With the boom of "Fixer Upper" and other such shows the design world has been taken over by a style described as "modern farmhouse". This cozy yet crisp design aesthetic combines the warmth we all crave for our homes with the clean lines that can sometimes feel too contemporary. The kitchen above so accurately blends all of this together to create a wonderful space. This space was designed by Monika Ross and her description of this style is.....
“A modern farmhouse is best represented by clean lines and a neutral palette mixed with a variety of textures and materials. I love anchoring the design by high contrast elements that are shown here such as black hardware, faucets and windows. This creates a sophisticated overall space.”
— Monika Rossa ~ Founder/Interior Designer~ Monika Ross Design LLC
This photo illustrates the contrasting elements Monika was referring to, creating this wonderfully pleasing result.
One design element you see quite often in the modern farmhouse is the "X" or barn door molding on doors, or in the cabinetry above you see it on the end of the island and as the mullion on the upper glass doors. A nod to the design element is the trestle table shown in the eat in area of this kitchen. These subtle elements provide just enough detail to make the space original while sticking to a clean architectural feel and the reclaimed wood feel of the table adds another texture to the space.
Another element that is quite common place is the farmhouse sink. The name of the sink pretty much says it all but it is another way to keep things simple while adding a cozy and more authentic piece to the puzzle. It is also a nice departure from the more common stainless steel sink options. When you think of an old farmhouse you also tend to think of "found objects". In this space the blown glass pendants and wooden tray on the island make you think of pieces you could have found and re-purposed.
#shiplap
You can't talk texture or modern farmhouse design without talking about the use of ship lap.
While Chip & Joanna Gaines have made it a household name as well as t-shirts etc. ship lap has actually been around for a decades. Before it was a design element is was a building and structural component, but now exposing or adding this lovely wood detail brings yet another layer of texture to any space. You can often seen this used above fireplaces, as a ceiling treatment or for an accent way. In the kitchen above it was used as a back splash and while the entire space is white the different texture the ship lap brings breaks things up a bit.
Faux brick fun
Exposed brick (real or faux) is one of those cool design tricks that can suit many design styles from industrial to traditional and everything in between. The great raw texture adds yet another layer to the modern farmhouse flair. Pairing it with open shelving packed with fun finds and decorative signs is a great way to show your own unique style.
Modern farmhouse design gives each individual the opportunity to layer in all the things that make them, them. From rustic yet comfortable pieces to things that have more of a heritage feel. It takes the best of everything you love about the past and makes it current for modern day life with a special simplicity all its own. The best thing is that this design style works no matter where you live, so see what kind of great spaces you can create using all or some of these elements.
When most people begin there cabinet hardware search their first thoughts are to match the finish of their light fixtures or faucets, or sometimes their appliances. However there are more and more people that want the hardware to truly be the jewelry of the space, bringing a unique color and texture to the overall design. For these people we have a wide array of different materials, besides metal, to choose from.
There are many different materials that hardware can be made from. Some of our favorites are glass, acrylic, leather, precious & semi precious stones, just to list a few.
Glass hardware offers the widest selection of texture and color options. Some of the items look like ice or water. While others are a ribbed detail that matches certain glass insets in the cabinetry.
Along with bringing a special amount of texture and color to a space they are a great way to showcase your own sense of style and personality. Below are several examples from bright emerald polka dots to vintage style cameos, or fun letters to personalize any space.
Another great material is leather. It offers a wonderful organic, natural texture and can also come in a wide variety of colors. In the right color and shape it can offer a very contemporary look as shown to the right.
In the space the white leather compliments the crisp white finish of the cabinets, while the t-bar design and brushed stainless steel accents keep it feeling modern and fresh.
Leather can also work in a much more traditional setting, with more woven texture and softer earthier colors. The combination of the metal accents allows you to match the other metals in your space without having too much of a good thing.
Below is one of my favorite unique materials and they are even rare on this planet. Semi-precious stones are one of the most striking and gorgeous. In this collection you have items made with mother of pearl, penshell, jade, and amethyst. While these material tend to be more expensive a little goes a long way making them the perfect items for a small accent or pop of color in a larger space.
We have highlighted just a few of the vast array of collections made from unique materials so if you find that your project could use something a bit different let us know and we would be happy to help you find your perfect match!
There are some very easy ways for you to enhance the curb appeal of your home without investing that much time and energy.
Dress up the front door Your home's front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a pop of color with new paint or by installing a custom wood door. If you are in love with your door as is give it a good clean and use metal polish on the door fixtures if they are a raw metal finish, or wipe down with warm soap and water. To protect your exterior fixtures you can use a coat of a product like Turtle wax. This will allow water and other elements to bead on top instead of permeating the finish. Your entry should also reflect the home's interior, so add some details that reflect your personal style. This could be a wreath or something as simple as a new door mat.
Replace old hardware House numbers, the entry door lock set, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home's exterior curb appeal. If they're out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones. If you do not currently have a door knocker or a door bell they are a nice way to dress up the first impression of your home and provide a wonderful function for you and your guests.
