The Outdated Farmhouse Kitchen Is Getting An Industrial Upgrade

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The farmhouse aesthetic has been a leading interior design trend for years. It rose in popularity in the 2010s thanks in part to the beloved HGTV series "Fixer Upper," which put the signature style of its stars Chip and Joanna Gaines in the spotlight. While it continues to be a favored aesthetic, more people are beginning to gravitate towards a modern farmhouse style over the more traditional look that we've been seeing. One of the most popular ways people are doing this is by blending classic farmhouse details with sleek, industrial design elements — especially in the kitchen.

Once considered taboo, incorporating mixed metals in your home decor is one of the most impactful ways to embody the industrial farmhouse aesthetic — and HGTV star Nate Berkus agrees. "Say it with me: You can mix metals," he wrote in an Instagram caption. The trick to doing it right, however, is avoiding metals that are too similar in tone — like gold and brass, for example. Instead, stick to materials with a strong contrast. "Warm metals like gold and brass come across rich and textured alongside cool metals like silver and chrome," he explained. According to Berkus, swapping out your existing kitchen hardware is a great place to start.

Another way to modernize your farmhouse kitchen is by upgrading your appliances. Stainless steel appliances — including a stainless steel chimney hood — are the go-to choice for modern styles. If you prefer the look of black or white appliances, consider pairing matte-finished appliances with a sleek stainless steel backsplash. Flooring can make a big impact, too. Rather than light hardwood, opt for an industrial-chic concrete or tile floor, which will create a cool contrast against the kitchen's warmer wood elements.

The key to nailing the modern farmhouse style is to make sure you're mixing the old with the new. Hanging industrial lighting — such as these Pynsseu Farmhouse Style Industrial Pendant Lights — over a reclaimed wood island, for example, is a perfect way to combine the two. Or, pair a classic farmhouse sink with a sleek chrome faucet — it's all about the balance.

There are certainly some features that will stay the same. Wood accents, for example, will continue to play a crucial role — think exposed beams, reclaimed wood countertops, open shelving, beadboard paneling, and warm decorative pieces like aesthetic cutting boards and butcher blocks. Farmhouse-inspired cabinetry will also stay, painted in soft, muted tones like cream, light gray, slate blue, or sage green.

The difference between a traditional and modern farmhouse aesthetic lies in the contrast. So, instead of sticking to lightly stained or whitewashed woods, today's farmhouse kitchens are incorporating richer, darker-stained woods. Industrial influences — such as metal accents and modern fixtures — are also being woven in to create depth and sophistication without losing that welcoming charm. The result is a kitchen that still feels rustic and warm but with a sleek, updated edge.