11 Modern Farmhouse Design Ideas for Your Kitchen

Farmhouse kitchens, as the name suggests, typically hint at a rustic design featuring natural elements. After all, one might rightfully assume that the design of the kitchen is based on the organic nature of a farm — because it is. The rustic style is known to focus on the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. This makes for a homey kitchen design that offers charm and personality. And then you have the modern farmhouse kitchen which introduces solid colors, clean lines, and plenty of light. The combination of the two styles brings about a dynamic duo — one that’s currently sought after by many homeowners. The modern features paired with rustic elements create a space that’s warm, inviting, and perfectly practical. 

1. Farmhouse Color Palette

Modern farmhouse kitchen designs don’t really have a specific rule regarding color schemes. A common choice, however, involves a combination of natural wood tones in addition to blacks and whites. A farmhouse kitchen featuring this palette would, for instance, have white cabinetry, hardwood floors, and black accents all around.

Then again, there’s always room for a splash of color. Consider going for bright yellow cabinetry to add a dash of vibrancy to your kitchen. You can create a lively contrast by pairing the cheerful hue of the cabinets with white shiplap walls and wood accents.

Standard Color Schemes for a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

2. Copper Elements

Items made of copper perfectly define a modern farmhouse kitchen. Incorporating them into the design offers a custom aesthetic without having to introduce too much of the color. The most common choice for a copper component is the faucet, as it is the most eye-catching fixture in a kitchen. This is why it is also a good idea to coordinate it with the backsplash and the countertop.

Other ideas for copper elements include cookware and cabinet handles. You can’t go wrong with a couple of vintage brass or copper accessories as well, especially when placed alongside handmade earthenware.

Copper Accents That Add a Touch of Shine to Your Kitchen

3. Restored Vintage Cabinetry

Nothing says modern farmhouse more than restored vintage cabinets. The best part about this is that you can find antique cabinet units from a thrift shop or a flea market without having to break the bank. A fresh coat of paint can effectively revive the piece, allowing it to assimilate more with the modern aesthetic. Although white or wood-treated finishes are most common, colors such as soft pistachio can beautifully complement the wooden accents and other earthy hues throughout the space.

Vintage Cabinets Are Both Inexpensive and Stylish

4. Eclectic Design

A true farmhouse kitchen is anything but uniform. Forget about matching elements and opt for a more eclectic look. You could, for instance, go for two-toned cabinets and mismatched seats. As long as the colors complete each other and the design exudes the rustic appeal of a farmhouse, anything goes. Bear in mind that this style is all about keeping things organic — and that nothing is uniform in nature. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have clean lines and solid tones. After all, it’s the contemporary elements of design that provide the modern twist to the farmhouse kitchen. 

One of the Best Ways to Design a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Is to Forgo Uniformity

5. Patterned Tiles

Although hardwood flooring is more common in modern farmhouse kitchens, a less countrified option involves patterned tiles. Checkered tiles, for instance, offer a unique spin to the kitchen design while maintaining the retro aesthetic. As a matter of fact, checkered flooring is known to be a farmhouse classic. You don’t even have to worry about disrupting the color palette because — guess what — black and white are part of it. This flooring style goes great with pastel-colored as well as white shiplap walls, both of which exude the vintage charm of a farmhouse kitchen.

Timeless Design Ideas for a Farmhouse-Style Kitchen

6. Period-Inspired Lighting

A modern take of the farmhouse kitchen involves using contemporary versions of period-inspired lighting fixtures. Common options include black sconces and pendant lights with square frames. Since brightness is a key element of the modern farmhouse style, consider using a variety of lighting fixtures — especially if windows are absent. For instance, you could pair industrial-style pendant fixtures (which are also common in modern farmhouse kitchens) with a series of recessed LED lights.

Regarding fixture color, black is the more prevalent choice here, although bronze and copper are also common. Whether you’re going for a black industrial pendant or a copper fixture, however, your choice will ideally complement the whole aesthetic of the kitchen. The generous level of brightness provided by the fixtures, on the other hand, brilliantly highlights every feature of the interior design.

Black Pendant Lights Are Common Elements in Modern Farmhouse Kitchens

7. Apron Sink

While traditional farmhouse kitchens typically feature a farmhouse sink, apron sinks are more popular in modern versions of the country kitchen design. Considering the similarities, however, you can’t go wrong with either one. An apron sink, after all, is basically a more modern take of the farmhouse type. While the latter typically comes in white ceramic, you can find the former in a variety of colors and materials.

A matte black apron sink, for instance, can serve as an elegant centerpiece feature — especially when paired with a copper faucet. Nevertheless, a ceramic farmhouse sink can beautifully complement a wooden countertop or accentuate a white window frame.

Difference Between Apron Sinks and Farmhouse Sinks

8. Homey Pantry 

No kitchen is complete without a nice and tidy pantry. Whether you’re going for a cupboard or an open shelving unit, an organized pantry can accentuate the vintage appeal of the modern farmhouse kitchen. What’s also great about a pantry is that you can most likely find one at a yard sale or a thrift store for cheap. If you’re handy around a toolbox — or if you have a specific design in mind — you could also build your own DIY pantry unit so that it fits your culinary needs. A modern pantry design idea that mainly developed from the cottagecore style involves labeling the spice jars and using lids with matching colors. Doing so not only provides an aesthetic appeal but also helps maintain organization.

Charming Design Ideas for a Kitchen Pantry

9. Backsplashes with Character 

Modern farmhouse kitchens most commonly feature white or gray tile backsplashes. In the past, backsplash designs typically featured subway or chevron tiles in neutral tones. Recent trends, however, tend to incorporate more color into the backsplash. As modern farmhouse kitchens are growing in popularity, patterns and textures are also becoming more common.

A backsplash featuring a colorful pattern, for instance, can serve as a focal point in and of itself. And the jolt of color it offers to the modern farmhouse kitchen works well with the standard palette of the design style.

Modern Ideas for a Farmhouse Kitchen Backsplash

10. Wall Art

One of the last things that may cross your mind when designing a kitchen is wall art. Although it’s not much of a priority, a well-curated work of art can have a significant impact on a kitchen’s design. Whether you go for a large painting, a poster, or another form of decor, wall art is a simple yet effective way of adding a pop of color and personality to your kitchen space.

Size is the main factor that comes into play when choosing a piece of art for a modern farmhouse kitchen. Larger pieces provide a vintage character while smaller ones accentuate other elements. Consider keeping the palette of your wall art simple by using a limited amount of colors. Excessive patterns and bright hues can disrupt the rest of the design.

Wall Art Can Be a Unique Addition to Any Kitchen

11. Tableware on Open Shelving

Open shelving perfectly resonates with the modern farmhouse design style. Although unvarnished wood shelves are the more common option, you can go for a less rustic look by painting them to follow a certain color scheme. Anything you place on your open shelving unit — from tableware to small houseplants — will effortlessly add a pinch of color to your modern farmhouse kitchen. Storing your crockery on the shelves will also open up a lot of space on your countertops.

Open Shelving Designs That Add a Vintage Vibe to a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen