Why is Farmhouse style so popular?

Farmhouse home decor has been a popular ‘trend’ for some time.  In recent years we have really seen this style rise in mainstream popularity.  The influence of country style home decorating isn’t new – I remember growing up with a kitchen that had a brick accent wall, oak kitchen cabinets and a wallpaper border with chickens, cows and pigs….(can you any of you relate?).  But the farmhouse style that we see today is less literal and more inspired by the idea of ‘farm life’.

Photo credit : 99architecture.com

Farmhouse style is popular for a few reasons…

1 – It is warm and approachable which (I believe) is the feeling that most people want in their home for themselves and for their guests.

2 – It’s a pretty versatile style that mixes well with other styles like industrial or traditional.  You can really play with the amount of country inspiration you want in the space.

3 – It’s family friendly.  The materials and finishes and the overall relaxed nature of the style works for families since the ‘chippy’ furniture already looks aged and a lot of the wood and metals already have dull finishes (plus a few dings and nicks) that add character.

4 – It’s everywhere!  It is easy to find at local and online stores … plus it is widely seen in the media.  With TV shows like Fixer Upper as an example, we are exposed to this style on a regular basis.

What is ‘modern farmhouse style’?

Modern farmhouse style is the ‘country’ home decor style of today.  It consists of country inspiration with a modern or urban edge.  So we still see home decor pieces with chippy and dull finishes, reclaimed barn wood, ‘used’ or ‘found’ decor items like old windows or pickling jars; brick walls, and even farmhouse signs plus the odd farm animal.  But with these typical farmhouse elements they are blended with modern influence like more monotone decor – lots of shades grey and white.  We also see a cleaner look – many of us think of country being a bit on the cluttered side. Displays are simple – like floating shelves with styled decor items like wood bead garlands and recycled glass vases and even floral arrangements are streamlined.

Photo credit : Damask et Dentelle

Farmhouse inspiration…

One of the many aspects of farmhouse style that I love is that it is so easy to update your space (even on a budget).  Here are some modern farmhouse images for inspiration on how to bring this style into your space…

Photo credit : Fox Hollow Cottage

Reclaimed wood elements like this amazing ceiling beam add so much character to a space.  And when you have this kind of character contrasting with clean white cabinets and walls – it is so fresh and still warm. The hand scraped wider planks hardwood floors add that farmhouse feel as well. The vignette with the glass pieces, antique clock and that chalk board really embrace the ‘aged’ look of farmhouse but this display has a clean colour palette. The reclaimed wood harvest table adds more character and contrast to the pure white elements in the space. The large dough bowl is a great centerpiece for greenery or seasonal fruit like apples in the fall months.  This dining area is modern farmhouse at it’s best!

Photo credit : Pine and Birch

This entry is farmhouse fabulous! It has the clean and crisp white walls that we often see in more modern homes but the shiplap detail adds that country house feel.  The wall display (gallery wall) is simple and with the crisp colour palette has a slight modern touch.  Adding ‘found’ pieces like the stunning church pew is genius (you need seating at your entry) and it adds character to the space.  Details like the sisal rug, galvanized metal boxes and the glass vase with greenery shows off that mix of textures that I love.  The buffalo check pillows on the pew have more country but in the grey / black and white scheme they feel more modern. This entry is a perfect example of modern farmhouse.

Photo credit : Twelve on Main

This modern farmhouse master bedroom is just dreamy….The layers of warm white in this room make it calm and peaceful and the black accents like the sconces, the barn door hardware and the chandelier add a rustic touch.  The white sleigh bed has a country feel. The paneled wall detail  and the tufted arm chairs add  bit of traditional elegance without being stuffy. And those exposed wood beams… bring in that great natural texture and wood grain adding incredible visual interest, that same texture is also seen as an organic side table being the arm chairs.  Other details like the greenery and the soft textiles on the bed and chairs make this bedroom so calming and soothing. A beautiful farmhouse bedroom retreat that I know I would never want to leave….

All of these farmhouse rooms have a unique look while still embracing the textures of country and the clean elements of modern design. I love how you can take this style and really make it your own – mixing with other style is a breeze, too!

Are you inspired by modern farmhouse decor?

SHOP FARMHOUSE…