The modern farmhouse kitchen is a popular design style that combines the warmth and simplicity of traditional farmhouse decor with clean, contemporary elements. This creates a space that feels cozy and inviting yet still sleek and elegant.
In this blog post, we’ll explore beautiful ways to incorporate modern farmhouse style into your kitchen remodel or design. From key materials to accent details, read on for lots of inspiring ideas to create a modern farmhouse kitchen with timeless style and family-friendly function.
Warming Up White with Natural Wood
One hallmark of modern farmhouse style is crisp, bright white cabinetry coupled with natural wood accents. The white provides a light, airy feel while the wood adds organic warmth.
When selecting cabinetry, look for options like:
- Shaker-style cabinet doors in fresh white paint or stain
- Open shelving with a reclaimed wood top or accent
- An apron-front farmhouse sink in fireclay or enameled cast iron
Then bring in wood elements like:
- butcher block countertops
- exposed ceiling beams
- a rustic wood vent hood
- bamboo or hardwood flooring
Mixing the softness of wood with bright white cabinetry and metals creates a welcoming space with a minimalist touch.
Inviting with an Island
Another essential element for a modern farmhouse kitchen is a large statement island. This functions as communal workspace and casual dining spot—the heart of the home.
Some island ideas that align with modern farmhouse style:
- Opt for a substantial square or rectangular island in lieu of a dainty option. Go for at least 4 feet wide and 36-42 inches high.
- Include cabinets and drawers for concealed storage as well as open shelves for displayed cookbooks, ceramics and baskets.
- Use white painted or stained wood base cabinets with a natural wood countertop material like oak or acacia butcher block.
- Incorporate vertical shiplap or beadboard accents on the island ends for texture.
- Outfit it with pretty farmhouse-style light fixtures suspended above.
Sleek Styling with Black and Brass
While most modern farmhouse kitchens have a lighter, white and wood color palette, adding some black and brass accents lends a more contemporary edge. These moody metallics color balance the light and keep the look from becoming too rustic.
Some ways to stylishly incorporate black and brass hardware, finishes and decor:
- Choose brass, black or matte black hardware for cabinets and drawers. Antique bronze and smoky chrome are nice too.
- Opt for black window frames and doors for contrast.
- Add a black apron front or farmhouse sink.
- Include brass or black metal light fixtures like pendant lights or sconces.
- Accessorize with brass pots, kettles and decorative accents.
- Ground the space with black countertops like soapstone or black quartzite.
Farmhouse Touches with Modern Appeal
A few special details that align with today’s modern farmhouse style include:
Subway Tile: Highlight the backsplash or kitchen walls with classic white subway tile. Opt for a herringbone pattern or mini size to retain a contemporary vibe. Accent with darker grout.
Tin Ceilings: For added character, install a tin ceiling (or faux tin ceiling panels). The reflective metal and visible seams boost the industrial farmhouse feel.
Barn Doors: Use a sliding reclaimed wood barn door to close off the kitchen from other rooms. Pick a style with clean lines rather than overly rustic.
Semi-Flush Lighting: Choose streamlined light fixtures like semi-flush mounts instead of overly ornate chandeliers. This keeps things fresh.
Concrete Countertops: Concrete delivers an organic, industrial look. Counter options like stamped concrete, concrete composite or concrete-look quartz align with modern farmhouse aesthetics.
Creating Texture and Contrast
Texture prevents a space from feeling flat. In a modern farmhouse kitchen, seek out ways to thoughtfully add visual and tactile texture. Consider:
- Contrasting textured surfaces like stone/brick backsplashes and smooth painted cabinetry
- Floating wood shelves with visible grain patterns and brackets
- Exposed brick walls or reclaimed wood accent walls
- Beadboard backsplashes and open shelving
- Wood cutting boards and concrete serving trays
- Natural fiber rugs with tufted, braided or woven texture
- Metal and wood stools with woven rawhide seats
Playing up surface textures along with a muted color palette keeps things subtly interesting without overcomplicating the look.
Top Modern Farmhouse Color Combinations
While crisp white kitchen cabinetry is popular in modern farmhouse style, it doesn’t have to be boring. Here are some fetching color combinations to try:
White and Wood
The quintessential mix of bright white cabinetry, walls and trim with warm wood accents (floors, island, open shelves).
White with Black Accents
All white paired with black island base, window trim, hardware and light fixtures adds contrast.
Gray and Greige
For a slightly darker but still neutral scheme, use a mix of warm grays and greiges on walls/cabinets. Accent with white.
Navy Blue and Wood
Crisp white cabinets grounded with rich navy lower cabinets or island base. Warm it up with wood counters.
