Modern farmhouse kitchens may sound like two opposite ideas competing against one another.
However, if done correctly, the blend of a rustic, warm farmhouse kitchen and a clean, minimalist modern kitchen can create a beautiful, timeless and classic kitchen design.
In this post, I’ll explain what exactly a modern farmhouse kitchen design is and how to achieve it. As well as 15 examples to give you ideas and inspiration for your own modern farmhouse kitchen renovation.
Let’s go!
How To Create The Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Look
I’ve broken this down into four key areas, that combined, help to create the modern farmhouse kitchen look.
Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets
Shaker cabinets give a traditional yet timeless feel to any kitchen. Their simple, honest but well-made design means they stand the test of time and any trend that comes and goes.
Making shaker-style cabinets the ideal base on which to build the perfect modern farmhouse kitchen.
Soft/Neutral Colour Palette
Introduce a soft or neutral colour palette to help create a light, bright and airy feel. This can be the colour of your kitchen cabinets and countertops as well as the colour of the floor and walls of your room.
Using softer, lighter tones helps to keep the room looking fresh and modern. Keeping to more neutral colours breathes longevity to your kitchen and helps it stand the test of time and trends.
While sticking to light colours overall is advised for this look, don’t be afraid of a little splash of colour here and there.
For example; A darker or contrasting colour on a kitchen island can be a great way to inject some more personality into your kitchen while still maintaining an overall light and airy feel with the rest of the room.
Natural Materials
Including natural materials in your kitchen design will help bridge the farmhouse / modern kitchen divide.
Adding natural material elements such as wooden countertops or floating shelves, on top of a soft/neutral colour scheme will help to achieve that modern farmhouse kitchen look.
Just be careful not to go overboard.
Too much dark, rich wood can make a kitchen feel more farmhouse. While too much light-washed/chaulked wood can feel more modern. You want to find a good balance of neutral and natural.
Industrial Or Antique Elements
Lastly, introduce some industrial or antique items into the room. Exposed piping, beams or brick walls can all work well if successfully paired with a neutral and simple kitchen design.
Adding pendant lights can be another great way to introduce some antique charm and character to your kitchen. Again, the goal here is to strike the perfect balance. Not too shabby and thrift store but not too minimal and soulless.
Considering and implementing all of these elements will help you on your way to creating the perfect modern farmhouse kitchen design.
Now, let’s look at some great examples of modern farmhouse kitchens!
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– 15 Modern Farmhouse Kitchens Ideas –
1. Classic and Clean
Using white as the base colour for your farmhouse kitchen gives a bright, clean and classic feel to your kitchen while keeping it contemporary. Light-coloured cabinets are also perfect for small spaces.
2. Sophisticated Style
Shaker-style kitchen cabinets are a cornerstone of modern farmhouse kitchens. They add classic sophistication to any space.
3. Vintage Farmhouse Touches
Exposed beams, dark cabinets, and a vintage fridge perfectly balance classic and contemporary. Add a light-coloured island and modern art to finish the look.
4. Wow in White
Clean white lines, accented by cool neutral tones, will help make your kitchen a bright and cool space. Not the best option for busy families, but a showstopper that definitely has the ‘wow’ factor.
5. The Future is Green
When you think of kitchen cabinet colours, green might not be the first one that comes to mind. However, pairing soft, sage green with wood worktops and rustic touches is a great way to achieve the modern farmhouse kitchen look.
6. Light Side/Dark Side
This style is a story of contrasts – dark and light units, modern and antique touches, natural and industrial elements. It shouldn’t work, but it definitely does.
7. Natural Feels
Adding natural materials and elements to your kitchen is key to achieving your modern farmhouse feel. The dark natural wood island worktop grounds this kitchen and is perfectly accented by bountiful plant life.
8. Sleek and Rustic
Exposed beams paired with cool sleek colours take a classic farmhouse look to the next level. The modern handles and cool colours perfectly update the otherwise classic elements, such as the Aga stove.
9. Dark and Stormy
Deep dark hews can definitely work in a modern farmhouse kitchen. Using shaker-style cabinets and natural accents, such as this beautiful flooring, can help you achieve this look.
10. Grey is Great
Keeping the colour palette light is a great way to get the modern farmhouse aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay white. This light grey/blue colour is modern in feel but keeps the classic look.
11. Updated Vintage Farmhouse
This kitchen could easily have been completely old school, but the dark grey cabinets and modern accents make it feel fresh, new and modern.
12. Simple Elegance
A neutral palette doesn’t have to be boring. This kitchen keeps a simple, sand-coloured tone but has artistic features and an Aga, perfectly walking the modern/classic line.
13. Country Cool
It can be simple to achieve the modern farmhouse look. Just take simple cabinets, add subtle classic elements (like a Belfast or butler sink) and finish with uber-modern touches and you’re there!
14. Heart of the Home
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this kitchen really drives that home. The feature island grounds this kitchen in a natural and practical way.
15. Modern Farmhouse Flooring
Modern farmhouse kitchens can also be fun and different. Choosing an unexpected feature, like herringbone flooring, framed by simple, neutral colours and lines really gives your kitchen that modern yet classic feel.
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Final Thoughts…
And there you have it. All the information and inspiration you need to go and create your own modern farmhouse kitchen look!
Remember, it’s all about finding that balance of traditional farmhouse kitchen design but injecting a modern twist of more contemporary colours and materials.
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Author
Michael Reeve
About
Michael is a kitchen designer from the UK. He's been designing and project managing new kitchen installations for over 10 years. Before that, he was an electrician and part of a team that fitted kitchens. He created Kitchinsider in early 2019 to help give people advice when it comes to getting a new kitchen.
