When it comes to enduring design trends, farmhouse décor has risen to the top and remained a popular choice for the past decade, with no signs of slowing down. The style combines a relaxed, lived in feel with practical functionality, creating a charming, inviting environment that appeals to many demographics of homeowners. One of this style’s greatest qualities is just how easy it is to apply it to nearly any home, easily blending with other design elements throughout the home. From rustic and tastefully worn pieces of furniture and décor, to wood panels and neutral colors, the design has been a go-to for designers and do-it-yourself decorators everywhere.
But as with most trends that have been around for a while many designers are seeking to modernize and update the look. While the general aesthetic remains popular, many of the design elements have become so common that houses no longer stand out. For anyone looking to hold onto their farmhouse chic without blending into the crowd, you’ll want to explore these ways you can update the style!
What is Farmhouse?
While you’ve certainly heard of farmhouse before, its important to understand what the style includes. Broad and certainly open to interpretation, HGTV describes the style as being “Practical + Pretty”. While the specifics might change, Farmhouse décor typically begins with a neutral color palette, adding natural materials such as wood or exposed brick, and then adding color and character using furniture, pillows and blankets, and even unique appliances. Modern farmhouse has streamlined much of the interior design themes integral to the farmhouse look.
Combine and Modernize
One contributing factor to farmhouse’s success is its ability to serve as a blank canvas for a homeowner’s vision. Keeping that “Practical + Pretty” theme in mind, elements such as a big cozy blanket draped over the back of a couch during the chilly fall months is a common element of the design. But what happens when you want to make your farmhouse space feel more unique? There are many other styles that mesh well with it, including Scandanavian and Industrial.
A Scandinavian farmhouse room will be well lit with natural lighting, and combine minimalist furniture and an open feel with the natural materials of a hardwood floor. An industrial farmhouse may be painted with a darker shade of grey or greige, and make use of more metal or brick surfaces. A rustic, vintage-style oven could help create a distinct look and feel in a kitchen. Boho is another great candidate for combining styles, giving you the opportunity to add a wide variety of natural patterns and textures through the use of wicker and lace to add sophistication to your otherwise rustic farmhouse.
Focus on the Practical
Farmhouse is at its best when the changes you make to your home’s appearance also make it a nicer place to live. The roots of farmhouse design date back to modest farmhouses in rural areas across America. Whether a quiet family cabin in the woods of Pennsylvania or a home amidst a working farm on the Great Plains, these homes were functional spaces where families lived and worked. Porches not only expanded the living space available, but become a greeting spot for guests. If you have a porch, be sure to decorate it to- add blankets and pillows to an outdoor porch or swing. No porch? Set up a mudroom where you can keep your home separate from the debris of the outside world. These spaces can be an inviting and practical place to remove and store boots and coats.
The farmhouse style focuses on comfort, practicality, and an informal lifestyle. Today’s family enjoys this kind of living environment because it offers an easy and flexible design. Inexpensive accent pieces are also readily available which makes the style accessible to everyone. Modern Farmhouse is an updated version of the original, incorporating fresh looks and merging textures and palates to suit the contemporary homeowner. Help your home stand out by embracing these techniques for giving your décor a little extra something.