Design Vogue

Although there's no denying that the neutral colors and cool, clean lines of Scandinavian and minimalist interiors are soothing to the eye, there's also something undeniably comforting about the farmhouse look— but sadly, not all of us live in those beautiful barn conversions perfectly suited to the style.

If you've been trying to find an interior design style that blends together the best parts of all of these aesthetics, look no further. Allow us to introduce you to minimalist farmhouse design: a new, more achievable take on the classic look we can't wait to start seeing everywhere.

What Is Minimalist Farmhouse Design?

The subtly vintage-inspired details, natural materials, and soft hues of modern farmhouse interiors have long reigned supreme in our homes—so what is it that makes minimalist farmhouse design new and different?

"Minimalist farmhouse is a stripped-down version of the iconic modern farmhouse style," Bre Hance, the owner and principal designer at InHance, explains. "It still features cozy textures, layers, and natural wood surfaces, but with a focus on cleaner lines and simpler cabinetry, moldings, and furniture."

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Aim for Open and Airy

Much like its style predecessors, one of the main staples of a minimalist farmhouse space is its airy feeling, which can be created through thoughtful furniture placement and color choices. Hance explains how an open and spacious layout gives a home a classic farmhouse look.

"While modern farmhouse includes ornate textures and flourishes on furniture, minimalist farmhouse uses cleaner lines to achieve a balanced, modern look," Hance says. "Because you're working with less, every little design choice can really stand out and have a bigger impact."

To achieve openness in any sized space (even if it's not open-plan), aim to keep countertops and tables clean and clear, rearrange furniture for plenty of breathing room, and keep your wall paint colors and cabinetry all light, neutral, or soft.

Use Thoughtful Textures

The comfort and coziness found in the warmth of farmhouse design is another major part of its appeal—and although you won't see as many countryside-inspired patterns in its minimalist version, Hance says having plenty of layered textiles is still essential.

"Despite its more stripped-down approach, minimalist farmhouse still plays with different textures," she explains.

Hance suggests adding patterned area rugs or warm blankets and pillows to make any space cozier.

Curate Open Shelving

Hance's next suggestion might surprise you— but the welcoming beauty of minimalist farmhouse design truly lies in the balance between curating personal displays in each room, while also keeping the space as a whole relatively clutter-free. Hance shares how open shelving gives a house a warm, lived-in feel.

"Showcasing books or decorative items within the overall color scheme helps tie the entire space together," Hance says. "Being intentional about which objects you display—and making sure not to cram too many onto the shelves— is important for achieving that distinct minimalist look."

Incorporate Wooden Accents

If the biggest draw to farmhouse designs for you comes from the rustic charm of wooden elements, don't fret. They're not going anywhere in the minimalist version of the look, according to Hance.

"Natural wood elements are an iconic part of the minimalist farmhouse style— think exposed beams, hardwood floors, or decorative pieces to give your home that rustic feel," Hance says.

However, Hance warns against overdoing it and being selective about where and how you want to use the natural wood throughout your space so it actually stands out. To bring the texture of wood grain to your home in a subtle way, try photo frames, an unexpected wooden vase, and stylish storage boxes. Or, if you're looking for a more prominent feature and are splurging on a total home transformation, consider upgrading to all new wooden kitchen cabinets.

Embrace Natural Materials

Alongside the signature wood grain seen across all forms of farmhouse design, Hance says it's important to continue building the ambiance through thoughtfully selected furniture and decor elements featuring other complementary natural materials, such as stone and linen, and add the finishing touches of greenery.

"A sturdy wooden table or granite countertop will bring a weight that complements the rustic, natural feel," Hance says. "These strong centerpieces help anchor a room's overall decor, and contribute to the sense of spaciousness that defines minimalist farmhouse style."