Modern Farmhouse Decor, Is It Really Me?
Modern farmhouse decor is a style that I admire. I had planned to use it in our updated beach house, but I’m not sure it’s really me.
When we first began the beach house remodel project, I created a mood board and am sharing photos from that with you today. As we get closer to the end of the remodeling project and I begin to source items for the house, I’m struggling to understand if this style is really me? Let me explain my dilemma.
The photos I am sharing today are what I have found as my inspiration photos and I love the look. The kitchen photo above includes the actual appliances I chose for the beach house. I kind of like this kitchen and was thinking of using this similar style for our beach house.
I think.
Yikes, I need help.
Modern Farmhouse vs Traditional Farmhouse
The photo above is one that I love. Now, this isn’t my usual farmhouse-style and I just want to be sure this is what I want.
But now that the beach house remodel is becoming real, I want to make sure that the beach house I am going to decorate feels like our house, and not someone else’s.
If you have ever tackled a big project like this one, this is something everyone goes through. The decisions are big ones, am I making the right choices?
I love everything about our home in Pasadena, a traditional farmhouse built in 1915. That might sound a little bit crazy, a 100+ year old farmhouse in the Los Angeles area, but yes, it is exactly that! The house was originally built in 1915, when Los Angeles was not the sprawling metropolis that it is today. It was built as a wedding gift to a beloved daughter. The daughter was gifted the home and surrounding land, as a nest egg, for her future family.
The home has only been owned by two families over the years. Luckily that means that the gorgeous structural bones of the house have been respected and the architectural features are original or created based on the original.
What Does Modern Farmhouse Decor Mean To Me?
When we embarked on the remodeling of our beach house, there was not any architectural integrity to respect (it was built in 1976), so I am in the process of tying to create it. Thus, a modern farmhouse/beach house design idea was born.
Because our beach house remodel is almost a complete overhaul of the house, I used mood boards to help keep me on track so that every room was cohesive. I loved the concept of modern farmhouse style which combines the sleek clean lines of contemporary design, which is perfect for the beach, with the warm and cozy farmhouse aesthetic.
The Staircase
Photo from Style Me Pretty
There are so many decisions to be made about this house. My current project is to decide on the style of the staircase. We have two staircases to redo and I am considering using the style of the Modern Farmhouse Stairway pictured here.
What do you think?
Liveable Modern Farmhouse Decor
One of my favorite things about our beach house, pre-remodeling, was that the house was so livable. No one freaked out when the damp and sandy dogs got on the couches. The house was small and cozy and each room was decorated in beach colors … turquoise, aqua, and sand. It really was the perfect beach house. Cozy. Easy. Comfortable.
Our family has grown, quite literally. Our boys are now all adults, out on their own and we have been so lucky to now also include my daughter-in-law, who I adore. So, this beach house remodel is about having a grown-up, more adult beach house.
I think the house needs a little more sophistication, but still, one where everyone is comfortable curling up on the couch with a little sand lingering on their feet. A home that will accommodate the continued growth of our family with grandchildren someday!
New is always uncomfortable. Until it is no longer new. So I am sinking into this new world of modern farmhouse decor knowing that while it will be more modern, the cozy and warm elements of traditional farmhouse style will be there too. Those traditional touches are what will make it feel like our home. No longer new, but comfortable, and very much us.
As I check, recheck and check again the photos from my mood boards to confirm my decisions and navigate through choosing surfaces, flooring, and lighting, I am a little out of my comfort zone. The modern farmhouse decor elements are a little sleeker, the lines a little smoother and there is lots of black in the mood board photos. Eeeeek! Ok, I’ll calm down about black, I promise.
To be honest, I would love your thoughts in the comments below. Please!
I am starting to fall in love with the lighter woods and gray-toned woods that will mix beautifully with the sage green and tan color palette I have chosen. I have vowed that there will be no chippy white furniture at the beach house!
Well, maybe a little bit.
On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you make a purchase via the link. The price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.
My Comfort Zone is Quite Literally Comfort
As I write this post, I am beginning to lean into how to combine these two aesthetics of modern and traditional.
It’s all about using them to create comfort. I will choose lighting that is thoughtfully placed in just the right spot so that I can curl up on the more modernly shaped couch with one of my favorite beach reads. I can adopt sleek and uncluttered as a precursor to having a grandbaby safe house.
As planned, I will hang the antique chandelier, that I found at the flea market in France and carried home in my suitcase, in a place where the crystals will reflect the sunshine and create little rainbows on lighter-colored wood.
Sleek and comfortable, yes, sleek and comfortable.
If you are enjoying my blog, you can sign up to receive my blog updates here. .
Inspired by an Apartment in France
The gorgeous apartment that we stayed in while we visited Provence serves as a lovely inspiration for the marriage of traditional meets modern. While the building itself was built in the 18th century, our apartment was modernly appointed with features like concrete countertops and a Joybird couch. They lived together in beautiful harmony.
