Dining rooms have seen their fair share of styles throughout history. Some have even made a comeback (we’re looking at you, mid-century modern). It’s a reminder that not everything is set in stone and an invitation to consider whether the place where you and your loved ones feast could use some sprucing up.
Recently, the modern farmhouse dining room has become the poster child for the latest interior design trend, but many are left wondering how it’s any different from country-style dining rooms and spaces decked out in farmhouse style.
The answers to those questions and more are detailed in this inside look, complete with tips, tricks, and inspiration to help freshen up your dining room design.
At a Glance:
What is Modern Farmhouse Design?
What Isn’t Modern Farmhouse Design?
The Elements of Modern Farmhouse Design
How to Use Modern Farmhouse Style in Your Dining Room
What is Modern Farmhouse Design?
Pinpointing what modern farmhouse décor is can be like finding a needle in a haystack (no farm puns intended). It’s not quite rustic and not exactly country-style, and while it’s in the same veins as the original farmhouse style, certain differences set it apart in its separate category.
Let’s break it down for you.
Country Design Style: This aesthetic is faithful to the rural lifestyle, emphasizing organic materials, practicality, and an overall rustic feel that is never presumptuous. Think “family-style.”
Farmhouse Design Style: We like to consider farmhouse design the next generation of country style. Spaces designed in this look still highlight wood and natural materials, but contemporary shapes and lines are also added for an elevated feel.
Modern Design Style: Take the clean lines of minimalism and fuse them with the natural character of farmhouse, and you get a general idea of what modern design style is. Continue reading to see all the nuances that give this design style its own identity.
More on Modern Farmhouse Design
The modern-style farmhouse dining room can be summed up in two concepts:
- A dining area that feels fresh.
- A dining area that feels welcoming.
For many, farmhouse and country design felt a little too homespun. On the other hand, some homeowners feel modern dining rooms are restricting (especially after being cooped up at home for over a year).
The solution? Finding a balance between craftsmanship and coziness. How? By mixing modern farmhouse dining room décor that embraces the spirit of imperfection (like farmhouse does), while taking cues from present trends such as metallics, upholstery patterns, clean furniture lines.
Oh, and don’t be surprised to find these spaces glammed out. It’s not unusual for these dining spaces to showcase high-quality materials. Examples include high-end modern farmhouse lighting or an extravagant modern farmhouse dining set to consolidate the look of a space.
What Isn’t Modern Farmhouse Design?
Modern farmhouse style is all about being laid-back, but it does have a few rules.
✓ Rule #1: Don’t skip on the wood. It’s the most commonly used material throughout the style, and mixing tones and finishes is encouraged. Whitewashed woods add a vintage “lived-in” touch that instantly makes a space feel like home. Stained wood anchors a dining room while keeping it from feeling outdated.
✓ Rule #2: Use shiny metals sparingly. Metals like wrought iron are OK, but chrome, brass, and silver can clash with the muted textures of natural materials.
✓ Rule #3: Reserve glass for modern designs. Modern farmhouse light fixtures, dining room tables, and cabinetry work best when they’re natural materials, like wrought iron or wood.
History of Modern Farmhouse Design
Not surprisingly, this style movement is the direct result of the wave of minimalism that’s dominated the market for nearly two decades. The biggest shift came in 2020 as families began to spend more time at home. By doing so, the need for a setting that feels homier caused a transition from minimal to casual.
The Essentials of Modern Farmhouse Design
Let’s recap the fundamentals of a modern farmhouse dining room setting.
- Wood (in every aspect)
- Mixed mediums
- A neutral palette with pops of modern color
- Clean and rustic lines
- High-quality materials/furniture
How to Add Modern Farmhouse to a Dining Room
Here are five dining room ideas to help you flawlessly achieve the modern farmhouse look in your dining area.
Play with Color
Like its predecessor, modern farmhouse follows a straightforward color story, with light shades like ivory, ecru, and beige serving as a canvas for the look. It’s completely possible to pull off this interior design style while sticking to these elemental tones, but don’t be afraid to explore dining room paint ideas if you want some variety.
A dining room that’s exclusively one shade will end up feeling one-dimensional and cold — which is exactly the opposite of a modern farmhouse’s laid-back and inviting atmosphere. At the same time, there’s no need to go wild with color variations. Follow a natural gradation of shades from the same family for a cohesive look that is light and full of depth.
You can also spice it up with strokes of color, but for the best results, stay true to warmer tones. With the exception of black — which expert interior designers agree is appropriate for balancing the feel of modern farmhouse spaces — light-greens, soft blues, browns, and blush-pinks all play well with the cozy vibes reminiscent of traditional farmhouse paint colors.
We’re also fans of:
- Copper notes
- Aged iron
- Brick
- Wicker
Explore Country-style Seating
Remember, comfort and coziness are essential parts of the modern farmhouse experience. A sage-tone finish on these X-back farmhouse dining chairs creates a calming aura that suits the ethereal side of this design, while the upholstered seats keep you just as comfy.
There are several farmhouse dining chair options to consider, whether it’s a ladder-back style, the sophistication of armchairs, or dining benches for the ultimate family-style setup that embodies the spirit of this design style.
Make a Rustic Dining Room Table the Centerpiece
Is it really a modern farmhouse dining table if it doesn’t have a welcoming vibe? Purists of the style argue no, and suggest a seating arrangement like this Classic Home Mills 84” trestle table to be a quintessential expression of modern farmhouse style.
Overall, aim for table settings that are casual and that are made of quality materials. Popular styles include a Parsons table, double pedestal table, and trestle tables (like our recommendation above). Explore all the looks with our selection of farmhouse-style tables.
Accentuate the Look with Décor
Negative space is a goldmine of opportunities to really heighten the feel of a space. Modern farmhouse lighting adds another layer of design
Tie the Look Together with Modern Farmhouse Furniture
With modern farmhouse design, refinement goes a long way, which means not every space has to be oversaturated with countryside charm. Rather than aim for expected uses of the design, switch it up with additions like this Prairie Collection sideboard. Crossbuck details on the door reference the classic farmhouse motif, but its dark-wood finish adds an element of surprise that helps create depth and interest in a space.
Additionally, hutches are a staple of farmhouse design, and they present your themed décor with ceremony and sophistication. One word of advice, though: Stick to hutches that are made of wood, not glass. That will help harmonize the look better from area to area while giving off that handmade touch that is synonymous with the style.
Why Trust Us?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
Shop Modern Farmhouse Dining Room Furniture at Bob Mills
Start reveling in endless comfort and shop dining room furniture online for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you create a modern farmhouse dining room — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
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