45 Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas That Are Warm And Welcoming

Some people might call it the heart of the home — others might refer to it as the stomach — but we like to think of a kitchen as the room equivalent to a security blanket. It's the place you go to perk up with a hot cup of coffee, unwind with a glass of vino, and connect with the family over dinner, the kitchen gives off a warm, welcoming aura — one that's personified through cheerful conversations, delicious dishes, and, of course, great design. On the decorating front, the kitchen and modern farmhouse style go together like peanut butter and jelly.

"Even before they were ubiquitous on our Instagram feeds, modern farmhouse kitchens evoked a feeling of familiarity," explains Monica Guarnaschelli, owner of Indigomaven Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky. "They have a utilitarian element that makes them practical, not precious. Despite a prevalence of white, they are not sleek or sterile; warmth is brought in through wood elements like floors, cutting boards, or beams."

The secret to nailing a modern farmhouse-style kitchen? Contrast — and lots of it. While classic farmhouse spaces can feel overtly rustic with details like ruffled curtains, small-print floral wallpaper, and distressed-wood everything, today's modern iteration mixes country charm with contemporary touches, bringing a sense of refinement that's fitting for virtually any space. So why not combine an oversize apron-front sink with high-end stainless steel appliances? Or offset Shaker-style cabinets with marble countertops? Perhaps you can even take a cue from modern farmhouse pioneers Joanna and Chip Gaines by swathing your kitchen in a high-contrast color palette, wooden accents, and a surplus of shiplap.

There's no shortage of farmhouse looks to choose from, so where to start? Hold on to your hats as we dive into the very best modern farmhouse kitchen ideas. From simple spruces to full-blown kitchen renovating ideas, your lived-in security blanket is about to get even cozier.

1. Hone in on a high-contrast palette.

What's black, white, and practically screams "modern farmhouse"? This charming kitchen by Emily Henderson, which is the perfect mix of old and new. While the high-contrast color scheme evokes today's sleekest spaces, the light wood details provide a charming (and slightly country) touch. (Can't get enough of this color combo? These black and white kitchens will whet your appetite.)

As far as we're concerned, no modern farmhouse kitchen is complete without some shiplap. If the breezy wooden paneling is at the very top of your design to-do list, The Grit and Polish provides the perfect inspiration. The shiplap used here is a fabulous alternative to the typical tiled backsplash — plus, it offers a subtle, textural touch to an otherwise white space.

You don't need to do undergo a full-blown renovation to make your modern farmhouse kitchen dreams a reality. If you want to add some warmth to your contemporary digs, up the aesthetic ante with a few thoughtful accessories. In this kitchen from Kresswell Interiors, artwork, plants, and charming ceramics add a homey, rustic feel to a modern space.

At its core, a modern farmhouse kitchen is all about extending a welcoming vibe to whomever steps inside. However, if your home isn't blessed with an open-concept layout, achieving that inviting atmosphere might feel like ‌Mission: Impossible‌. Don't worry, Studio McGee has the perfect solution. Kick any closed-off, exclusive feelings to the curb with a pass-through window. This retro design trick creates the appearance of an airy room — plus, it places connection at the top of the agenda.

Can a person ever have too much kitchen storage? Definitely not. If you want to take your belongings to new heights — and make it possible to reach all those high hiding places on your own — install a sliding ladder. This gravity-defying setup from Chris Loves Julia hits that sweet spot between practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the ‌art‌ holder, so why not hang a few of your favorite pieces in your kitchen? Not only is it an excellent way to add some visual intrigue to your walls, as seen in this setup from W Design Collective, but it'll also help your kitchen feel a little more like ... well, ‌you‌. If you want to put the "modern" in modern farmhouse, offset your beloved shiplap with some abstract art.

Cabinets and drawers might make up the majority of your kitchen storage, but why not utilize those unoccupied walls? Interior designer Katie LeClercq added a discreet row of hooks for towels, sponges, and spare candlesticks. The perfect mix of form and function, this trick is bound to add an endearing touch to your farmhouse look.

