Designer-Approved Tips for a Modern Farmhouse Living Room (2024)

A love for a farmhouse aesthetic shows no signs of waning. And it’s no longer just about shiplap and barnyard doors. The new, updated vibe includes elements that make a space cool and inviting. Don’t we all want to cozy up in a light and airy living room with casual sofas , eclectic accessories, and yummy textures? Yes? Well, we tapped a few designers to share their tips and tricks to the modern farmhouse living room of our dreams.

"Stick with the simple sophistication of natural elements like exposed wood beams and stone accents that evoke a clean and relaxed modern farmhouse interior," says Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design. "Introduce accessories that are organic, irregular, or slightly imperfect to add personality and charm."

"Respect the architectural elements of a farmhouse space and add clean, straight-lined furnishings," says Nashville-based designer, Chad James. "Color-blocking with fabrics juxtaposed with more primitive elements is also an easy way to create the best modern farmhouse look." A velvet midcentury chair creates a cozy nook next to the rustic fireplace in this Newport Beach home.

"Go with a minimal fireplace. This will offset the rustic ceiling features, which can be overpowering," says San Francisco-based designer, Heather Hilliard. A modern mantle blends seamlessly with the white walls in this New York City apartment.

"I tend to use ceilings as a way to transmit light through a space," says New York-based designer, Phillip Thomas. "The glossy finish helps to accomplish this goal while also reflecting warmth. I lacquered the ceilings in this farmhouse project in high-gloss cornflower paint."

"You need some combination of the following: A plaid, a leather, an antique, a loose, flow-y print, and some hard lines," says Charleston-based designer, Mitchell Hill. "A modern light fixture in a room with a salvaged beam ceiling and an extra-large abstract canvas introduces an inviting eclectic vibe."

"A great trick is to strip dark floors and refinish them in a light oak color," says Hilliard . "This instantly makes a space feel more contemporary."

"If I used a stone exterior, I bring that stone inside," says Alabama-based architect, Jeffrey Dungan. "This is especially effective on the fireplace wall where you would want masonry anyway. Many times we will wash it with lime or even paint it in a color used in the room to make it more sophisticated and clean."

"To achieve an updated, more current modern farmhouse aesthetic, mix rustic elements with more refined furnishings, as well as antiques from many periods," says Hilliard. "If you're able to, keep or install exposed beams and wood panelling, but make other modern choices. This will offset the heavy beams, which can overpower the overall look if you're not careful."

"Bring in woven elements such as baskets, wicker, and sisal rugs," says Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis. "Layer with broken-in textures like supple leathers, weathered woods, and vintage textiles."

"One of my favorite things to do is to paint all of the door and window sashes in black," says New York City-based designer, Michelle Gerson. "This gives the look of old iron windows." Steel grids are used for windowpanes in this Connecticut home.

"It's important to keep organic wood elements at a minimum and texture at large," says Nashville-based designer, Robin Rains. "Introducing a wide variety of textures puts a fresh spin on a space without distracting the eye."

"I really love to use very wide floorboards, like 12-inch planks mixed with 10-inch boards," says Dungan. "It makes it feel less formal and like it has been around for a long time."

"I find that a modern farmhouse is all about keeping it bright and airy and really using texture," says Davis. "So I use white paint on the walls. Shiplap is ok but not necessary and use it sparingly if you're going to at all." Gray upholstery and dark wood decorative accessories add contrast to this white-walled living room.