The Modern Farmhouse: Trend Spotlight

Modern farmhouses put our love of all things home and design into focus. Superfans far and wide adore this fresh, crisp, and bright design – created with a fusion of classic and modern influences. 

The aesthetic is striking and ageless, in part because it embraces simplicity. And because natural stone and wood elements lend an earthy vibe to the high-contrast B&W color story. The result is interiors that feel warm and familiar in all the right ways. For these reasons and more, we feature the modern farmhouse this year in our Top 5 Design Trends. 

Timeless details like barn wood and flea market finds mix with ultra-durable surfaces, and a ‘less is more’ philosophy to give families in 2020 a relaxed backdrop for today’s lifestyles. 

See our vision come to life.

Ready to experiment with this style? We hope the designs and guides offered here and in our Lookbook set off creative sparks. Like all the best things in life, the modern farmhouse trend is up for interpretation. Designers and homeowners alike are fanning the flames of the obsession by mixing the five signature elements we showcase here in eye-catching ways. The takeaway? Have fun making it your own! There’s nothing like mutual admiration to keep the inspiration flowing, so tag your favorites on Instagram with #msisighting. 

#1. It’s Black & White

Calacatta Verona

Calacatta Verona Q countertop has a luxe white marble vibe – especially against the island’s black cabinetry.  Brushed brass fixtures add the perfect amount of sparkle. 

Are you planning a single room refresh? Or a full-house remodel?  The modern farmhouse black and white color palette is fresh, clean, and visually dramatic. With origins in Scandinavian design, the high-contrast look swings classic and sophisticated one minute, modern and edgy the next. 

Azila Porcelain Tile

It never fails to impress: meet Azila Porcelain Tile from our Kenzzi Collection.

In rooms big and small, crisp white paint and tile deliver an expansive, open feel.  Black & white patterned tile like Kenzzi shines on floors and walls. In the kitchen, it pairs well with subway tile, a matte black peripheral counter, and a white quartz island. Brushed brass hardware adds another layer of contrast. Rustic wood elements—open shelves, island cabinetry, and accent walls—make us love the duo even more. 

Customer favorites: Arctic White, Kenzzi Paloma, Kenzzi Kasbah, Black Soapstone, and Calacatta Cressa 3D.

#2. For The Love of Classics

Classic White Subway Tile 4x6 with Kenzzi’s Paloma to add timeless drama to this bath.

It’s not a modern farmhouse without a few iconic styles in the mix. From the clean lines of subway tile to generous-size apron sinks to the old world charm of encaustic tiles to the crispness of shiplap, signature elements in modern farmhouse design have enduring appeal. Oh, and let’s not forget white marble counters, floors, and walls. The bonus? Because classic design elements maintain their allure generation after generation, they help boost home values. 

#4. Bring on the Woods

Finely Luxury Vinyl Planks

Create a mudroom like no other with Finely (Cyrus) from Everlife LVT. There’s plenty of wood throughout the modern farmhouse to please nature lovers and traditionalists. From rough-hewn mantels and wooden beams to barn doors, floors, and grand islands, natural wood tones prevail. And because character details dial up the warmth and relaxed vibe, the more aged and hand-scraped, the better.

With a ‘nothing’s too precious’ sensibility, homeowners prefer the look of wood without the hassles. On modern farmhouse walls, backsplashes, and floors, low-maintenance surfaces (a.k.a Worry-proof Wonders) like porcelain tile and Everlife Luxury Vinyl Flooring in reclaimed wood looks have never been more popular. There’s just no going wrong with water-proof options that you can use throughout the home – especially when you can’t tell them apart from the real thing. 

Driftwood Hexagon 6mm

With a ‘nothing’s too precious’ sensibility, homeowners prefer the look of wood without the hassles. On modern farmhouse walls, backsplashes, and floors, low-maintenance surfaces (a.k.a Worry-proof Wonders) like porcelain tile and Everlife Luxury Vinyl Flooring in reclaimed wood looks have never been more popular. There’s just no going wrong with water-proof options that you can use throughout the home – especially when you can’t tell them apart from the real thing. 

Andover Blythe Luxury Vinyl Planks

#4. Industrial Ties

Calacatta Vicenza Quartz

Calacatta Vicenza - Matte Finish Q Premium Natural Quartz and metal chairs make a peach of a pair on the island while Arabescato Carrara Marble stuns on the backsplash. Everyone’s knocking down walls these days – including modern farmhouse designers. With no barriers to block sunlight from streaming through, open-concept interiors feel expansive, airy, and current. Add oversized doors and windows to the mix for an abundance of natural light. 

Grey Lagoon Quartz

Industrial elements— like matte and concrete-inspired surfaces, galvanized metal chairs, and iron lantern pendants—provide an urban edge. Notice that in our Modern Farmhouse Lookbook, there’s not a high-gloss finish in the bunch.

#5. Bricks & Stones

Brickstone White Porcelain Tile 

Whether it’s an accent wall or a stacked stone fireplace, brick and stone bring texture and dimension to the rustic side of the modern farmhouse trend. Working alongside wood elements to add character, they provide much-needed warmth to the sometimes stark black and white color scheme. In a high ceiling, open floor plan, incorporating brick and stone also helps to ground the space. 

Rhombix Nero Geometric Tile

It's all about the MIX! It doesn’t get better than wood look LVP flooring paired with clean white quartz and a patterned backsplash in Rhombix Nero.

Brickstone Taupe 2x10

What’s not to love about Brickstone Taupe 2x10 in a herringbone pattern?

Inspiring dream spaces from coast to coast, nothing says, “I’m home and cozy” like the modern farmhouse. Rough-hewn wood-tone LVT and porcelain planks underfoot warm up the crisp white and matte black color story. Subway tile, quartz countertops, brushed brass fixtures, and industrial lighting shine in open floor plans. Natural stone fireplaces add texture and bring the outdoors in. This laid-back yet clean aesthetic looks at home everywhere. We can’t wait to see how you make this trend your own! 

Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with #msisighting. 

We can't wait to help you add farmhouse chic to your living spaces! Lets get started today by chatting with our online MSI experts, visiting a local MSI showroom, or talking to a helpful authorized MSI retailer near you.

Learn more about trends:

The Latest Quartz Countertop Trends in Warm and Cool Hues

Brick Trends 2023 Tile Colors and Textures You Need to Know

Down to Earth Trends Inspired By Mother Nature