Learn how to seamlessly combine modern design elements
One of the reasons people love our apron front sinks is because they exemplify the modern farmhouse style. If you’re looking to redecorate your kitchen, or you’re doing a full kitchen remodel, we have tips for creating the modern farmhouse style kitchen look you want.
But first, what does modern farmhouse mean?
The traditional farmhouse look is a bit more rustic, with exposed wood, cozy details, and mismatched furniture. If you close your eyes and picture a functional kitchen on a country farmstead, you’re likely thinking of a traditional farmhouse style. Whereas a modern kitchen will have sleek furniture, clean white tile, and stainless steel details. These are kitchens you’d see in new construction or luxury apartments. Modern farmhouse is a combination of these two styles. It borrows the warmth from farmhouse kitchens, and the sleek sensibilities of modern kitchens, for a perfectly balanced style.
In this article we’ll describe how you can acquire a modern farmhouse kitchen design with a few simple ideas.
Hardwood floors
Wood floors are a must in a modern farmhouse kitchen. You can choose to leave the floors unfinished if they’re balancing out an otherwise more modern kitchen. Or you can sand and refinish them with a glossy finish to dress them up. If your kitchen is mostly white, you can add a dark element with a rich finishing stain. Or brighten up your space with a light stain.
Note: light woods tend to be easier to maintain, with less visible scratches. However, dark woods are easier to match with multiple styles and remodels over time. The choice is yours!
Country color schemes
When it comes to farmhouse design, we recommend choosing colors found in nature. This includes pastel pops of color rather than neon or bright colors. Consider colors like light blue, green, white, pale yellow, and lavender. You can incorporate these colors into your curtains, tile backsplash, wall color, artwork, wallpaper and more.
Decorative patterns
Speaking of colors, why just choose a solid color? A busy pattern harkens back to traditional farmhouse curtains and upholstery, whether in gingham, paisley, or other floral prints. Be sure to pick a bold pattern within your chosen color scheme and go with it.
The right prints can bring a minimalist modern kitchen to a country chic farmhouse, especially when paired against crisp white subway tiles and other monotone areas in the kitchen.
Simple wood cabinets
Craftsman-style or Shaker kitchen cabinets are known for their simple lines, which make them a great example of blending the rustic farmhouse look with modern sensibilities. They are practical, easy to clean, and very stylish. You can choose to pair cabinetry with antique-inspired or industrial hardware. Leave the wood natural, or paint them to match the colors in the rest of your kitchen.
Farmhouse kitchen sink
One thing is for certain: a modern farmhouse kitchen needs a modern farmhouse sink. Get the look of a crisp white vintage farmhouse sink without sacrificing all the modern benefits. These apron front sinks are made for prepping a farm-to-table meal, and handling all the clean-up afterwards. Plus they have all the nostalgic appeal of simple farm life. Their timeless quality makes them equal parts modern and retro.
BLANCO farmhouse sinks are available in four durable and stylish materials: Silgranit, stainless steel, Fireclay and STEELART.
Statement light fixture
You’ll want to make sure to have as much natural light in your space as possible, whether through windows, glass doors or skylights. But statement lighting can also have its place in modern farmhouse style. For example, you can opt for a light fixture with exposed bulbs rather than lamp shades, which might skew too far towards the country-end of the spectrum. And industrial lighting can skew in the opposite direction towards too-modern. Consider bright white light fixtures, pewter, brass or copper with a matte finish.
Stainless steel appliances
Your kitchen appliances should be stylish and practical: making stainless steel the optimal choice. Your faucet, fridge, oven, and range hood can act as the “chic” part of shabby chic, i.e. the modern part of modern farmhouse. Farmhouse kitchens by nature should feel lived-in, and these appliances promise a long-lasting finish for a high-use kitchen.
Country countertops & kitchen islands
A butcher block kitchen island is a perfect combination of functionality and form. This no-fuss wood accent brings all the charm of farmhouse life, with the practical and minimalist benefit of a modern kitchen. Consider a farmhouse table as extra counter space, and transition it to additional eating space when needed. And if you’d rather keep your wood accents on the floor, some kitchen designers opt for white countertops to offset the bright walls and steel appliances. How you mix the media of a modern farmhouse kitchen is up to you!
Open shelves
We love open shelving in order to showcase intentionally mismatched cups, plates, glasses and more farmhouse kitchen decor. The shelves can be made to match the style of your kitchen cabinets or countertops. Reclaimed or live edge wood is also a popular choice to display your favorite antiques or country-french accessories.
Countertop decor
In addition to decor on your walls, consider dressing up your countertops. You can opt for ever-changing seasonal decor, such as flowers, pumpkins, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Read our kitchen island decor tips for even more decorating ideas.
