Home Home Decor Ideas 40 Modern Farmhouse Kitchens To Inspire Your Next Refresh Strike a balance between traditional and contemporary with these kitchen ideas. By Quincy Bulin Quincy Bulin Quincy Bulin is a writer focused on lifestyle, among other topics and has contributed to Better Homes & Gardens, Reader's Digest, and more. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on July 30, 2024 Close Photo: LAUREY W. GLENN; Styling: Page Mullins Our lives have been different since Fixer Upper first aired. The modern farmhouse magic of Chip and Joanna Gaines has charmed us all, so much so that it can up the resale value of your house in a big way. Trends come and go, it's true, but this one has some serious staying power (shiplap included). Whether you want to make your forever home more welcoming or are renovating with the intent to sell later, these modern farmhouse kitchens are sure to inspire. From simple finishings, country motifs, and vintage-inspired details, there is a farmhouse kitchen update everyone will love. 61 Farmhouse Decor Ideas That Add Rustic Southern Style 01 of 40 A Mix of Personalities Brie Williams; Styling: Kendra Surface Timeless styles and finishes keep this light-filled kitchen rooted while elements like the high-gloss ceiling, marble-topped farmhouse table in lieu of a traditional island, and rivet accented metal hood add something less expected. See How This New-Old Home Blends Modern Touches With Historic Charm 02 of 40 Something Old, New, & Blue Alison Gootee Plenty of details make you feel like you're in an authentic farmhouse between the shiplap walls, reclaimed wood, skirted sink, and stove. The patterned mint backsplash makes a statement in this kitchen that feels fresh and fun. The brushed copper pot on top of the stove adds a unique vintage appearance. 03 of 40 Simple and Sleek Designer Jessica Stambaugh, Photographer Stacey Van Berkel, Stylist Benjamin Reynaert Sometimes it doesn't take much to make a statement. This kitchen is simple but anything but boring. Utility-inspired concrete countertops, beehive-shaped glass lights, and milk glass accents add a subtle farmhouse emphasis. 04 of 40 Textured Elements Throughout Cody Ulrich Designer Leah Ashley Finn chose the same smeared stone used on her home's exterior for the kitchen walls in lieu of contemporary backsplash tile. “Early German settlers would have used Texas limestone inside and out,” she says. A custom kitchen island was built to resemble a vintage find that was coated in lead paint, and refurbished pendant lights were sourced from Nomadic Trading Co. in Durham, North Carolina. See Inside This Charming Texas Farmhouse Built For Family 05 of 40 Celebrated Antiques Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller For a frills-free kitchen that skews modern, splash your space in a singular paint color and simplistic materials, then thoughtfully layer in antiques and passed-down heirlooms into the decor. A Sister Design Duo Brings Old-House Charm To A New Build in Fairhope, Alabama 06 of 40 Door's Always Open Laurey W. Glenn Black windows are one of the symbols of a modern home. When paired with charming details such as mid-toned wood and a farmhouse sink, the house becomes a dichotomy of old and new in the best way. Fresh plants line the windowsill for a fresh accent. 07 of 40 A Farmhouse Table Island Alison Gootee To anchor her kitchen, designer Caroline Brackett selected an antique table for the island to sit centerstage while the cabinetry splashed in Farrow & Ball’s Treron No. 292 adds a refreshing and energetic touch. This 19th-Century Farmhouse In Pickens, South Carolina, Is Almost Heaven 08 of 40 A Country Tile Designer Unique Kitchen & Baths, Photographer Stacy Goldberg The complementary wood beams, stools, and range hood have a chic and subtle farmhouse influence. The rest of the kitchen, including the hardware and two-tone cabinetry and island, is perfectly contemporary. The standout is the graphic tile that ties the two aesthetics together. 09 of 40 All Natural Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Matthew Gleason In the 2023 Idea House kitchen, designer Laura Hodges relied on stained wood to add interest and depth to the space. The exposed wood cabinetry, trim, and beams have a lighter-color finish for a sleeker more modern look while the darker hardwood floors lean more traditional farmhouse. 10 of 40 Proper and Playful J. Savage Gibson Elevate a classic white farmhouse kitchen with playful accents like designer Sarah Bartholomew did here with a showstopping light fixture, cafe curtains, a striped runner, and pops of blue. We're Loving This Lowcountry Farmhouse House Plan 11 of 40 Best Of Both Worlds Designer Leah Ashley, Photographer Madeline Harper Add wood finishes, shiplap, and pendant lights to transform your house with a slightly modern kitchen. By infusing these farmhouse details, you get a grand and intimate space. Contrasting wood tones add interest and dimension to the area. 12 of 40 A Statement Made Alison Gootee; Styling: Matthew Gleason At first glance, this kitchen is 100% farmhouse. At second glance, however, you notice the pops of navy, dark wood, and woven leather stools that would beg to differ. The styles complement each other for a unique modern farmhouse pairing. 