call at (205) 366-0807. Our design team can help educate you on all of the choices of materials available to you. Let us help you to create your dream kitchen to meet your needs now and into the future!  Call today and arrange a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.