If I stay focused on the feeling that I want to create in the beach house, I am confident that I can blend modern farmhouse decor and traditional farmhouse decor and maybe create a whole new style!
When it’s all done, we’ll have to figure out what this new style should be called!
Watch My Amazon Live
Click here to watch any of my Amazon Live shows. All shows are recorded.
Prime Day is coming soon and here are some Amazing Pre-Prime Day deals!
Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome
My answer is…if you have to ask then it isn’t really you. You are trying to decorate by copying what people are doing on the internet. Your house should be your family life and what you love. Your kitchen that you’ve had all along is beautiful and most importantly has character. Gray tones are definitely looking dated already. Just do “you” and you’ll love it and so will everyone else. Change is good but don’t change what you love.
Cheers. Whatever you decide, I hope you love it!
It’s a big project for sure Sue. So, so many decisions! Thank you for reaching out!
Go with the modern farmhouse. Why would you want the same style as your house? Then it will seem as if you’re really on vacation. I love the pictures of the modern farmhouse. Then you can add touches of the traditional. I’m sure whatever you choose will reflect your great style! Susan
Thank you Susan. I think you nailed it, we want to feel like we are on vacation, but in our own home!
First let me say that I hope you are feeling better. Since there’s been a new post every day I don’t think you’re resting as much as you should!!
Your Pasadena home is so beautiful, comfortable, and cozy. I think you should keep modern farmhouse elements to a minimum and continue to use traditional farmhouse designs so your beach environment has the same lovely, peaceful, beautiful vibe that your Pasadena house exudes.
I’m going through something very similar. I lived in Colorado for about 25 years but I am from California. While living in Colorado my home became quite eclectic, with many older pieces from the beach home in California and then pieces that I added hear and there, which seemed to carry a European farmhouse feel. I loved it. Everyone who came to my home immediately felt comfortable. Then three years ago I moved to Palm Springs and before moving I purged and decided to go mid-century modern. It fit the area I was going to be living in and I was ready for a change! Well, going on three years later I realize, it’s not me!! I miss my cozy white slipcovered couch. Yes, I know white couches are over done, but I still love that look. I changed my iron pieces back to lighter colored woods and laid a sisal rug. I may be moving back in time again with this style but it feels more like me!! Don’t go too far out of your comfort zone is my advice! I love the look of your idea board!
Oh my gosh Mary, you have really lived through my dilemma! Thank you for your advice!
Thank you Lauren – I am feeling better, still very dizzy though which is frustrating! Writing this blog post and your thoughtful comment is really helping me to settle into the direction for the beach house. Thank you!
You are so fortunate to have the best of both worlds, a charming antique home in the most livable style that fits with the time, and now an opportunity to create a low-key vacation/weekend home with a slightly different vibe. I would go with the modern because it is so simple, and simple is what you probably want at the beach.
I’m fortunate because my 102-year old home happens to be on Cape Cod. It is also my primary residence and so reflects my style which has evolved over the years, casual elegance. If I had a second home in a resort/beach location, it would be simple….simple….simple, just like the examples on your mood boards. I especially love the kitchen and foyer. Have fun with it, Leslie!!
Thank you Carol – I love that sentiment. How lovely that you have a 102 year old home on Cape Cod. It sounds absolutely wonderful to me!
I think your kitchen photo is perfect, as are all the light woods. My only thought is to have as few glass doors, and shining surfaces as possible, so that your beach house time isn’t spent cleaning and polishing.
Oh, that is an interesting idea Wendy. Thank you!
I love your home ideas! I’m in love with the all white kitchen , are the cabinets white or a cream color? Thxs
Long time reader here! I completely empathize with you. We purchased a small beach cottage at the Jersey shore 2 years ago, which had not been updated since the 1950’s! My husband and I have done all the renovating ourselves since, literally top to bottom every weekend. I had envisioned a Cali boho-style for it and my mood boards depicted all that. But it’s now evolved into what I call a Santa Barbara cottage style – warm woods, new furnishings with my beloved estate sale finds from the Jersey Shore. I walk in every weekend and say “ah”, as it feels just right. As well, my children are now young adults so I’m making it feel new and still “cool” for them and not the “grandma” house feeling they were dreading lol! And go figure – coastal grandma style is on trend now (and I’m not a grandma yet)! So…if you are asking yourself if this new style is you…it just might not be. Go with what feels right for you, and not so much as what’s on Pinterest and Insta! I did the same – until I started feeling overwhelmed and realized I was losing sight of my true vision. Keep us posted!
Santa Barbara cottage style – love that term! Thank you for reaching out Annette, your comment is very comforting!
Just do what you love. I wouldn’t follow any trends. Just do what you love.
Well said Ellen!
Google “Nantucket style” and see if that beach style might appeal to you. We just remodeled and downsized—went from a European/Tuscan style to a modern Nantucket style with art and the outdoors as our focus. (I’m an oil painter with lots of art friends and access to amazing art).