13 of 40 Plenty of Room Annie Schlechter; Styling: Raina Kattelson As the heart of the home, a true Southern kitchen is not just for cooking, but also entertaining. In her home, designer Rachel Halverson prioritized a light-filled space with ample space for food preparation as well as seating for gathering together. The Blue Ridge Mountains Inspired The Inviting Design In This High Country Getaway 14 of 40 New Build, Old Style Photo: Lucas Allen, Styling: Elizabeth Demos Is there anything more quintessentially farmhouse than a porcelain apron-front sink? The thinned paint coating the walls and dark-stained window continues the aesthetic, while the inset cabinets and marble countertops lean more modern. Open shelving allows you to display all your favorite dishes. 15 of 40 Shiny Accents Larsen & Talbert In this cottage-meets-farmhouse style kitchen, shiny brass accents (the range hood, pendants, and hardware) and sleek black soapstone countertops add a refreshing feel to balance the exposed wood and glass-front cabinetry. Erin And Ben Napier Share Their Dream Home In The Mississippi Countryside 16 of 40 In Black & White Photo: Laurey W. Glenn This classic white kitchen is accented by black countertops and stools, creating a stylish contrast. Rustic accents around the room, like the shiplap, pendant lights, and a skirted sink, lend themselves to the signature balance of modern farmhouse style. 17 of 40 Two Shades Of Gray Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Over the past ten years, gray has been considered a modern color—even more when two different tones are involved. The shiplap, copper kitchenware, and many other details keep it feeling cozy and welcoming, as all the best farmhouses are. Vintage platters adorn the walls for creative decor. 18 of 40 A Little Of This, A Little Of That Photo: ROBBIE CAPONETTO; STYLING: KENDRA SURFACE Every detail in this kitchen contrasts with the next, creating a dynamic space that somehow still ends up being beautifully cohesive. You can see this most prominently between the dark cabinets and white island, the patterned backsplash and reclaimed wood, and the copper light fixtures and counter stools. 2020 Idea House: A Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Hideaway 19 of 40 Mountain Modern Farmhouse Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface Industrial pendant light? Check. Porcelain cabinet knobs? Check. Light wood cabinets? Also, check. We introduced a statement-making copper sink and olive window trim to bring an edge to these elements. 20 of 40 Mixed Stone and Metal Brian Woodcock This homeowner leaned into the Southern farmhouse feel with a rough stone hearth in the kitchen and plank cabinetry, but also selected more modern touches like metal bar stools and understated island cooktop. This Georgia Lake House Was Built For Life On The Water 21 of 40 A Nod To Mod Laurey W. Glenn This kitchen leans more modern than a farmhouse, with graphic tile and smooth, simple cabinetry. Though mostly shiny and new, the gold hardware and copper accents still wink at the rustic. The large range hood and deep kitchen sink add to the farmhouse aesthetic. 22 of 40 All About the Gloss LAUREY W. GLENN; Styling: Page Mullins Natural wood accents from the ceiling beams and island balance the classic farmhouse style with the more contemporary elements like the open shelving and glossy backsplash tiling. Designer Maggie Griffin also selected Benjamin Moore’s Antique Pewter (1560) for the cabinetry to complement the tile. Designer Maggie Griffin Helps A Young Family Refresh Their North Georgia Farmhouse 23 of 40 Got The Blues Designer Amy Studebaker, Photographer Alise O'Brien The first thing you see when you look at this kitchen? The fresh black counters and black splash, then the rustic white shiplap. The cool navy cabinets play on both sides of the field, feeling modern and farmhouse. Gold pendant lighting adds a glamorous, bright touch to this dark room. 24 of 40 Sit & Stay A While Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elizabeth Demos The wood beams and beadboard on the ceiling, especially when paired with soapstone countertops, clearly convey a farmhouse influence. Industrial details like the light pendants, range hood, and black windows also work together. Mixing styles creates a more updated version of a classic farmhouse appearance. 25 of 40 Into The Light Francesco Lagnese The very definition of bright and airy, this kitchen combines a farmhouse sink, beadboard, and brass with sharp lines and metal stools that add a new kind of character. The natural lighting helps soften the clean white kitchen without appearing too sterile. 