It almost goes without saying that the modern farmhouse look has taken the design world by storm in recent years. Its unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary sophistication pair perfectly with clean lines, natural materials, and a touch of vintage flair to create spaces that are both inviting and stylish. Innovative Australian home builder Metricon has been at the forefront of the modern farmhouse revival (along with a number of other trends) for years now. They’ve recently put a wealth of their design knowledge into a brand new lookbook, full of ideas and inspiration for home builders and designers alike. Here, we’ll explore just a few of the ways designers and specifiers can adopt and adapt their own modern farmhouse vision.
1. Embrace a neutral palette with warm accents
A serene colour scheme is the solid foundation of any modern farmhouse design. A neutral backdrop of whites, creams, and warm greys allows architectural details and textures to shine. Thoughtfully selected accent colours like earthy browns, muted greens, or soft blues, create a calming depth that enhances connection to the natural environment. These accents can be incorporated through textiles, artwork or decorative accessories, as well as in select parts of interior linings and fittings.
2. Highlight natural textures and materials
Farmhouses are, by their very purpose, closely connected to the natural world - so it makes sense that modern farmhouse design celebrates the beauty of natural materials. Elements like reclaimed timber, exposed brick, and natural stone add character and warmth. Statement pieces like exposed fireplaces clad in aged brick, or kitchen islands with weathered timber surfaces are excellent ways to utilise raw textures in creating a feeling of authenticity and connection to the home’s natural surroundings.
3. Incorporate vintage and industrial elements
Again, given the historical contexts of farmhouses, vintage and industrial accents in any modern design are essential to add a touch of personality and history. These come in many forms and options - a vintage rug, antique lighting fixtures, or reclaimed metal accents can all be used individually or to create a sense of layered richness. Metricon adopts these trends through elements like industrial-style pendant lights in the kitchen, or vintage-inspired mirrors in bathrooms; bringing the home’s story to life and adding a unique touch to the farmhouse aesthetic.
4. Prioritise functionality and simplicity
While looks are important, functionality remains a core principle of modern farmhouse design. When bringing a modern farmhouse design to life, opt for furniture with clean lines and practical purposes, steering away from unnecessarily ornate or fussy pieces. A simple yet effective idea here is choosing open shelving over closed to fill the dual role of storage and display; or a spacious farmhouse table to inspire social connection. Maintaining a concerted emphasis on practicality ensures that the home is not only visually stunning, but also comfortable and liveable.
5. Maximise natural light
Modern farmhouses are frequently characterised by bright, airy, and inviting interiors. This means finding ways to bring the outdoors inside - think large windows, glass doors, skylights, and open floor plans. From an interior design perspective, this can be aided (while also keeping privacy in mind) by opting for sheer curtains or blinds, which can diffuse light while still allowing sunshine in, and ensuring that the outdoors doesn’t get too close for comfort.
6. Keep it cosy
While modern farmhouses prioritise functionality, simplicity, and clean lines, they balance these qualities with a warm, inviting sense of cosiness. Comfort and warmth must be at the heart of any design, and this can be brought to life through elements like textured pillows and plush textiles; a deep sofa or comfy armchair; or a window seat piled with cushions. Used together, these inviting touches create a sense of relaxation and homeliness that’s key to the style.
7. Bring the outdoors in
While you may not necessarily have found a jungle of indoor greenery in a traditional farmhouse, modern farmhouses work hard to maintain an internal connection to the botanical world. Whether it’s potted plants, fresh flowers, or natural wreaths, foliage in all its forms serves to add life and vibrancy to an interior - with the added bonus of complementing the neutral palette. Functional greenery - like a vertical kitchen garden or potted herbs on the windowsill can also help to bring the outdoors in.
The seven ideas above are just a drop in the ocean (or a blade of grass in the paddock) of modern farmhouse design. By incorporating these ideas and drawing even more inspiration from Metricon’s Lookbook, you can create a home that embodies the timeless charm and contemporary sophistication of the modern farmhouse style. So, get to it - embrace the beauty of natural materials, prioritise functionality, and add your own personal touches to create a stylish, inviting space that reflects your unique taste and appreciation for this enduring aesthetic.
