Is Farmhouse Design Still In Style? What Designers Really Think

Is farmhouse style still trending, or is it time for a fresh look? It’s been over a decade since farmhouse style became all the rage, so we asked a couple of designers to weigh in on the matter if the design style is still trendy.

Their collective answer? Yes! But add something up-to-date. Ahead, explore 8 ways to give your farmhouse style a fabulous update.

Add in Romantic Touches

Christina Kim of Christina Kim Interior Design, explains how although the modern-day farmhouse style still has staying power, its oversimplified tidy lines and stark whites can be replaced with more romantic touches like patterned wallpaper, warmer hues, and richly layered fabrics to create a European cottage look.

To land the look in your home, Kim recommends adding layers of sultry lighting, mixing in different but complementary wood finishes, and embracing pattern mixing.

“It will create a cozy atmosphere that still feels very current,” she explains.

Cross-Reference Country Design

Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all it takes to make a style feel up-to-date. For example, try viewing farmhouse style through a country lens, as Karen Paez Emil, an Instagram trendsetter, does.

In Emil’s home, elements like cast iron apron sinks and trough tubs are farmhouse signatures, but they feel invigorated by elements that would be considered more country-esque like lace curtains, beige walls, venerable oil paintings, and doilies.

“It’a all about elevating in a timeless fashion,” Emil says, “Make your home personal to you and allow that countryside of you to really explore this style in a manner that will withstand the test of time and trends.”

Work in Plaster

Finishes like weathered wood and burnished brass are mainstays of the farmhouse style, and while there’s no need to give them the boot, adding a non-traditional material like plaster can infuse your space with fresh energy.

Emil tops an oven range in the kitchen above with a white plaster oven hood, but, alternatively, you could place an oversized brilliant white plaster urn on a reclaimed wood coffee table, or hang an oversized plaster airy fixture above a rustic dining table.

Don’t shy away from more modern-looking plaster fixtures, either. Since plaster typically has a rough-hewn texture, it blends more seamlessly with rustic farmhouse finishes than you might expect.

Try a Deeper, Darker Hue

The farmhouse palette usually includes gentle shades of gray, blue, and green, paired with accents of black and white. For something that feels a little different and daring, opt for a deeper, darker hue, such as a mink brown or a Spanish moss green.

This kitchen, designed by Jenn Pablo Studio, shows how a moodier color can add sophistication to farmhouse elements, especially when combined with gloomy wood finishes.

Work an All-White Palette

Refresh your space by pairing farmhouse aesthetics with a predominantly white color scheme. To prevent the look from becoming too modern-day, be sure to include plenty of farmhouse staples. Here, for example, a barn-style wood mantle, reclaimed wood coffee table, and black and white plaid pillows firmly establish the farmhouse look.

Mix in Modern

Any style can start to feel dated when there’s too much uniformity, and farmhouse style is no exception. To keep things thrilling, try incorporating an unexpected element.

For instance, in this classic farmhouse kitchen, Kim surrounds a rustic wood farmhouse dining table with Danish modern-day wishbone chairs. The chairs’ sleek frames and curved backs contrast the table’s blocky shape and airy finish, creating a striking and unexpected focal point.

The result is a dining room that still says “farmhouse,” but feels a bit edgier and cooler than your typical one.

Pack in Pattern

Farmhouse style often sticks to safe and sound patterns such as plaids or ticking stripes. To shake things up, try incorporating a variety of textiles with different patterns.

In the bedroom above, a coverlet featuring a global-inspired textile is layered over a gingham bedspread, and the room is wrapped in a Chinoiserie-style wallpaper. Despite the contrasting patterns, the rustic palette of sage and beige gives the room a distinct farmhouse feel.

Make It You

While many of these ideas can breathe up-to-date life into farmhouse style, the ultimate way to keep it feeling fresh is to personalize it to your own taste.

“In my own experience, I’ve found that creating a space that feels comforting and secure is crucial,” Lauren Ashley, founder and CEO of the design firm Lauren Ashley Experiences, says.

Ashley recommends designing spaces that genuinely make you elated. “Understanding those personal needs and emotions will lead to a more meaningful and satisfying design,” she says.