Pulling off a Modern Farmhouse Living Room
Simplicity combined with rustic details is the key to this style.
3 min
Clean lines paired with rustic details are the essence of a modern farmhouse living room. But what’s the appeal of this comfortable yet timeless look?
“From the untreated woods to natural materials, there’s something relaxed and inviting about this aesthetic,” said Amalia Graziani, principal at Noor Property Group in New York. “I like the warmth of this style. When done correctly, these spaces feel durable and lived in, but still fresh.”
We turned to a select group of design pros for suggestions on pulling off a modern farmhouse living room. Here’s what they recommend.
Include Reclaimed Materials
“The interior architecture of a modern farmhouse is not the same as that of a true historical farmhouse. Rather, the interior architecture is modernized by the simplicity of the trim, cabinetry design and other design features. The furniture of a modern farmhouse can then be antique or modern, but ideally a blend of both.
“Add reclaimed beams to a ceiling by simply bolting them to the existing structure. A farmhouse-style home typically utilizes beams with a hand-hewn look, which means they have a lot of chop marks. Bolts can be visible when you want an industrial look. You can buy reclaimed beams at salvage yards.
“Flooring in a modern marking is usually a fumed white oak or other character-grade flooring. Character-grade hardwood contains some naturally occurring knots and checks within the graining of the wood. These features provide a more rustic feel.”
— Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects in Annapolis, Maryland
Pair Antique Elements With Updated Finishes
“A modern farmhouse typically pairs rustic, antique elements with sleek, updated materials and finishes. Most feature the classic pitched roofline and incorporate unfinished wood and natural textiles. Ideally, a modern take introduces more light. Using larger windows or lighter, more Scandinavian-style wood will modernize a space. A high-pitched roofline with vaulted ceilings is most emblematic of this style.
“The materials best suited to this aesthetic include oak or pine for paneling. I like to use unfinished wood beams with white beadboard. Iron is the most traditional metal option, but I love using brushed stainless alongside natural woods. In terms of stone choices, I’d recommend full stone granite for fireplaces and bluestone for floors.”
— Amalia Graziani, principal, Noor Property Group in New York
Select Streamlined Furnishings
“Selecting furniture that features clean lines and appears inviting and comfortable is key to creating a modern farmhouse living room. I gravitate towards sofas that use soft, luxurious, solid fabrics with thick down inserts. The best modern farmhouse looks use neutral fabrics and plenty of texture. Mix different textures to add modernity and differentiate from the traditional farmhouse style; leather paired with velvet; gold lighting or other metallic finishes with wood details on the walls or fireplace.
“Introducing color has to be done carefully if you’re hoping to achieve a modern farmhouse look. The key is to select one colour and carry it throughout the space, creating a monochromatic environment. This streamlined look creates a sophisticated palette for the farmhouse feel.
“I love to infuse abstract art into modern farmhouse living rooms. Pretty, soft landscapes also look beautiful here. If possible, go large on the art to add character and personality to the room.”
— Andi Morse, founder and principal designer, Morse Design in Atlanta
Go Light With Colors and Textures
“The modern farmhouse look has come a long way beyond just shiplap and rustic touches. I think in today’s day and age, where it has been translated over and over again, you need to strip it down to its core and try to capitalize on those elements. This would be a mix of casual ease, unexpected charm, mixed materials and an overall sense of lightness in both colors and textures.
“I would lean toward natural fiber rugs, like sisal or jute, or if you’re going to go with a pattern, perhaps one that is simple and not too busy, typically such as a larger floral print or simple stripe. Lighting is fun, but in a modern farmhouse, I would try and almost make it disappear. Glass shades and very clean and sleek hardware are the way to go.
“Consider a more patina look for your floor lamps, mirrors, or decor items, to lend that rustic charm without going over the top “shabby chic.” Pairing a wood lattice coffee table, for instance, with a more modern and sleek iron frame armchair with ivory cushions adds an element of contrast, which feels very farmhouse to me.”
— Interior designer Georgia Zikas in West Hartford, Connecticut
Reprinted by permission of Mansion Global. Copyright 2021 Dow Jones & Company. Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Original date of publication: Jan 19, 2022.
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Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Capital cities lead the way as median home values see clear upswing
2 min
Home values continue their upwards trajectory, recording the strongest monthly growth in 18 months, CoreLogic data shows.
The property data provider reports that their Home Value Index has noted a third consecutive rise in values in May, accelerating 1.2 percent over the past month. This is on the back of a 0.6 percent increase in March and 0.5 percent rise in April.
Sydney recorded the strongest results, up 1.8 percent, the highest recorded in the city since September 2021. The fall in Sydney’s home values bottomed in January but have since accelerated sharply by 4.8 percent, adding $48,390 to the median dwelling value.
Melbourne recorded more modest gains, with home values increasing by 0.9 percent, bringing the total rise this quarter to 1.6 percent. It was the smaller capitals of Brisbane (up 1.4 percent) and Perth (up 1.3 percent) that reported stronger gains.
CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said the lack of housing stock was an obvious influence on the growing values.
“Advertised listings trended lower through May with roughly 1,800 fewer capital city homes advertised for sale relative to the end of April. Inventory levels are -15.3 percent lower than they were at the same time last year and -24.4 percent below the previous five-year average for this time of year,” he said.
“With such a short supply of available housing stock, buyers are becoming more competitive and there’s an element of FOMO creeping into the market.
“Amid increased competition, auction clearance rates have trended higher, holding at 70 percent or above over the past three weeks. For private treaty sales, homes are selling faster and with less vendor discounting.”
Vendor discounting has been a feature in some parts of the country, particularly prestige regional areas that saw rapid price rises during the pandemic – and subsequent falls as people returned to the workplace in major centres.
The CoreLogic Home Value Index reports while prices appear to have found the floor in regional areas, the pace of recovery has been slower.
“Although regional home values are trending higher, the rate of gain hasn’t kept pace with the capitals. Over the past three months, growth in the combined capitals index was more than triple the pace of growth seen across the combined regionals at 2.8% and 0.8% respectively,” Mr Lawless said.
“Although advertised housing supply remains tight across regional Australia, demand from net overseas migration is less substantial. ABS data points to around 15% of Australia’s net overseas migration being centred in the regions each year. Additionally, a slowdown in internal migration rates across the regions has helped to ease the demand side pressures on housing.”
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
