14 Farmhouse Living Rooms With Charming Country Style

From the popularity of Chip and Joanna Gaines to countless images making an appearance on your Instagram feed, it's pretty hard to escape the far-reaching impact farmhouse style has had on the world of interior design. Its universal appeal can be attributed to the approachable mix of raw materials — including iron, wood, and stone — and the hard-to-resist homespun comfort that makes the aesthetic so warm and cozy. And because farmhouse style favors muted neutral color palettes, the various features and textures can really take center stage.

While the aesthetic looks splendid in every room of the house — from bedrooms to kitchens to dining rooms — living rooms, in particular, are the perfect backdrop for showcasing all of the beauty that farmhouse decor has to offer. Telltale features that interior designers and homeowners turn to oftentimes include white shiplap walls, rustic accents, and plush furniture in hardworking fabrics, fit for hosting get-togethers of various sizes. So with that in mind, here are 14 modern farmhouse living room ideas that perfectly capture the beloved look.

Exposed wood ceiling beams add architectural interest and draw the eye up, creating the illusion of more space. The unstained version in this bright country living room by Kelly Nutt also adds warmth and character.

Farmhouse living room design ideas put a premium on natural light, so emphasize doors and windows with a high-contrast paint color. Lisa Furey opted for a timeless black and white combo in this setup to accentuate the three sets of French doors and accompanying transoms. The stark palette was softened with soft luxurious accents and comfy furniture pieces flaunting deep seat cushions and sturdy rolled arms.

Add interest and dimension to the walls with decorative paneling. Shiplap, board and batten, and beadboard wainscoting are quintessential features that enhance the charm of farmhouse-style living rooms. Shea of Studio McGee used the technique brilliantly to highlight the fireplace in this light-filled space.

Sure, farmhouse living room decor ideas are big on shades of white, but earthy neutrals are equally fitting, as seen in this moody setup by Raili CA Design. Streamlined furniture silhouettes, metal accents, and a masculine palette lend this space a modern edge.

Can a space even be considered farmhouse in style if there isn't a sliding barn door involved? While they aren't a ​must-have​ item, it's hard to dispute the appeal, design impact, and practicality they impart. The reclaimed wood version in this living room by Kelly McGuill adds character, warmth, and a focal point in a sea of white walls. Additionally, the door acts as a nice complement to the wood beams above.

Introduce texture, depth, and a subtle industrial vibe to a farmhouse living room with the addition of exposed brick. This airy space by Chango and Co. makes the most of raw materials with hand-hewn wood beams, a brick accent wall, and an abundance of natural light, resulting in a minimalist space with a rustic bent.

Amp up the farmhouse look of your living room by adding woodwork to oft-forgotten areas such as the backs of bookcases and the ceiling. This classic design by Amber Interiors utilizes the fifth wall as another opportunity to include appealing detail and dimension with a tongue and groove application and widely spaced beams.

Create a focal point in your living room with an eye-catching farmhouse light fixture. This space by Katie Hodges features a modern lantern-style chandelier that imbues a distinct sense of place without visual distraction.

If you love color, rest assured that farmhouse interiors need not be void of rich hues and patterns. Case in point: This understated living space by Elizabeth Roberts showcases a vibrant blue patterned area rug and a pair of coral armchairs. Plenty of wood — floors, tables, and furniture frames — along with white walls keep the look understated and soothing.

From fireplace surrounds to one-of-a-kind lighting, the neutral backdrop of country-inspired decor offers unlimited opportunities to incorporate texture and personality without overwhelming your space. For example, this rustic farmhouse living room by Lauren Liess does just that — showcasing a stone hearth, unique pendant light, and leather furniture.

For an elevated spin on farmhouse decor, consider blanketing the surrounding windows in semi-sheer drapery, as Kate Marker did in this welcoming yet sophisticated living room. A high-pitched ceiling, ample greenery, and mirrored lights enhance the room's dramatic appeal.

Outfit farmhouse living rooms with stay-awhile furniture, fit for intimate and generous gatherings alike. Stocked with decorative throw pillows, deep, cushy sectionals like the one Cortney Bishop installed in this down-to-earth space, are ripe for hosting guests.

Utilize books as a decorative accessory to add a sense of history and place to your farmhouse living room. The floor-to-ceiling built-ins in this perfectly appointed scene by Jessica Helgerson display tomes of varying colors and sizes for a relaxed vibe that introduces a dash of color to an otherwise monochromatic design.

For a sophisticated alternative to plank hardwood floors, consider stone. Limestone flooring, like the one in this farmhouse living room by Jute, imparts a European sensibility while the addition of a cross-beam wood ceiling and earthy materials prevents the look from being overly austere.