The modern farmhouse style has taken the design world by storm, bringing a sense of rustic charm with a contemporary edge. This blend of styles is particularly well-suited for exterior dining rooms, where you can create a space that’s both inviting and stylish. From the color palettes to the furniture choices, there are countless ways to create a modern farmhouse dining room that reflects your personal taste. In this article, we’ll explore 19 design ideas that capture the essence of this popular trend.
Neutral Hues with Pops of Color
Modern farmhouse exteriors often feature neutral hues like white, cream, gray, and beige as a foundation. These colors create a clean and airy ambiance, allowing you to add pops of color through accents. Think vibrant throw pillows, patterned rugs, and colorful floral arrangements. In the US, the trend is leaning towards warm earth tones like terracotta, ochre, and olive green. In the EU, deeper blues and greens are gaining popularity, bringing a touch of sophistication. This approach allows for flexibility in changing the look of the space with seasonal décor.
Rustic Wood and Metal Accents
The modern farmhouse aesthetic embraces natural materials, and wood is a key player. Use reclaimed wood for the dining table and chairs, creating a rustic and inviting feel. Metal accents, like black iron or brass, can be incorporated through light fixtures, hardware, and even planters. These elements add a touch of industrial chic while complementing the warmth of the wood. Consider adding a weathered wood bench or a rustic chandelier for a statement piece.
Open-Air Dining Experience
Embrace the outdoors by creating an open-air dining experience. If you’re lucky enough to have a covered porch or patio, turn it into your dining area. Hang string lights for a cozy ambiance in the evenings, and add a few comfortable chairs and a coffee table for an extra seating area. This creates a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for entertaining or enjoying meals under the stars.
Textured Walls with Shiplap
Shiplap is a timeless classic in farmhouse design, offering a rustic charm and textured appeal. Consider using shiplap on one or two walls of your dining room, creating a focal point. Paint it in a neutral color like white or cream, allowing the texture to take center stage. In the US, exposed brick walls are also gaining popularity, adding a vintage touch. In the EU, more traditional farmhouse designs are favored, with stone walls and timber beams adding to the rustic charm.
Wicker and Cane Furniture
Wicker and cane furniture bring a relaxed and airy vibe to the modern farmhouse style. Consider incorporating a wicker dining set, or a mix of wicker and cane chairs with a wooden table. These materials add a touch of bohemian charm and are perfect for outdoor dining, especially during warmer months. In the US, the trend is towards lighter-colored wicker, while in the EU, darker shades of wicker are more common, adding a touch of elegance.
Floral Patterns and Botanical Touches
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with floral patterns and botanical touches. Floral prints can be incorporated through throw pillows, tablecloths, or even wallpaper. Add fresh flowers or potted plants to the table or around the space. Choose floral patterns that reflect the seasons, such as bold poppy prints in summer or more delicate patterns in winter. In the US, the trend is towards vibrant, colorful florals, while in the EU, more muted and botanical patterns are popular, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Layered Lighting for Ambiance
Layering lighting is key to creating a warm and inviting dining room. Start with a statement light fixture above the dining table, such as a rustic chandelier or a modern pendant light. Add a combination of sconces on the walls and floor lamps for ambient lighting. Choose lamps with linen shades for a classic farmhouse feel, or opt for sleek metal fixtures for a more modern touch. In the US, the trend is towards industrial-style light fixtures, while in the EU, more traditional farmhouse-style lighting is still popular.
Statement Rug with Natural Fibers
A statement rug can tie the entire design together and add a touch of personality to the space. Choose a rug with natural fibers like wool, jute, or sisal for a rustic feel. The pattern can be simple and geometric or feature more intricate motifs. Consider a rug with a natural color palette, such as beige, brown, or gray, to complement the neutral colors of the room. In the US, the trend is towards more vibrant and patterned rugs, while in the EU, neutral and minimalist rugs are more common.
Farmhouse-Style Window Treatments
Complete the look with farmhouse-style window treatments. Consider simple white curtains with natural fabric like linen or cotton. Add wood blinds or shutters for a touch of rustic charm. If you’re looking for something more dramatic, opt for roman shades or a valance with a simple, elegant design. In the US, the trend is towards simple and functional window treatments, while in the EU, more elaborate designs are still popular, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
Industrial Metal Chairs
For a touch of industrial chic, consider incorporating metal chairs into your dining room. Black iron or steel chairs with a minimalist design can create a striking contrast with the rustic elements of the farmhouse style. Choose chairs with comfortable cushions for a touch of softness. In the US, the trend is towards more streamlined metal chairs, while in the EU, more traditional farmhouse-style chairs are still popular.
Vintage Farmhouse Décor
Incorporate vintage farmhouse décor to add character and charm to the space. Think old metal signs, vintage farm implements, and antique clocks. These items can be displayed on shelves, hung on walls, or even placed on the table as centerpieces. Look for pieces that have a story to tell and add a touch of history to your dining room. In the US, the trend is towards more rustic and weathered vintage pieces, while in the EU, more refined and elegant vintage items are popular.
Reclaimed Wood Bar Cart
A reclaimed wood bar cart adds a touch of rustic charm and functionality to the space. Use it to display your favorite beverages, glasses, and barware. It can also serve as a buffet table for serving snacks and drinks. Look for a cart with metal accents for a touch of industrial chic. In the US, the trend is towards more rustic and weathered bar carts, while in the EU, more refined and elegant bar carts are popular.
Exposed Brick Wall with Stone Accents
For a more rustic and traditional farmhouse look, consider an exposed brick wall with stone accents. The combination of these materials creates a warm and inviting ambiance. Use a lighter colored mortar for a more modern look, or a darker mortar for a more traditional feel. In the US, the trend is towards more exposed brick walls, while in the EU, more stone accents are popular.
Statement Chandelier with Rustic Elements
A statement chandelier with rustic elements can be the focal point of the room. Consider a chandelier made of wood, metal, or a combination of both. Look for a chandelier with a unique design, such as a wagon wheel chandelier or a chandelier with antlers. In the US, the trend is towards more modern and industrial-style chandeliers, while in the EU, more traditional farmhouse-style chandeliers are still popular.
Glass Doors and Sliding Windows
Glass doors and sliding windows offer a modern touch and create a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. They allow natural light to flood the room, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Consider using frosted glass doors for privacy while still allowing light to pass through. In the US, the trend is towards more minimalist glass doors and windows, while in the EU, more traditional farmhouse-style windows are still popular.