Make the most of your home's square footage by adding a serving pantry to the mix. Tucked toward the back of your home — and often seen as the workhorse of the kitchen — a butler's pantry is often where the culinary magic ‌really‌ happens. It's one of those special features that feels so in sync with the farmhouse look yet is often incorporated in large, modern spaces. But while the butler's kitchen has a utilitarian purpose, it's by no means frumpy. This spot from W Design Collective is dressed to the nines with columns of cubbies, a farmhouse sink, and a woven runner.

We know that refrigerators and dishwashers are mandatory kitchen appliances, but if we're being totally honest? They're kind of an eyesore. If stainless steel appliances aren't part of your aesthetic, consider concealing them behind matching fronts. Not only does this idea keep the cozy vibes consistent throughout your space, but it's also an excellent use of embracing today's best design innovations. Let Emily Henderson show you how it's done.

Neutrals might reign supreme in farmhouse kitchens, but if you want to break away from the status quo, add color. When paired with white accessories and metallic hardware, a colorful cabinet can strike that happy medium between country and contemporary. Want proof? Just take a look at this verdant kitchen from Hayley English Interiors.

Though wallpaper can bring a dash of personality to any room of the house (kitchen included), too much can appear more farmhouse than ‌modern‌ farmhouse. The solution? Add it sparingly. Whether you use wallpaper in lieu of tiled backsplash or inside your cabinets, as Chango & Co. did here, this restrained approach brings the old-school element to the 21st century.

Farmhouse style harkens back to the days when homes were, you know, situated on actual farms. So it goes without saying that a staple of country style is lots natural lighting. If your cook space already has ample windows, don't block Mother Nature's glow with limiting shades or curtains! Depending on where your kitchen is situated — ideally somewhere that has some built-in privacy — you can leave your windows bare à la Virginia Mae. (Don't worry: If you need a window treatment for privacy purposes, a set of simple sheers is bound to do the trick!)

Working with an open-concept layout? Make the most of every corner by creating a breakfast nook, just as interior designer Kelly Nutt did here. This sweet space exudes those inviting vibes we love to see in farmhouse kitchen decor. (Plus, unlike its name suggests, this nook can be used as a casual dining room all day long, from cozying up with coffee to enjoying a delightful dessert.)

If you have an island in your modern farmhouse kitchen, there's a good chance it's surrounded by a bunch of stools. So why not add some extra flavor by choosing ones that look a little more industrial or modern? We are big fans of the low-back wood stools with leather seats that Amber Interiors chose for this culinary space.

Beadboard paneling and farmhouse style have been a design dynamic duo for as long as we can remember. But while this detailing is typically used on walls, the classic idea looks just as good on kitchen cabinets. Let Alexander Design show you how it's done.

With the farmhouse look, opposites attract. Don't be afraid to mix and match when it comes to materials and textures. In this kitchen by Avenue Lifestyle, a DIY concrete countertop pairs beautifully with stainless steel drawer fronts and wood frame cabinets for a look that's both utilitarian and homey.

We're just loving the bare-necessities, log cabin-like vibes that this rustic kitchen design by Cortney Bishop is giving us. The wood millwork oozes rustic charm, while the stainless steel appliances and industrial accessories provide a dash of modernity. Eye-catching without being old-fashioned? That's exactly what the modern farmhouse kitchen style is about.

Not surprisingly, farmhouse sinks are all the rage in farmhouse kitchens. And it looks like the team over at Studio McGee got the memo, too. They opted for a quaint single basin with an apron front in this green cook space, which will provide plenty of room to wash all of those dirty pots and pans.

Speaking of washing dishes, a gooseneck faucet is a definite must-have. The long, elegant shape of the spout ensures that it won't get in the way when trying to maneuver dirty cookware. Besides, let's be honest, as you can see from this kitchen by Jean Stoffer Design, it looks pretty snazzy, too.

Modern farmhouse kitchens tend to feature pendant lights above the island workspace, and this setup by Sarah Bartholomew is no exception. You'll generally see two or three fixtures hanging in a row, but don't be afraid to get a little creative with the look or arrangement. This is a ‌modern‌ farmhouse after all, so make sure your lighting makes a bold statement.

