17 Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas for a New Age Country Vibe

By: Andrew Saladino | 6 min
October 31st, 2023

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It should showcase both character and charm, and a modern farmhouse kitchen oozes these qualities. Whether you live on the coast or in the mountains, a cozy, rustic farmhouse kitchen will make any houseguest feel welcome.

From pops of color to shiplap walls, there are many modern farmhouse kitchen ideas to design your dream space. There's also always wiggle room to make the style completely your own.

Here are a few rustic kitchen ideas with a modern flair to help you get started on designing the perfect space.

1. Choose Vintage Antique Furniture

Vintage or antique furniture evokes an elegant, charming, and comfortable feel that's idyllic for a farmhouse kitchen. It can serve not only as unique decor, but as a functional workspace for your kitchen that doubles as a storage space for small appliances, dishes, or miscellaneous items.

A farmhouse kitchen is somewhat eclectic, so feel free to mix and match your storage options. Use a reclaimed wood table for your kitchen island, a freestanding armoire as a dinnerware cabinet, or a hutch as your coffee corner. Decorate your antique with unique decor or simply let it shine as a standalone piece.

2. Add White Shiplap

Nothing says cozy like a kitchen covered in white shiplap. Shiplap is adored for its rustic charm and natural look. Whether you stain, paint, or keep shiplap all-natural, it's a timeless design element for any farmhouse kitchen. Combine white shiplap and light wood for an airy warmth that doesn't feel too stark. Or, incorporate shiplap on your oven hood, kitchen island, or ceiling to contrast with the rest of your kitchen.

3. Pick a Large Kitchen Island

A farmhouse kitchen isn't complete without a kitchen island or rustic table that's big enough to fit the whole family. Pair your island with an open-concept kitchen layout. It can double as a gathering or eating area for family, friends, and guests. Simply pull up some farmhouse chairs and hang unique lighting above to create a bright and open space. Pendant lighting works well over an island, and the styles are versatile if you prefer a more modern look.

4. Swap for Retro Appliances

A farmhouse style kitchen allows room for creativity. What better way to spice up your design than with a vintage or retro appliance? Whether it's all black with gold knobs or bright red, a retro appliance embodies old-school glamour and evokes nostalgia. Pair your kitchen color scheme with the retro oven, fridge, or microwave of your choice. To open up your space, add a mantle above the oven and decorate with fun antique or vintage finds.

5. Use Reclaimed Wood

From floors and kitchen island accents, reclaimed wood is a staple for any modern farmhouse kitchen. It helps bring the outdoors in by adding character, texture, and warmth to your kitchen. Balance out the wood with white or gray cabinetry and subway tile for a charming look.

It can also contrast beautifully with the sleekness of stainless steel, metal, or stone. Be aware that working with reclaimed wood comes with its challenges. You'll want to account for extra labor costs to remove nails and finish the wood.

6. Add Subway Tile Backsplash

Kitchen backsplashes are no longer just a way to protect your wall from spills and splatters - a backsplash can also serve as a focal point for your design. Although subway tile works with any style, there is something so special about the contrast of white subway tile in a farmhouse kitchen.

Line the wall above your stovetop or farmhouse sink for a streamlined and cohesive backsplash. Pair your kitchen backsplash with a natural stone or butcher block countertop for an earthy and rustic contrast.

7. Pick a Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse sink is trendy and functional. It has a deep basin and exposed front that's convenient for dishwashing. It's especially helpful if you have more than one cook in the kitchen or have a big family since you can install a double bowl size.

The very first farmhouse sinks were made of concrete and have since evolved to all materials. A white farmhouse sink is popular, but don't be afraid to mix it up with unexpected finishes, such as a two-handle faucet, black hue, or stainless steel.

8. Add a Butcher Block Countertop

A butcher block countertop is a great choice if you spend a lot of your time in the kitchen. It's practical, affordable, and easy to clean. Its durability makes it an ideal surface to prep, cook, or bake. Plus, the warm and rustic look of a butcher block countertop lends itself well to a modern farmhouse kitchen style.

