Is Modern Farmhouse Dead?

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If ever there was too much of a good thing, it’s modern farmhouse decor. Why did it become so popular and where do we go from here?

This style has been roaring on for frankly, too long. But, before you click off this post in disgust, let me say, I really do love the style.

I don’t have it in my home, but I love looking at other people’s modern farmhouse kitchens and dining rooms.

I love Chip and Joanna. And I love the whole return to an old, traditional style (but with a twist) concept. But, I’m over it.

Source: HGTV — Designer Leanne Ford

My Instagram and Pinterest feed has been so oversaturated with Modern Farmhouse stuff that it’s hard to find anything else.

Over the past year, I’ve started to wonder why this trend became so popular and what’s next for all those die-hard shiplap and chalk paint fans.

The Rise of Modern Farmhouse

There is no question that HGTV and Fixer Upper had a profound impact on the popularization of this decor style.

The homes featured on this show were beautifully remodeled in Joanna Gaines’ signature style.

They were undeniably incredible transformations.

Source: HGTV

From shiplap walls to custom harvest tables, there was something about this style that felt not only comforting but attainable.

There’s a simplicity to it that echoes a simple farmhouse country life.

And in the midst of an era where we are bombarded with information 24 hours a day, it's no wonder people are ready to slow down and return to a quieter time, even if it is just in the form of decoration.

The Oversaturation of Farmhouse Decor

When retailers big and small began seeing the popularity of Fixer Upper, they wasted no time jumping on the trend. Very quickly, the demand snowballed.

Etsy shops selling strictly farmhouse decor popped up everywhere. Store shelves were packed with home accents in this style.

So much so that I stopped shopping Target in store for decor because everything was modern farmhouse.

And, I get it. Give the people what they want. But it was way too much.

There were virtually no other options in Target until they began releasing some of their newer in-house brands like Opalhouse. Kirkland’s and Pier1 are also guilty of this.

In the past 2 or 3 years, the only home decor styles that have managed to make any headway are modern industrial and boho.

Why Did The Modern Farmhouse Style Become So Popular?

Aside from the fact that the Gaines’ are a wonderful couple to watch on screen; that alone could not have been the reason for this style becoming so popular.

Or, could it? We’ve all seen celebrities plug products like hair care, diet supplements, clothing, handbags, etc. This is an effective sales method.

But, pre-Magnolia, Chip and Joanna never tried to sell farmhouse decor to anyone. They simply created beautiful spaces.

They were the type of spaces that exude warmth and family. With a subtle nod to a simpler time, this exemplified what many of us want. Moreover, it was brought to us by a likable family.

This style is also really easy to adopt whether you have a large budget to decorate or not.

At its core, we’re looking at light, airy kitchens of white or gray. Dark contrasting hardware and fixtures are usually coupled with an apron front (farmhouse) sink.

A large, wooden, harvest style table is commonly featured alongside other faux distressed furniture. Finally, re-purpose a few galvanized buckets and mason jars and you’re in business.

How To Transition From Modern Farmhouse

As we enter a new decade, this trend is slowly starting to peter out. However, I think it will still be another 2 years before something else takes its place as the dominant home decor style.

Depending upon the number of custom farmhouse details you incorporated into your home, transitioning to another style should be easy. If you went floor to ceiling shiplap in every room, however, you’ll need to put in a little more work to move on from this trend.

Source: HGTV.com — Tim Brown Architecture

There are several adjacent decor styles that one could transition to from modern farmhouse. Contemporary, Transitional, Modern Industrial, and Rustic are all options.

Contemporary interiors share the light, airy feel of modern farmhouse as well as the clean-lined furniture design. Transitional is a similar decor style, however, you may begin to see darker tones in the mix.

Modern Industrial plays on the contrasting hardware and exposed structure that you see in the farmhouse style. Rustic Chic would be another easy transition.

This would allow you to keep that worn, distressed look along with the natural wood furniture. For a closer look at these decorating styles check out the post What’s Your Home Decor Style? Part I and Part II.

For me, the most interesting part of the next decade in design will be seeing these transformations.

In 5 years are we going to see people look at these shiplap walls like we looked at wood panel walls and popcorn ceilings? Maybe. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Conclusion

If you have a modern farmhouse interior I’d love to hear from you. Do you plan on redecorating in another style anytime soon? Or, have you already done it? Please let me know in the comments below.

For more from Dianne Decor here’s my Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, or check out my decor shop. Thanks for reading!

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