Why settle for one type of light fixture when you can enjoy a few in one room? Though pendants are a wonderful way to brighten up a kitchen, sconces and lone chandeliers also get the job done. Mix and match a few different fixtures into your kitchen — as Monika Hibbs did in her home — for a rich, layered look. After all, when it comes to the modern farmhouse style, a radiant glow is the gift that keeps on giving.

Nothing says "farmhouse" more than exposed wood ceiling beams, as proven by this Elizabeth Roberts design. Don't you agree? So don't be shy! Reveal those beautiful wood beams. Coordinating hardwood floors and white walls will make them stand out even more.

Of course, exposed beams aren't the ‌only‌ way to make a statement with your ceiling. For a low-key, rustic alternative, consider simply lining the surface with flat, wooden panels. (Though we love the real deal, peel-and-stick decals could work, too!) Though a wooden ceiling might evoke feelings of cozying up in a country cabin, Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN kept this kitchen modern with a lighter color palette and sleek, nickel finishes.

Incorporating a rug in the kitchen, like the runner used in this Studio McGee design, is an affordable way to create a sense of floor-to-ceiling warmth. After all, farmhouse kitchens are all about comfort, and a muted floor covering provides both visual and physical coziness. (Trust us, your toes will thank you!)

Brass details — such as the cabinet hardware, faucet, and light fixtures selected here by Box Street Design — will bring a sense of elegance to your kitchen. The contrast between the more rustic finishes typically associated with farmhouse style and the warm, gleaming reflection of brass is a beautiful sight to see.

A kitchen island is a pretty standard design element in a farmhouse-style cook space. But there are no rules that say your centrally located worktop has to be a solid block. Follow the lead of this airy kitchen and go with something a little different, like a marble-topped bar table.

Because sometimes two are better than one: When a single island just won't do, take a page out of Kelly McGuill Home's design playbook and opt for two. This good-looking pair maximizes flow and counter surface, while the contrasting countertops with rounded edges offer added interest. (Pro tip: For ultimate utilization, dedicate one island for meal prep and the other for meal time.)

Ready for a grand entrance? A barn door just might be the most iconic modern farmhouse detail of all. Include one in your kitchen, as M House has done here, for easy and stylish access to a pantry or an adjacent room.Whether you leave your door its natural grain or opt for an eye-catching hue, walking away just got a lot more stylish.

We need to clear the air once and for all: Concrete doesn't need to be relegated to industrial style. In fact, we love the edgy flair and texture that it brings to farmhouse kitchens like this one by Tracy Lynn Studio. Here, concrete countertops work with greige cabinets and light white tile walls for a cohesive and soothing finish.

Modern farmhouse kitchens are all about entertaining and hosting gatherings, so it's no wonder that particular consideration is given to stove selection. Make yours conversation-worthy by choosing an unexpected finish or color like the tinted blue range seen in this culinary space by M. Elle Design. To lock in its fate as the room's focal point, pair your statement-making oven with an equally delightful hood. (This ethereal plaster option is giving us serious heart eyes.)

The predominant color scheme of modern farmhouse kitchens skews neutral — like the white cabinets and white subway tile backsplash seen here — but that doesn't mean you can't add a pop of color. The cheery turquoise accessories and cookware in this space keep the design feeling playful and approachable. Craving a pop of color? Add some life to your kitchen with an assortment of pretty pigments.

You can never have too much natural light in a farmhouse kitchen. Brighten your cook space and keep it feeling open and airy, like this design from Landed Interiors, by trading in your upper cabinets for open shelves. If you really want to make them shine, place your best dinnerware on each level.

Torn between traditional cabinets and floating shelves? As designer Zoe Feldman proves, you can get the best of both worlds with glass cabinet doors. With the practicality of cabinets, but the negative space and airy attitude of shelves, this compromise has that stylish-yet-savvy vibe that's on display in the very best modern farmhouse kitchens. (Glass cabinet doors are basically a window to your dinnerware, so make sure the contents of these cabinets are organized!)

Having trouble deciding which countertop material to choose? No need to pick favorites. As this beautiful space from Katie LeClercq proves, dual countertop materials like marble and natural wood can live harmoniously in a modern farmhouse kitchen. (Bonus: The extra-thick butcher block countertop on the island is primed for meal prep.)

