There’s something about rustic spaces that draw you in. Maybe it’s how they make us feel at home or remind us of weekend getaways. If you like this decor style, you might also be familiar with its modern twin. Modern farmhouse kitchens take country warmth and translate it into a new and fresh space. We’ve gone over this and shown you some pretty different ideas of what this style can look like below.

What is a modern farmhouse kitchen?

Rustic, farmhouse and country styles are all very similar — all blending old with new, focusing on natural materials and a lived-in feel. A country style kitchen will almost always feature vintage/antique pieces, soft colours, natural materials and warmth. 

Modern farmhouse kitchens bring this decor style into the 21st century. This decor style is iconically known for its key design elements but is not always following a strict formula. It's about creating a kitchen that feels new and inviting. Here are some suggestions for a modern farmhouse look:

Colours and materials

Start with a neutral base and add warm accents. Timber tones, pastel greens, blues and antique brass work well here. 

Cabinets and shelves

Shaker-style cabinets are a classic pick but feel free to experiment with more sleek options. A floating shelf or two can also make the space feel modern.

Backsplash

Pick a modern tile and lay it in a more ‘rustic’ way. For example, a neutral gloss subway tile laid in a brick bond or herringbone pattern.

Floors

Floorboards look great in rustic kitchens, but kitchens can be tough on them. For a happy medium, try a warm, travertine tile which is super practical being scratch and stain-resistant and can be easily cleaned.

Lighting

Pendant lights and sconces capture this aesthetic the best. Hit up your local antique or op shop — just make sure it works before you buy!

Island

If you have the space, go with an island. It adds that extra character that brings home the modern farmhouse vibe.

3 inviting modern farmhouse kitchen ideas

As we said, rustic modern farmhouse kitchens can be executed in a fair few ways. Here are some of our favourite picks from Pinterest and advice on recreating them.

Duck egg blue
 

The first thing you see here is the cabinets in the most perfect duck-egg blue. There's a mix of more rustic features like the French windows and marble, but it doesn't feel too much. The black windows, woven stools and brass touches give it a modern twist. 

Get the look

Start with colour and work your way into material. Source a nice pastel (it doesn’t have to be blue!) and use it to paint your cabinets. A marble backsplash is a must, and Calacatta marble, with its soft, warm veining, fits the bill. Finally, choose brushed brass tapware to tie it all together.

Warm oak

This kitchen is a more subtle take on modern farmhouse decor. The textured walls, ceiling beams and warm oak cabinets make the space feel super lived in. This is contrasted by the sharp lines of shelves, the corners of the benchtop and the stainless steel appliances.

Get the look

Everything about this kitchen seems carefully considered. The key to replicating the look will be to choose fewer, higher quality pieces. You can’t go wrong with this colour palette — use white and oak as your inspiration to choose your base elements. Top it off with matte black tapware and accessories.

Checkerboard 

Unlike the last one, this kitchen screams farmhouse. The bones of this room are modern, with skylights and sharp lines, but the elements — glass-front cabinets, a farmhouse sink and timber benchtops — take it into country territory.

Get the look

We can’t look away from these diamond checkerboard floors. Don’t feel limited to black-and-white — a white & blue checkerboard is also a fun choice. From there, have fun by picking out some rustic pieces and starting a benchtop herb garden. We love our antique brass kitchen taps in spaces like these.

Modern farmhouse kitchen tapware at Yabby

After designing hundreds of kitchens, we’ve seen how much tapware can change a kitchen’s look. That’s why you need to choose well — pick something you love that goes with your theme. Modern farmhouse kitchens usually go for antique brass, but we've shown you how other colours can work if that’s not your first pick.