Wow, your home sounds amazing Mary! Thank you for reaching out!
I had the same dilemma. We are renovating out country home and wanted modern farmhouse until I saw your blog (thank you) and realized that modern farmhouse is too stark and not comforting to me. So my answer is …. Do what makes you comfortable and happy so you can enjoy you Beach house.
Oh my gosh, it makes my heart happy that my home/blog inspired comfort for you. You are so kind!
I love the modern look for your beach house ! It’s just so calming. I feel like you need a change from your farmhouse to feel like you are on vacation even if it’s just for a few days. Your homes are beautiful!
Thank you Jill. That is a good point, we want to feel like we are on vacation in our own home!
It’s ok to rethink this and it’s ok to change our styles. I went through a very similar process in choosing our house we recently purchased which is a totally different style…modern farmhouse from the heavy traditional style that I had in my previous 4 homes.
I attribute it to my empty nester or 3rd stage syndrome, I now gravitate to cleaner lines, less fussy (formal) spaces – just simpler decor!!! And I have to say it’s the best decision I made. I love my home!!!
Go beyond your comfort zone, it will be ok.
If you liked the style enough to make a mod board then you will love it when it’s all done.
Also you are in a unique position to have multiple homes, why shouldn’t they each reflect a different style or design choices?
Go far it!!!
Thank you for your kind words Jazz. Writing this blog post and all of the comments are really helping me feel confident in the direction I am going. Thank you!
I agree with Susan. Have something different …. Your touches will still show thru because you will make it comfortable! Laying on a comfy sofa with sand on your feet is all you need. From what I’ve seen of your choices, and having already decided on “no chippy” furniture, you’re already halfway there to modern farmhouse. Go for it!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment Rose! 😊
Hell,o – Change is always a little difficult -until you get used to it and embrace it! That said, I think a less cluttered, sleeker look is great for the beach – you want to be able to keep things clean. And although you are going for more of an “adult vibe”, keep in mind that you may also want it to be comfortable for future grandchildren as well – and large family gatherings! Why not a farmhouse meets eclectic beach house look (ties in your chandeliers from Provence) – but make it comfortable with natural elements – and colors that extend out to the sea ( your tan for the sand and green or green blue for the water). You don’t have to make it scream “beach” – but keep it casual – and make it your style! (PS – the bathroom with all the marble or marble look – seems a bit too formal for a beach house!
Hi Jan – thank you for reaching out. It all seems to be coming together in my mind. I appreciate your thoughtful comment and your support!
Truthfully, I fear that modern farmhouse is so on trend that it has become trendy. Once a trend ends it quickly becomes time stamped. You should stay with your own personal style. It is timeless and beautiful!
Thank you Marilyn 😊
I like your ideals, you have very good taste. Only thing the kitchen has to many cabinets on back wall and gray.
Thank you Eugenia, I appreciate your opinion.
I think Cottage Farmhouse style – to me, a little softer than Modern but lighter than traditional Farmhouse – would be a perfect combo for the Beach. Whatever you choose, I’m confident it will be beautiful, warm and inviting !!
Thank you for your kind words Kathie!
I love your home in Pasadena and these mood boards. I do prefer the Stairwell on the left that has lighter woods. I think the black throws me too on stairwell spindles and big doors as it is such a contrast to the bright beachy sun. I wonder if you keep the cleanness and just sub those major sources of black with muted tones or woods that be an easier bridge to the modern farmhouse style. I love the idea of some glassed doors in kitchens to add some color. You are so great at adding color in other ways. It is going to be beautiful!! I would love a beach house!
Thank you Lori – new is becoming less uncomfortable, just having written the blog post and all of the thoughtful comments. Thank you for your thoughtful encouragement!
We have lived in 1920s English Tudor, 2000s Modern Beach House 1765 Sea Captains Home, 1950s Mid Century Modern and now Modern Farmhouse. By far the most comfortable and aesthetically flexible (and to me, appealing) is Modern Farmhouse. I have never been more comfortable. Yes, there is lots of black (and white) but there are also fun punches of color in some wallpaper & fabric. It’s truly an easy style to embrace & live in. There are no set hard & fast rules- so you may find a pair of mid century modern chairs in one room and a table from the 1700s in another. Go for it Leslie- with your eye and expertise it is going to be amazing. ❤️
One of the things I love about your 100 year old home is it’s timelessness. Forget the date on the calendar it seems to be saying and let me embrace all who enter with the details that have always made a home welcoming- warmth, character, charm. I would encourage you to let your “new” beach home develop in the same way. Choose architectural details, colours, accents, and design that are classic not trendy. They will withstand the tests of time and be a cherished legacy for future family generations. One of the comments in this series suggested “Nantucket Style”. I agree. It is timeless and coastal and cottagey and warm. I see your cherished French chandelier in that type of home – not in the modern farmhouse one.
Enjoy the journey…