26 of 40 In The Dark Designer Amy Studebaker, Photographer Alise O'Brien Modern and moody in all the essential details, the wood accents lend themselves to the farmhouse aesthetic. The stools, open shelves, and wood beams brighten up the space and bring contrast. Use functional pieces, like wood cutting boards, to decorate the room. 27 of 40 Mixed Metals Laurey W. Glenn So much stainless steel and copper would be at home in an industrial kitchen, but it's equally welcome amongst the antique furniture and board-and-batten shiplap. This kitchen's simple, functional layout is ideal for cooking large country breakfasts and delicious meals for your family. Open shelving keeps all your bakeware and cookware close at hand, so whipping up a dish is always readily obtainable. 28 of 40 All Good In The Hood Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll Everything about this kitchen exudes warmth and comfort—especially the mantel-like hood, black metal hardware, whitewashed cabinetry, and shiplap ceiling. Everything, except for the stainless steel stove and range, reminds you that this may be a 19th-century farmhouse but restored for the modern era. 29 of 40 A Range Of Styles Hector Manuel Sanchez All the wood in this space makes a farmhouse-inspired statement, especially the range hood. Meanwhile, the counter-to-ceiling subway tile, stools, and light fixtures bring industrial flair to the area. Throw rugs helps define the space while adding a cozy touch to the kitchen. 30 of 40 Wood You Rather Laurey W. Glenn, Robbie Caponetto / Styling: Matthew Gleason The many wood tones throughout the kitchen add an undeniable warmth alongside glossy hardware and cabinetry. Different finishes continue the contrast and balance. Use a basket to hold fresh fruits and vegetables to display. 31 of 40 Balancing Act Photo: Laurey W. Glenn The juxtaposition of metal—the island, hardware, and hood—with vintage—dining furniture, plates, and chandelier—is undeniably a modern farmhouse. The large kitchen table, bench included, will sit the entire family for casual gatherings. Pairing the simple cabinetry with minimalistic decor allows this room to focus on functionality. 32 of 40 Garden-Inspired Green Laurey W. Glenn Garden-inspired green cabinetry automatically makes this kitchen feel more modern. Instead of traditional white cabinets, this moss-hued kitchen pairs nicely with the galvanized steel bar seats, inviting a bit of the outdoors into the home. Shiplap lines the top of the walls, which adds a crisp brightness to the area that complements the white backsplash and the island's wood countertop. 33 of 40 Come 'Round Matte black cabinets are cool and edgy but take on a new identity when paired with a mid-tone wood counter and antique stools purchased in Round Top–a center for antiques. The wall of windows lets in plenty of natural lighting, so the dark counters don't get lost in the space. 34 of 40 Island In The Sun Photo: Laurey W. Glenn This kitchen may not have a farmhouse table, but the island's Windsor stools and vintage-looking light fixtures are equally inviting. They add a bit of rustic charm to the otherwise new open-concept space. The oversized island doubles as a seating area. 35 of 40 It's All In The Details Designer Design Lines Signature, Photographer Jane Beiles So much of this kitchen is fresh, like the tiling, or traditional, like the cabinetry design. One key element brings it into modern farmhouse territory: the slightly distressed millwork on the island, cabinets, and range hood. 36 of 40 Classic Materials Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Black countertops and hardware add modern touches to this classic farmhouse kitchen. This layout is bright and airy, pairing white subway tile backsplash and shaker-style cabinetry with oversized windows. Open shelving over the kitchen sink embraces the farmhouse kitchen appearance. 37 of 40 Brick Details Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll The brick accent wall separating the white cabinetry creates a unique focal point in this modern kitchen. The oversized kitchen island and the range hood add unique wood details, offset by the brushed gold pendant lighting and finishes. 38 of 40 Sky Blue Kitchen Chrissy Serrano A more modern kitchen design, the sky blue island, and the gold pendant lighting brighten this already crisp space. Farmhouse details, like white subway tiles, shaker-style cabinetry, and open shelving, make the most out of combining these styles. Use fresh flowers or fruit to add more color to the space that you can update throughout the seasons. 39 of 40 Wood Beans And Steel Nick Johnson Don't let the large wood beams intimidate you. This kitchen is spacious and uses the dark kitchen island to pull focus into the room. The overhead steel pendant light adds an industrial charm to the area, paired with the hanging cookware, to draw your eyes toward the gorgeous woodwork. 40 of 40 Adding Vintage Details Photo: Laurey W. Glenn This space transforms the modern kitchen by introducing vintage elements, like the candelabra-style chandelier and Georgian-style chairs. The minimalistic design highlights the unique decor. Wide-planked wood floors and white cabinetry complete the look. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit