2 | SUNDAY , MARCH 24 , 2024 | THE RECORD
GREAT AMERICAN HOME & GARDEN REFRESH
Inside the modern farmhouse design trend and how to achieve it
Maddie McGay
NorthJersey . com USA TODAY NETWORK – NEW JERSEY
From white board and batten siding to black frame windows and gables , the modern farmhouse style has begun to dominate our New Jersey neighborhoods .
Not only does the style bring sleek exteriors — finished off with a large front porch and wood beams , of course — but it also comes with a distinct interior design style that has taken over the industry in recent years .
In Bergen County , interior designers like Christie Adams , of Christie Adams Design in Wyckoff , have helped bring this trend to the forefront , adding more contemporary touches to the traditional farmhouse aesthetic . “ To me , the older farmhouse is like the kitschy kinds of things , like signs that say ‘ Eat ’ and ‘ Gather .’ I feel like modern farmhouse is a little more elevated ,” she said . “ It has cleaner lines , is more streamlined and has less clutter . You ’ re not having those word art type things that were really popular when it was more of a dated kind of farmhouse .”
What elements are in the modern farmhouse style ?
The goal of the modern farmhouse style is to create an understated space that combines comfort and function , rather than using bold designs or bright pieces .
This is done through the use of neutral colors — black , white , beiges and grays — and incorporating well-loved items like furniture , dishes , art and other collectibles that are meant to be used .
“ Incorporating natural wood is another part of it . Wood tones are definitely popular with that modern farmhouse style ,” Adams said . “ For example , wrapping natural wood around an oven hood and things like that are very popular .”
Adding an accent wall using shiplap , beadboard or wainscot — wood paneling that only sits on the lower parts of the wall — are other common uses of wood in this style .
Meant to encourage a more practical lifestyle , the modern farmhouse aesthetic often includes the use of open shelving , draining dish racks and firewood storage .
Why do people like this style ?
Ingrid Nkongho , of Tenafly , whose home was designed by Adams , said that when she wanted to redesign her living room , she kept gravitating to this style . While she didn ’ t know it was referred to as modern farmhouse , she knew she liked how calm , clean and practical the style was for her home .
“ I was attracted to it for being very soothing , but also functional ,” she said . “ I wanted everything to be pieces that were not so precious that you can ’ t enjoy it or that our kids couldn ’ t sit on it . But , at the same time , I wanted to look at the space and feel peaceful . I didn ’ t want any kind of jarring colors or patterns or anything like that . So this was just more of a natural look .”
“ I like that it ’ s a clean look , but also cozy ,” Phillips said . “ Some of my favorite aspects about it are just how she took neutrals and used them throughout the room and then had a few pieces pop out . For example , we have kind of a neutral-colored room and then there ’ s these clean black frames where we have really special and meaningful pictures . I like the juxtaposition between the neutrals and the clean black frames , but also just keeping the vibes cozy .”
The same goes for Lauren Phillips of Wyckoff , another client of Adams . She said that they had just purchased a new home and knew they wanted the space designed in a way that they could keep forever .
Where did it come from ?
The term “ modern farmhouse ” originated out of Waco , Texas , just about a decade ago . This is when HGTV ’ s “ Fixer Upper ” icons Chip and Joanna Gaines brought their home renovations in this style to the television screens of homes across the nation .
The trend grew and expanded over time , with more designers creating their own shows and lines around this contemporary style . This includes Shea McGee of Studio McGee in Salt Lake City , Utah , where Adams said she gained inspiration for her own work .
“ I feel like a lot of it is because that ’ s what they ’ re showing you on shows and
A Tenafly home featuring the modern farmhouse style , as designed by Christie Adams Design . PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
The goal of the modern farmhouse style is to create an understated space that combines comfort and function .
on Instagram . Like Shea McGee has created a whole empire between her Netflix show and her Target line and her nearly 4 million Instagram followers ,” Adams said .
As of now , the style of modern farmhouse doesn ’ t seem to be going anywhere any time soon . The trend has taken the nation — New Jersey included — by storm , something that some may say is a timeless aesthetic that is here to stay .
“ Because the face is such a neutral palette , I feel like it can evolve , which I like because like any trend or style , it can look dated after a while . So I like that it ’ s neutral enough that as I evolve , we evolve as a family or if I get attracted to some other trends , I feel it ’ s easy to integrate , but at the same time , it does have a timeless look to it ,” Nkongho said .
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey . com and The Record , covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey . Find her on Instagram @ maddiemcgay , on X @ maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter . Do you have a tip , trend or terrific house she should know about ? Email her at MMcGay @ gannett . com .