5 Updates To Refresh Your Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Without Renovating

If you have a modern farmhouse-style kitchen and you’re worried about shifting design trends dating the look, you’re not alone. In a recent trend report compiled by Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets, modern farmhouse stood out as the number one kitchen style that homeowners are updating.

The style, she explains, peaked in the mid-2010s, thanks to popular home renovation shows and a “desire for approachable, casual spaces after years of cooler, more minimal kitchens.” Consider the meteoric rise of some of our favorite DIYers—Leanne Ford and Joanna Gaines—and it’s easy to see why this relaxed and welcoming look has made its way into so many American homes over the past decade. 

Hallmarks of Modern Farmhouse Style

“The original modern farmhouse kitchen was defined by white Shaker cabinets, black hardware, apron-front sinks, shiplap accents, and open shelving,” says Pierce. It’s a look that is closely associated with a high-contrast color palette of black and white, that’s often softened with rustic, reclaimed wood tones in furniture, flooring, and even exposed beams. 

The Evolution of Modern Farmhouse Style

These days, farmhouse style is more about a feeling of comfort than a strict design aesthetic. “Instead of sticking to black-and-white palettes or shiplap, we’re seeing warmer stains, muted colors and softer cabinet profiles,” says Pierce, adding that rustic or organic elements are still present, but now “they’re more likely to be paired with modern hardware, softer lines, and a broader range of finishes or color accents.” Think fluted woodwork instead of shiplap and brass hardware instead of black, for example.

5 Easy Ways to Update a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

“Homeowners are mixing farmhouse with other influences like coastal, midcentury, or organic modern to create a layered aesthetic that feels personal rather than prescriptive. It’s less about replicating a style and more about borrowing what works and making it your own,” says Pierce, noting that combining styles helps with longevity.

“It’s part of a bigger ‘from trend to blend’ movement,” she says. By blending in other styles of decor, you’re actually extending the lifecycle of the look and making it more flexible as trends evolve. Here are five swaps you can make to keep your modern farmhouse kitchen current.

1. Paint

“Shift the base color from a crisp white to a warmer off-white, cream, or sandy beige. It instantly softens the space,” says Pierce. If you’re not up for repainting the entire kitchen, she suggests adding a muted accent color into the space, like the island cabinetry. “Sage green, mushroom, or dusty blue are all growing in popularity while remaining timeless,” she says.

If you are feeling adventurous, however, kitchen designer Caren Rideau of Kitchen Design Group suggests introducing a pop of color through accessories or a feature wall to update the look. “It can bring new life to your kitchen and create a vibrant atmosphere,” she says. “Don’t underestimate the power of color.”

2. Hardware

“Swap out matte black hardware for brushed brass, bronze, or textured pewter to bring in warmth and dimension,” says Pierce. Rideau agrees: “Updating your cabinet hardware is an effective way to modernize your space instantly.” Adding sleek knobs and pulls can help achieve a contemporary look if you’re hoping to layer in more modern accents.

3. Lighting

Rideau also suggests changing out or adding decorative lighting. For example, swapping rustic barn lights for sleek, glass globes can instantly update a space without much effort. “The right fixtures can beautifully complement the farmhouse aesthetic while providing the perfect ambience,” she says.

4. Furniture

No need to replace your entire dining set, but a simple chair swap goes a long way in changing the feel of a room. Consider the impact of replacing, for example, traditional Windsor or Ladder-back chairs with modern upholstered side chairs or contemporary counter stools at the kitchen island.

5. Cabinetry

“Replace open shelving with glass-front or fully closed cabinetry for a cleaner, updated look,” says Pierce. Also think about new wood textures. “Red oak, walnut, hickory or sustainably sourced white oak can bring richness and a sense of craft to the kitchen—without a full gut renovation.”