Breaking down our favorite modern farmhouse looks — inside and out.
Celebrities — they're just like us. Well, at least in one way, we learned upon seeing Reese Witherspoon's former Malibu retreat: Some of them love the modern black and white farmhouse look we all strive to master. The jewel box of a home is filled with traditional farmhouse decor and modern accents you'd expect to find in one of the world's greatest farmhouses. But, while she undoubtedly has the resources to hire professionals and do the shopping with (we imagine) a substantial budget for designer furniture and one-of-a-kind antiques, we regular folk are left to operate with limited direction from the pros.
On the other hand, here in our home design studio, we discuss the struggles of creating beautiful homes — All. Damn. Day. From the front door to the kitchen backsplashes and where to hang your wall art (answer: everywhere). There's no mathematical formula to design the perfect house, so most people experience a lot of trial and error before that "aha!" moment.
Building the perfect farmhouse can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Fortunately, we can share many design tips and tricks to help you bring your dream farmhouse-style homes to life. We've helped dozens of homeowners nail the farmhouse look, and we feel confident that these tips will, in fact, make your farmhouse home style look amaze.
What makes a modern farmhouse style? And, how to make it work for you.
The history of farmhouse home styles.
Traditional and classic farmhouses
Farmhouse home design is generally separated into two distinct aesthetics: traditional farmhouses and modern farmhouses. When we think of traditional farmhouses, we usually imagine rustic barndominiums and French country-style homes. Country-style living often defines traditional and classic farmhouses with wraparound porches, exposed porch columns, and vintage home decor.
Modern farmhouses
Modern farmhouse style, as the name suggests, brings contemporary elements to the farmhouse aesthetic. Pitched roofs, exposed beams, and the enthusiastic use of natural materials may be the hallmarks of a classic farmhouse, but modern interiors truly sing with contemporary elements.
According to interior designer Kirsten Krason, the term 'modern farmhouse' emerged when the style became popular among the masses. As a result, modern black and white farmhouses feel less like early American farmhouses, featuring neutral color schemes and modern finishes.
With the simple charm of a rural lifestyle and the creature comforts of 21st-century living, the modern farmhouse really does offer the best of both worlds.
Modern farmhouse exterior ideas
Everything you need to know to make the modern farmhouse style work for you.
Regardless of which black and white farmhouse exterior design you choose, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Consider the country lifestyle: Farmhouse exterior design creates a welcoming, easy-going vibe. If you opt for a sleek and modern Scandinavian aesthetic, ensure the exterior is in keeping with the rural lifestyle. Spacious open floor plans and large windows will let in ample natural light and make you feel at home with the landscape.
- Keep it simple: A modern farmhouse exterior is all about simplicity. Stick to a few simple classic features; you can't go wrong. If, for some reason, you find yourself purchasing decorative wallpaper or vinyl lettering, you've gone too far. Thank you, Amazon, for your generous return policy.
- Choose natural materials: Wood, stone, and metal are all excellent choices for a modern farmhouse exterior. A vital element of the modern farmhouse style is embracing handcrafted details with a bit of texture, so don't feel like you have to cover up the imperfections.
- Embrace sustainability: Maybe it's a reaction to years of excess we've grown accustomed to or the inevitable result of having our lives rearranged and our brains rewired by a global pandemic. Still, nature and design feel more essential than ever when it comes to the way we live. Energy-efficient and sustainable principles can help your modern farmhouse blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape to create a beautiful home that feels like it's one with its environment.
Black and white farmhouses
Traditional white and black farmhouses offer an irresistible blend of nostalgia and contemporary design. These beautiful homes demonstrate an understanding of modern country living that's simple yet incredibly versatile.
Blending vintage elegance with modern simplicity, white houses with black window trim create a timeless look sure to stand out in any neighborhood. Tall windows strategically placed provide optimal views of rural landscapes in the distance and natural light to key living areas. Clear contrasts between the farmhouse's white walls and black windows amplify the home's contemporary features. Natural light, neutral colors, clean lines, and airy spaces make the house appear striking and sophisticated.
Classic black and white farmhouses empower homeowners to experiment with traditional and modern features. Whether it's a fabulous wraparound porch or wood panel siding, homes that hearken back to simpler times can be expertly styled with an of-the-moment feel. Barn-style doors, white paint, and exposed brick emulate an authentic, down-to-earth aesthetic without sacrificing modern sophistication.
Black modern farmhouses
Ideal for both rural and urban settings, all-black modern farmhouses are bold, bringing a touch of mystery and Scandinavian design to your home.
No matter what local climate you find yourself in, modern black farmhouses will stand the test of time due to their solid and durable materials. Black farmhouse exteriors regularly feature natural wood accents to balance all-black paint and building supplies like roofing and siding. The silky black paint adds an inky luminescence amidst all that classic farmhouse charm.
White modern farmhouses
The crisp, classic beauty of a white modern farmhouse is destined to endure many decor fads over the decades. The appeal of a simple white house with black trim lies in its timelessness. Taking cues from traditional farmhouse architecture, white exteriors are a nod to the history of rural living. Robust and stately, with a neutral exterior that feels airy and inviting, these beautiful homes make for an eye-catching aesthetic, adding a unique touch to any neighborhood.
Modern black and white farmhouse interior ideas
There's no one way to do black and white farmhouse style. However, there are certain architectural details that frequent farmhouse interiors.
Black and white farmhouse kitchens
Black and white modern farmhouse kitchens are known for their rustic and homey feel. However, white farmhouse kitchens often feature modern and functional elements, like natural wood finishes, black cabinets, and floating oak shelves. Plaid patterns, vintage decor, and deep colors like burgundy, green, and blue appear common in farmhouse kitchens. Farmhouse sinks with white-tile backsplashes and shiplap siding are common in modern farmhouse interiors.
Black and white farmhouse bathrooms
Bathroom designers are becoming increasingly creative with black-and-white farmhouse bathrooms. Mixing bold wallpapers alongside rustic elements like shiplap and freestanding tubs makes your bathroom chic and sophisticated. Far from being plain and boring, these starkly contrasting bathrooms inject energy and character into any home. The simple palette of timeless metal fixtures against a backdrop of black porcelain fixtures creates an elegant yet modern look perfect for an on-trend farmhouse makeover.
Black and white farmhouse decor
Of course, there are ways to add farmhouse charm to your home without taking on a significant home remodel. Black and white farmhouse decor ideas pair neutral colors and relatively simple items with the rustic finishes of your home. For example, a farmhouse living room comes to life with a large modern sofa, exposed wooden beams, and industrial lighting.
Bring your dream farmhouse to life.
You don't have to be a Hollywood celebrity to pull off the perfect farmhouse. Elements like sleek black cabinets and white walls will make your black and white farmhouse feel cozy yet stylish. With plenty of inspiration out there and the tips we've shared today, you will be able to create an amazing farmhouse home that's perfect for you.
