How to design a Modern Farmhouse kitchen

Whether you’re doing a simple D.I.Y. kitchen makeover or the full reno, decisions depend on finding your perfect fit. Bunnings kitchen guides can help you choose from the leading kitchen design trends: Japandi, Mid-Century Modern, Natural Neutrals, New Rural, Urban Edge, Modern Farmhouse, Contemporary Colour and Soft Coastal. Here, we explore what makes the Modern Farmhouse kitchen design great for family living.

What is Modern Farmhouse?

Don’t let the name fool you – this style may be nostalgic, but it’s never old-fashioned. Modern Farmhouse cleverly blends classic and new elements to create a fresh, multi-purpose room that feels comfortable and homely. Taking inspiration from nature, the light and airy kitchen design offers plenty of flexibility for personal touches and is geared towards multigenerational households and casual entertaining.

Is Modern Farmhouse right for you?

The Modern Farmhouse kitchen is a haven for food lovers and the ideal place to channel your inner chef. If the kitchen is your happy place – where you relax, bake or invest time prepping hearty meals – this style is for you. You’ll love it if you’re charmed by antique and heirloom pieces but also appreciate clean lines and modern design. It suits people who want their home to feel lived-in and have a sense of history without looking cluttered or dated. Modern Farmhouse makes sense if you value comfort and cosiness but also feel energised by fresh, airy spaces.

Key elements of a Modern Farmhouse kitchen

Modern Farmhouse is all about flexibility, balance and mix-and-match elements that complement and contrast each other. Get started with these basics, then layer in extra details to personalise your look.

Colour palette

An all-white Modern Farmhouse kitchen looks bright and airy, but to add more interesting colour to your kitchen aim to balance soft neutrals on walls and tiles with accent colours in muted greens, blues, warm greys and timber tones. If you prefer to lean into colour, try painting raw cabinetry in on-trend butter yellow.

Cabinetry and layout

Cabinets are a great place to bring in rustic, earthy elements such as muted green, which stands out beautifully against a backdrop of warm white walls and tiles and wood and stone surfaces. For a modern twist on the classic shaker style, a V-groove profile adds clean vertical lines and subtle texture.

When planning your layout, prioritise functionality with wide aisles and an efficient work triangle between your fridge, sink and cooking area. Aim for a mix of hidden and exposed storage – a pull-out pantry or hanging rail for pots and pans can maximise space, while open shelving is a perfect for displaying your favourite collections and maintaining an airy feel.

Materials and textures

This kitchen style is built around natural kitchen materials. Adding modern elements to the traditional farm cottage aesthetic means you can achieve an elevated look on a budget by using natural-look materials that are durable and easy to maintain. For a classic farmhouse kitchen backsplash, opt for a textured tile with character that lends itself to hand made (a zellige tile would be great). This easy-to-clean surface will also help to reflect natural light.

Finishes

Choose finishes carefully to balance style and practicality. Modern Farmhouse finishes should be soft to touch, smooth and easy to clean – think quality laminate benchtops and durable matte black hardware. Black handles and taps create eye-catching contrast with paler materials, absorbing glare and minimising fingerprints. They’re also an easy, budget-friendly way to upgrade an existing kitchen.

Or you can add some of your own personality here with hardware. Look to patinaed hardware, which looks lived in and full of character. Adding elements that nod to nostalgia are an affordable way to really amp up the personalisation of your kitchen.

Lighting

To create a welcoming atmosphere, this kitchen style makes the most of natural light layered with a mix of decorative and functional task lighting fixtures. Combine overhead and pendant lights with wall sconces that add extra warmth and character.

Decor and styling

Modern Farmhouse kitchen decor is an eclectic mix of functional and beautiful – think artfully arranged wooden cutting boards and butchers blocks, mismatched ceramics, enamelware and glassware, bowls of fruit or vegetables, woven baskets and well-thumbed cookbooks. Aim for a range of materials and textures such as wood, ceramics, cast iron, rattan and natural textiles such as patterned linen. Don’t forget to add greenery with herbs, potted plants and freshly cut flowers.

Furniture and key details

Modern Farmhouse kitchens can include a range of fitted and unfitted features, from barn-style sliding doors and upcycled timber furniture refreshed with country-style chalk paint, but these three take centre stage.

Table or island?

This style of kitchen often features a multifunctional central island combining a prep area, storage and seating so you can chat, cook and eat together. A chunky timber dining table can also work well in this spot – the more rustic-looking, the better! A D.I.Y kitchen trolley makes a space-saving alternative for smaller kitchens.

Farmhouse sink

You’ll also need a deep, wide kitchen sink with plenty of room for pots and pans, ideally underneath a large window that overlooks your kitchen garden. For a great-value alternative to the traditional apron front ceramic sink, choose from single and double stainless-steel options and team with a signature gooseneck tap.

Freestanding oven The warm heart of this kitchen design is an extra-wide freestanding commercial-style oven. Paired with a sleek rangehood, it tells guests you’re serious about food and cooking. For larger families and people who love to entertain, upsizing cooktop and oven space can be a real time saver, too.

Find what you need for your kitchen

Explore our wide range of kitchen products and start creating your perfect kitchen today.