Even if you're a city slicker, you can bring that welcoming country vibe to your modern farmhouse kitchen with potted plants and flowers, like Pure Salt Interiors has done here. Consider varying heights, colors, and shapes for added dimension and visual interest. (Psst...if you really want to enhance your kitchen, consider adding a few herbs to the mix.)

Minimize visual distractions by employing a singular material on the walls. This project by Jessica Helgerson Design features white subway tile from floor to ceiling. While the allover application adds pleasing dimension and sheen, it also allows the rest of the kitchen's design features to take center stage.

Kitchens are chock-full of hard surfaces — countertops, hardware, appliances. Follow the lead of interior designer Leanne Ford and use a retro decorating idea: a cabinet skirt. In lieu of a door, a skirt will infuse a welcome dose of softness while hiding unsightly culinary essentials.

While you're at it, give your windows a skirting statement, too! First popularized in 19th century Vienna, café-style curtains are having a moment, and thanks to this dreamy setup by Amy Sklar Design, it's easy to see why. This particular type of window covering is big on charm and provides privacy without completely obstructing natural light.

Wide plank hardwood floors are typical in farmhouse kitchens, but we wholeheartedly approve of pushing the envelope and taking calculated risks. For instance, in this charming cook space, Victoria Hagan Interiors went with timeless checkerboard-patterned tile in a blue and white combo that is refreshingly unconventional. Farmhouse style from floor to ceiling? Say no more!

On the hunt for a multifunctional kitchen design idea? Consider showcasing your professional range in an alcove like the one seen here by Jean Stoffer. It encompasses your stove, hides the range hood, and adds architectural interest without eliminating precious counter space. Plus, it creates instant country kitchen appeal.

Yup, table lamps have moved into the kitchen, as proven by this culinary vignette from Light and Dwell. Use one to create warm lighting and a cozy moment in an overlooked corner of your cook space. The final result is warm, inviting, and illuminating — everything a modern farmhouse kitchen should be!

Combining boho details and farmhouse decor results in eclectic spaces that are warm, inviting, and full of texture. Follow Raili CA Design's lead and test out the combo with pendant lighting, which can easily be swapped out down the road if you tire of the look. (Already found some luxe lighting? Apply the bohemian touch elsewhere with woven fruit baskets or caned stools.)

This might come as a surprise to you, but not all farmhouse kitchens need to be white. If you covet dark and moody spaces, go ahead and paint your cabinets black like this picture-perfect scene from Studio McGee. Next, balance the saturated color choice with plenty of lighter elements, like the white subway tile backsplash and bleached wood shelving seen here.

Brick makes a regular appearance as a hardscape material for farmhouse exteriors, but don't overlook the personality, durability, and warmth it can bring to interior floors. We're particularly fond of the tumbled variety seen in this galley kitchen by Urban Grace for its depth and texture. And it probably goes without saying, but the herringbone layout is a particularly nice touch.

If the idea of open shelving appeals to you, but you don't relish the idea of putting holes in your wall, consider removing the doors on your cabinetry. You can employ the idea on either the upper or lower cabinets. Or, if you have the budget for new cabinets, forgo a section of closed lower cabinets in favor of shelves or cubbies to display chic cookware and dishes, as seen in this sophisticated design by deVOL Kitchens.

Though these finished spaces look perfectly photogenic — and, okay, a little intimidating — we promise that bringing the farmhouse flair to your home is a lot easier than it looks. To help, we're sharing the ultimate farmhouse kitchen checklist to make sure your version ticks off all of the boxes — and then some. (Think of it as a great starting point for your lived-in luxe space.) Whether you use a few of these features or all of the below, you're well on your way to your very own modern farmhouse kitchen:

• High-contrast color palette
• Colorful cabinets
• A farmhouse sink
• Shiplap ... and lots of it!
• Wooden accents
• Subway tiles
• Plenty of texture
• Contrasting colors
• A serving pantry
• A sliding barn door
• Floating shelves
• Glass cabinet doors
• Café curtains
• Worn, metallic hardware
• Pops of personality
• Layered lights

Now that your design-minded brain is packed with modern farmhouse kitchen inspiration, there's nothing to it but to do it!