Unless your butcher block countertop is sealed, avoid cutting or chopping directly on the surface to extend its life and function. It can also work on your kitchen island or breakfast bar.

9. Hang Pendant Lighting

Kitchen lighting should not only make a design statement in your kitchen, but serve its function. When narrowing down your lighting, start with the materials. Do you prefer wood, metal, or glass? Pendant lighting ranges from subtle to more dramatic, depending on your goal for the room.

An exposed birdcage pendant shines light evenly across an open-concept floor plan, while a bell-shaped shade will distribute less light. Consider what style works best with the kitchen island, countertop, or table your lighting will hang directly over.

10. Create Open Shelving

Open shelving is a popular addition because it creates an airy and spacious kitchen, transforming your kitchen into a casual and inviting space. Choose natural wood or neutral color shelves to maintain the modern farmhouse kitchen style.

11. Add Barn Doors

One of the easiest ways to implement modern farmhouse kitchen ideas is by adding barn doors in place of traditional doors. This is a great way to infuse the rustic style without renovating your entire space.

12. Hang Rustic Wood Beams

Wood beams mixed with sleek finishes complete the modern farmhouse kitchen aesthetic. Add wood beams to the ceiling to create a warm yet inviting environment. These wood features elevate the architectural design of your kitchen.

13. Stick to a Neutral Color Palette

Tie in the modern aspect of farmhouse design by sticking to a neutral color palette. Maintain the clean and timeless appearance of your farmhouse kitchen by choosing whites, grays, and earth tones.

14. Choose Glass Cabinets

Incorporate glass cabinets into your cooking area to create a sleek yet warm design. Choose glass-front kitchen cabinets to elegantly showcase your favorite dishes or glassware.

15. Utilize Exposed Brick

Exposed brick is a fan-favorite modern farmhouse idea that creates a visually appealing focal point. Utilize brick as a backsplash behind your stove or create an accent wall that's sure to make a statement.

16. Choose a Vintage Stove

Tie in farmhouse design elements and modern flair with a vintage stove. This retro detail adds a charming element to your cooking area. You can also go bold and add a pop of color to your vintage stove.

17. Stick to Colorful Furniture

Keep your walls neutral, but choose colorful furniture to add more visual interest to your modern farmhouse kitchen design. Create a dynamic kitchen with emerald green bar stools, ruby red vases, or a navy blue dining table.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas FAQs

Still stuck on modern farmhouse kitchen ideas? We've answered a few commonly asked farmhouse kitchen design questions.

How do I make my kitchen look like a farmhouse?

You can make your kitchen look like a farmhouse by adding butcher block countertops, barn doors, wooden beams, open shelves, and pendant lights. Mix wood and metal materials to create a modern farmhouse kitchen design.

What color cabinets are farmhouse style?

There is no one color when sticking to a farmhouse kitchen style. You could choose white or neutral cabinets or go bright with blues and greens. Natural wood also pairs well with the blended aesthetic.

What does a farmhouse kitchen look like?

A farmhouse kitchen typically has a cozy, rustic charm with natural elements. To create a modern farmhouse kitchen, you would pair these rustic materials with sleek, neutral accents and decor.

What color wood is farmhouse style?

A farmhouse kitchen typically uses natural and warm wood colors. You could incorporate reclaimed wood, oak, pine, and even walnut. Ultimately, the type of wood you use is a personal choice.

Now that you're more equipped with modern farmhouse kitchen ideas, you're ready to take on the renovation of your dreams. Remember the farmhouse design elements we've outlined to help you get creative, but don't forget to add your special touch when choosing materials, including kitchen cabinets. To save time, opt for pre-assembled cabinets or create a new design and layout. Whether it's with distressed cabinets, gold hardware, or an olive green accent color, get the creativity flowing to transform your culinary space into your dream rustic farmhouse kitchen.