Sage Green and Wood
Earthy sage green lower cabinets with white uppers provides a fresh color combination with wood accents.
No matter if you stick with an all-white backdrop or opt for tone-on-tone color, limiting the palette helps maintain the modest farmhouse feel.
7 Steps for Designing Your Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
Ready to tackle a kitchen redesign or remodel with modern farmhouse style? Follow these tips:
1. Set the Floor Plan
- Opt for an open concept kitchen/dining/living layout to enhance flow.
- Incorporate a spacious kitchen island if possible. Place it off-center rather than directly in the middle of the kitchen.
- Allow room for freestanding furniture like a bistro table or comfy reading nook.
2. Select Surfaces
- White cabinetry, wood or concrete countertops, natural stone or brick backsplash
- Wood, tile, stone or concrete floors
- Black window frames
3. Choose Materials
- Shaker-style cabinets, open shelving, butcher block
- Stainless steel appliances
- Farmhouse sink, gooseneck faucet with black accents
4. Pick Finishes
- Brass, black or antique bronze hardware
- Exposed wood beams and architectural accents
5. Add Lighting
- Pendant lights, sconces, recessed lighting
- Opt for streamlined semi-flush or drum fixtures
6. Include Furnishings
- Kitchen island with storage and seating
- Bar stools, vintage-inspired but comfortable
- Reclaimed wood dining table
7. Finish with Accessories
- Woven baskets, ceramic crocks, glass containers
- Floral arrangements, linen tea towels
- Cookbooks, rattan placemats and potted herb garden
By following these design essentials, you’re sure to end up with a light-filled, inviting modern farmhouse kitchen your family and friends will flock to.
FAQs About the Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Trend
Still reading up on how to nail the modern farmhouse kitchen style? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do you update a farmhouse kitchen on a budget?
Some budget-friendly ways to modernize a farmhouse kitchen include:
- Painting the cabinets white and replacing the hardware with black pulls or knobs
- Changing out an old backsplash for clean white subway tile
- Removing upper cabinets for a more open, airy look
- Installing new modern barstools and pendant lighting
- Refinishing floors or painting worn floors with a fresh coat of gray or navy paint
What makes a kitchen look modern farmhouse?
Key elements that distinguish the modern farmhouse kitchen style include:
- Crisp white cabinetry and painted wood elements
- Neutral color palette with black and wood accents
- Natural materials like wood, stone and metal
- Farmhouse sink, subway tile, and semi-flush lighting
- Rustic touches like exposed beams and brick
- Uncluttered open feel with large statement island
Should a farmhouse kitchen have an island?
Most modern farmhouse kitchens benefit greatly from including a large island. It not only provides more storage and workspace, but acts as a gathering spot for family and friends. Opt for an oversized island at least 36-42 inches tall with a mix of base cabinets and open shelves. Include seating like barstools. Positioning it off-center creates better flow.
What flooring works best for a modern farmhouse kitchen?
Great flooring choices that complement a modern farmhouse kitchen include:
- White oak or hickory wood planks
- Engineered hardwood with gray stain
- Tile with black grout lines
- Wood-look luxury vinyl plank flooring
- Polished concrete floors
- Black slate or porcelain tile floors
Prioritize durable, family-friendly flooring that can hold up to messy cooks and a busy household.
What backsplash goes well with white cabinets and wood countertops?
Popular backsplash options for white and wood kitchens include:
- Classic white subway tile
- Stacked bond white marble tile
- Neutral tan/gray stone mosaic tiles
- Woven penny tile with black grout
- White hexagon tile or gray octagon tile
- Reclaimed wood plank tile backsplash
Limit patterns to keep the look feeling clean and modern. Neutral tones allow the wood counters to shine.
Creating a Cozy Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
The modern farmhouse kitchen strikes the perfect balance between old and new, rustic and refined. Focusing on family-friendly features, durable materials, and thoughtful details will ensure your space has timeless style with a contemporary twist.
From shiplap walls to antique brass fixtures, there are so many creative ways to give your kitchen an inviting, on-trend feel that honors traditional farmhouse decor. Sleek white cabinetry and modern metals keep things from veering too country or kitschy.
The ultimate goal is a kitchen that feels like a breath of fresh air. Your modern farmhouse kitchen should be a space your family and friends can’t wait to gather in and linger, chatting over steaming mugs of coffee or sipping wine late into the evening. A kitchen isn’t just for cooking—it’s for connecting.
Use the tips and ideas in this post as inspiration to start designing your own warm, welcoming modern farmhouse kitchen oasis.