Is Farmhouse Style Dead? Why We’re Over The Look (And What’s Next)

Design lovers all know the story of Joanna Gaines and modern farmhouse: the HGTV star single-handedly made it the *it* aesthetic for the better part of a decade. You know the look: shiplap walls, black matte hardware, buffalo check pillows, jute rugs, oversized glass vases, and some word art peppered throughout.

Given this aesthetic is all about warmth, comfort, and character, there will always be a part of us that loves it. But as designers, we admit that we’ve been eager to see the next iteration of this look — we’d argue that straight-up farmhouse everything is a bit past its prime. And now, thanks to the popularization of mixing design styles, eras, and influences, we’d argue that modern farmhouse 2.0 has finally arrived.

Replete with modern, luxe, cottagecore, vintage, and coastal touches, the new iteration is a refreshing departure from head-to-toe, modern farmhouse everything. While the predominant themes still apply (warm, rustic, down to earth), adding in these contrasting elements gives the look a new lease on life.

Ahead, see how our designers are refreshing the modern farmhouse look this year and beyond.

Embrace Traditional Touches

The modern farmhouse look already leans a bit traditional, but in line with our design trend predictions, we only see this influence growing in popularity. Adding in more classic pieces, like a rolled arm accent chair and vintage floral vase, adds a sense of charm and history that’s incredibly timeless.

Add a Dash of Cottagecore

To us, nothing says cottagecore like a little floral print, and fortunately, this addition feels right at home in modern farmhouse spaces. Take a breather from buffalo check and incorporate a little floral print in the form of an upholstered bed, whimsical curtains, or both.

Consider a Modern Edge

This is arguably our favorite way to spice up modern farmhouse, mainly because it’s a diametric opposite. Add a little modern edge to the otherwise charming aesthetic with a little black marble, travertine nesting tables, an ultra-cool pedestal table, or a sculptural accent chair (upholstered in sheepskin to bridge the gap).

Play With Natural Textures

The modern farmhouse design style already does a good job of incorporating natural materials, but we’d encourage playing with more varied textures to refresh the look. Go beyond reclaimed wood and add a little cane, jute, linen, and even marble for a little organic modern flair.

Give Rustic an Edge

Speaking of reclaimed wood, the new modern farmhouse still has plenty of it, from dining tables to consoles and beyond. But, we love the idea of adding a little edge with sculptural lighting, museum-inspired oversized artwork, and soft accents, like a rounded mirror. These unexpected additions give rustic decor the edge it needs.

Embrace Sculptural Silhouettes

A quick and easy way to refresh modern farmhouse everything? A sculptural piece of furniture. Whether it’s a single rounded accent chair, a set of shapely side tables, a fluted pedestal, or even a piece of abstract artwork, this little pop of modernism gives the look an unexpected edge.

Add a Little California Flair

While modern farmhouse can lean Southern or Midwestern, we love the idea of injecting a little coastal flair. Take inspiration from Jenni Kayne and the Pacific Natural look with light wood tones, rounded furniture, and clean linen upholstery. These additions are a natural extension of the modern farmhouse look, and feel just new enough.

Go Bold

We’d argue that modern farmhouse design could benefit from a little bold black. While we love the sage, navy, burgundy, and off-white palette, going off the cuff with a little black feels like a refreshing departure — even if it’s just a throw blanket or a sculptural vase. Of course, we do encourage an all-black paint moment, like the above bedroom.

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