SOURCE: Studio McGee
It’s been over a decade now since we all began to notice the introduction of a new design aesthetic which has become known as modern farmhouse style. We were initially introduced to this style by Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s Fixer Upper and it instantly became the favourite child of design. I’ve had more than my share of clients looking for a renovation to reflect the style over the years and I think my own home could be categorized as modern farmhouse. I mean, I do live on a farm after all!
As with all design trends we start to look for a diminishing interest in anything design related after about 10 years. We’ve surpassed that time frame but there have certainly been a lot of questions asked recently about the longevity of this style. Let’s dive in and talk about whether modern farmhouse style is relevant or outdated.
What is Modern Farmhouse Style?
SOURCE: Bamb Rise
This has always been a confusing term for those people who aren’t spending a lot of time absorbed in shelter magazines or HGTV. This style is essentially the combination of two separate styles, farmhouse and contemporary.
From farmhouse style there will be elements like exposed beams, the oh-so-popular shiplap, oversized windows and reclaimed wood. While we never think of a traditional farmhouse as having any modernity to it we can see how the simplicity of a farmhouse is the true inspiration for this style. It relies less on the rustic nature of a farmhouse but indulges in the materials that we associate with them.
From contemporary style we see the colour palette of pale neutrals with a pop of black emerge. In particular we see a lot of window frames and doors painted black to offset a white or cream canvas across the rest of the space. Spaces are uncluttered and simple and rely on comfortable layout and furnishings. If you want to do a deep dive into modern farmhouse style I’ve created a post outlining everything you need to know. Read it here.
How It Started vs How It’s Going
SOURCE: Pottery Barn
In the 15 years since we were first introduced to this new style it has dominated the design discussion in our culture. After Joanna Gaines introduced us to this style we quickly saw other superstar designers like Shea McGee from Studio McGee embrace and further popularize it.
Within the design community we saw an explosion of interest in modern farmhouse and it was quickly embraced as the new kid on the block. Consultations were always filled with words like shaker style, rustic and handcrafted. And looking at Pinterest it became clear that this was a growing trend that we were going to be stuck with for a while.
Fast forward to today and homeowners have come to realize that you can’t simply add some shiplap to your suburban kitchen and expect it to look like the tv version of a modern farmhouse. I’ve been in a lot of homes that have attempted to create this aesthetic while living with the reality of an architectural style that wants to fight against modern farmhouse style.
I’ve seen interest wane and I’ve seen a lot of disappointment in people who tried to embrace this style unsuccessfully. If there’s one thing I’ll say it’s that this style is absolutely gorgeous if your home has been built to support the aesthetic. You’ll need to have high ceilings, large windows and hopefully a peaked ceiling with lots of beams beautifully arranged.
Most disappointed homeowners have come to realize this is not a decorating style. It’s an architectural style. You can’t put a square peg into a round hole and you can’t add modern farmhouse style into a home that doesn’t have the architecture to support it.
How Modern Farmhouse Style is Changing in 2025
SOURCE: Fancy House
Since modern farmhouse isn’t an historical design style that’s been around for decades, we’ll see an evolution and it will adapt to fit the current style. I don’t mean to suggest that this style is going anywhere. It’s not but we’re going to be adapting it to fit our own lifestyle in 2025. Here are all the ways you’ll see this design style change over the next little while:
1/ Addition of Colour
This style has always relied on a very neutral palette with the only colour being either black and/or caramel. This went hand in hand with the trend of all gray and white interiors. As that era comes to a close we’re beginning to see more colour incorporated into our spaces. There’s been an infusion of deep dark colours as well as softer pastels included in our homes. Keep your eyes open and you’ll begin to see more colour introduced into this style.
2/ More Contemporary
The balance of this style has always relied more heavily on the farmhouse aesthetic over the contemporary perspective. Now we’re starting to see an introduction of more contemporary elements.
One of the contemporary characteristics has always been the emphasis on simplicity. That still remains the case but we’ll begin to see more contemporary materials being used as well. I’m seeing concrete, metal and glass all making their way in both furniture and cabinetry as this style evolves.
3/ Emphasis on Unique
We’re definitely seeing a trend in moving away from those perfectly curated, magazine-worthy spaces in favour of unique perspectives. It’s been a long season of very neutral (some could say bland) spaces that don’t show off the unique lives of the homeowners but those days are coming to an end.
What is emerging instead is a focus on individuality and while we’ll see it emerge in every design trend it will be a noticeable change in the modern farmhouse style. If you’re living in a modern farmhouse home you can get ahead of the change by including more pieces that are personal to you and not concerned with trends.
Adding intentionally curated artwork that reflects your personal style is a great start but anytime you add bits of yourself your house will feel more like a home. So instead of following what’s been done already start to incorporate items you love into your home. Pieces from travels, fabric that you love even when it’s not trending and found objects can make this style feel more relevant than ever before. Skip the big box design stores and focus on the pieces that tell a story about your home and all of its occupants.
What are your thoughts on the state of the modern farmhouse design style? Do you live with it currently or are you considering it?
If you need help redesigning your home with this style or any other, reach out to me. I’d love to chat with you and outline how we can work together to create the home of your dreams.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
