Expert Tips to Create a Modern Farmhouse Dining Room

The modern farmhouse style has taken the interior design world by storm, and nowhere is its charm more evident than in a well-curated dining room. Many homeowners seek to incorporate the rustic modern farmhouse look into their dining area as it creates an inviting space for food and conversations.

If you’re one of them, this guide is for you! Join our interior stylist, Adrika, as she shares her expert tips and tricks to create a modern farmhouse dining room that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

For Adrika, no two homes are ever the same. With clients’ narratives always at the forefront, it’s her passion to help bring spaces to life! With a wealth of design knowledge built up over the last 8 years in the Interior Design industry, Adrika has styled thousands of homes - between Australia and Singapore!

8 ways to achieve a modern farmhouse dining room

Go for an oversized dining table

“Farmhouse designs put great emphasis on family and togetherness. As dining rooms are often associated with gatherings, family meals, and entertaining guests, a large dining table provides ample seating and space for people to gather comfortably,” says Adrika.

The Dillon Extendable Dining Table sits up to 10 people comfortably. Also pictured: The Austen Chair in White Wash and Lilou Jute Area Rug.

A spacious dining table promotes a sense of openness and welcomes conversation, as compared to one that is smaller and cramped. It encourages lingering after meals and fosters a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, aligning with the inviting nature and hospitality of the farmhouse style.

“Even if there’s limited space, use an extendable dining table!” she mentions. Extendable dining tables are a practical solution for situations where you have limited space for a larger, oversized table.

Use wooden tables and chairs

Adrika highlights that wood is a quintessential material in farmhouse design, and when used strategically, it can perfectly blend with modern elements to create a harmonious and inviting space.

Wooden furniture brings a touch of rustic elegance that's characteristic of farmhouse style. Whether it’s a dining table, chairs, benches, or a sideboard, the natural grain and warm tones of wood add a sense of authenticity and timelessness to the room.

The Miles Dining Table pairs beautifully with the Edith Cane Chair in Black.

“Furthermore wooden furniture pieces also highlight the natural wooden structures in your home like wooden panels, beams, and flooring.”

Go for a neutral color palette

“Going for a neutral palette contributes to the overall modern farmhouse aesthetic by creating a harmonious, timeless, and versatile backdrop for the other design elements,” says Adrika.

She also adds that neutrals align with the warmth and coziness associated with farmhouse interiors. Shades of whites, creams, grays, and earthy tones set the stage for a balanced and soothing atmosphere that's associated with the modern farmhouse style.

Embrace simple and clean lines

“When creating a modern farmhouse style, the key is to strike a balance between these two different styles,” says Adrika. “Farmhouse tends to be more ornate, while the modern twist calls for cleaner lines.”

Farmhouse spaces can sometimes feel busy due to the incorporation of various rustic and vintage items. Embracing clean lines helps to avoid visual clutter, which is essential for creating an open and airy atmosphere in your dining room.

The Seb Sideboard features clean lines and slim tapered legs. Picture credits: @thedelightedhome

That said, opt for furniture items that feature simple shapes and sleek designs to maintain the modern aspect of the room. For instance, you could choose chairs with slim frames and straight backs, a dining table with simple legs, or a sideboard with clean and unadorned surfaces.

These pieces can coexist with more rustic elements or decor to achieve the modern farmhouse look.

Install statement lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance of a modern farmhouse. Opt for statement lighting fixtures with a touch of farmhouse charm, such as a chandelier with wooden accents or pendant lights with vintage-style bulbs.

Also, go for bulbs that emit a warm light as opposed to a white light. This creates a more inviting atmosphere, perfect for meals and hosting guests.

Add farmhouse-inspired decor

The dining area is the best place to go all out with the farmhouse-inspired decoration without it looking out of place. Accentuate the room with items like handmade pottery and woven table runners to add some rustic flair.

Mason jars are another iconic farmhouse decor. They can be repurposed as vases for fresh flowers or candle holders, adding a charming touch to the dining room. Adrika also recommends adding some gingham-printed placemats and a vase of flowers on the dining table to emphasize the farmhouse vibes.

Balance with greenery

“As farmhouse design often emphasizes a connection to nature, add a touch of greenery to the space.”

@homedeco decorates the Seb Extendable Dining Table with lots of greenery. Also pictured: The Seb Bench.

Greenery brings a piece of the outdoors inside, aligning with the rustic and down-to-earth nature of the farmhouse style. Incorporate potted plants, fresh flowers, or even a small indoor herb garden that you can use for cooking.

Create an open and airy space

Lastly, prioritize an open and airy layout.

“Farmhouses are often huge and have lots of natural light. As modern homes might not have the luxury of space, you can still replicate this by ensuring there is ample space between furniture pieces,” says Adrika.

Creating an open arrangement and allowing the air to flow freely aligns with modern design principles while embracing the welcoming nature of farmhouse decor.

We hope that this guide has helped you to embark on your journey of designing a captivating dining room that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds.

Creating a modern farmhouse dining room is about finding the perfect balance between contemporary aesthetics and rustic charm. By carefully selecting materials, furniture, and decor, and incorporating thoughtful design elements, you can create a space that exudes warmth, comfort, and style.

If you need more help transforming your dining room into a cozy modern farmhouse, try out Castlery’s room designer tool to help you visualize the room of your dreams!