The Modern Farmhouse Formula: I'm Breaking Down the Popular Style

Credit: @the_rusticpallet

If for some reason you don’t have a TV, haven’t looked at a magazine in years, don’t read books from the Best Seller list, never look at Pinterest and don’t shop at Target (is there such a person?!) then you may not have heard about the style made universally popular by Chip and Joanna from HGTV’s show Fixer Upper: modern farmhouse.

If, like me and the rest of the world, you’ve fallen under the cool, casual and magical spell of modern farmhouse lovers, then this simple formula is all you need to get your updated farmgirl style on!

Some styles aren’t easy to break down into smaller parts, but that’s not the case with the modern farmhouse aesthetic. The modern farmhouse style is all about contrast: black and white, rustic and clean lines, industrial but warm, functional yet pretty. Follow this formula and, when you put all the parts together, it will equal the modern farmhouse abode of your dreams!

Shiplap and Wood + Dreamy Whites + Natural Textures + Black Finishes + Greenery = Modern Farmhouse Vibes

Wood and Shiplap

Adding in a few natural wood elements like beams on the ceiling or an old primitive antique furniture piece is a great place to start. Likewise, shiplap or vertical board and batten wall treatments add lots of amazing texture to the room which ups both the coziness and rustic factors in the room. Be sure to use an updated color palette of whites and soft greiges (not a typo! Grays and beiges) to keep the space from feeling too rustic.

Credit: Julie Howard Home Design

Black Finishes

This finish can be found all throughout a well-executed modern farmhouse design, from kitchen hardware, to lighting to accessories. If you’re afraid of using black in your home, take a deep breath and give it a try because it is the key element that makes the modern farmhouse modern and grounds the space so it doesn’t feel too one note.

Credit: Magnolia Bed & Breakfast

Dreamy Whites

To contrast both the wood and black elements, go heavy on the dreamy white colors in your space. The modern farmhouse sometimes leans towards minimalism, so keeping the color palette predominantly white helps to keep the space fresh and clean.

Credit: Rejuvenation

Natural Textures

To bring in some warmth to counteract all those whites, bring in textural elements like a neutral sisal rug, woven baskets, a chunky knit throw or a soft furry pillow. You’ll notice these textures sprinkled liberally sprinkled throughout all of these images. Adding texture instantly translates into a warm, cozy space.

Credit: Patrick Printy Design

Greenery

The modern farmhouse style originated out of...I’ll give you one guess...farm houses! Obviously we can’t all live on hundreds of green acres of farmland, but we can bring the outside in with big, beautiful, leafy greenery. Living plants not only add interesting texture and color to an otherwise beautiful space, but it also brings life to the room! Find a few low-maintenance indoor plants and you’re well on your way to living that farm life.

Credit: Studio McGee

If you're looking to upgrade the look of your space, modern farmhouse is such a great option because you're basically guaranteed a super cohesive look by following the farmhouse formula. So start picking out your shiplap, pulling your favorite natural textures, and make your Fixer Upper-inspired dreams a reality!

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