The modern farmhouse look swept through our homes with the force of a charming, shiplap-covered tornado. For years, it has been the go-to aesthetic for creating a warm, inviting, and family-friendly space. However, like all good things, some of its most popular elements have become somewhat predictable.
If your home is starting to look less like a personal sanctuary and more like a carbon copy of a home decor catalog from 2018, it might be time for a gentle refresh. Ease into a home style that keeps the rustic charm you love while making it feel uniquely yours again.
We’re not suggesting a complete overhaul. Check out some of the most overplayed farmhouse trends (as explained by designers) and discover fresh, exciting alternatives.
1. Shiplap Overload
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There was a time you couldn’t scroll through social media without seeing a shiplap accent wall. It became the definitive symbol of farmhouse style, applied to everything from fireplace surrounds to entire rooms. While it can add texture, its moment in the spotlight has led to saturation. A room wrapped entirely in horizontal white boards can feel more like the inside of a crate than a chic country home.
Instead of defaulting to shiplap, consider other wall treatments that add character without feeling cliché. Beadboard offers a classic, vertical texture that feels a bit more traditional and refined. A simple board and batten can create a sophisticated, paneled look that adds dimension.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Shiplap is overused and can make a space feel dated.
- Try Instead: Beadboard for a classic look, board and batten for modern dimension, or textured wallpaper for warmth.
2. All-White Kitchens
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The all-white farmhouse kitchen was once the peak of clean, bright design. White cabinets, white counters, white backsplash; it was crisp and airy. The problem with this look is that it can quickly feel sterile and cold, like a laboratory where you happen to make dinner.
These kitchens also require constant cleaning to look their best, which is a major drawback for a space where you boil tomato soup. Warmth and personality are making a comeback. Swap out the stark white for softer, creamier tones or light mushroom beiges, earthy greens, deep navies, and rich terracotta tones.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: All-white kitchens can feel sterile and are high-maintenance.
- Try Instead: Warmer neutrals like cream or beige, bold cabinet colors like green or navy, or a mix of wood and painted cabinetry.
3. Barn Doors as a Cure-All
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Sliding barn doors were a clever solution for tight spaces and a bold rustic statement. However, their popularity exploded, and soon they were featured on every available surface, from pantries to bathrooms. The reality is they are often more style than substance. They are heavy, can be loud, and rarely offer the same level of privacy or sound insulation as a traditional swinging door. Some bathroom breaks come with sound effects; you really need a bathroom that’s even slightly soundproof.
Pocket doors are a fantastic alternative that truly saves space by disappearing into the wall. They provide a clean look and excellent privacy. For a touch of elegance, consider French doors with glass panels, which can separate a space while still allowing light to flow through. Even a beautifully crafted, traditional swinging door painted in a statement color can add more character than a bulky barn door.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Barn doors are often impractical, loud, and lack privacy.
- Try Instead: Pocket doors for a space-saving solution, French doors for elegance, or a classic door in a bold color.
4. Word Art That States the Obvious
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“EAT.” “GATHER.” “FAMILY.” We get it. These signs, often rendered in a swooping cursive font on distressed wood, were intended to be heartwarming reminders. Now, they just feel generic. Your home should reflect your personality, not spell out the designated function of each room.
It’s time to let your decor speak for itself. Replace the word art with pieces that have genuine meaning. Hang a beautiful landscape painting, a gallery wall of family photos, or a unique piece of abstract art. A vintage mirror can add depth and light to a room. If you love typography, find a vintage sign from an old shop or a beautifully framed print of a poem that resonates with you.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Generic word art feels impersonal and unoriginal.
- Try Instead: Meaningful paintings, a gallery wall of personal photos, antique mirrors, or unique vintage signs.
5. Matte Black Everything
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For a while, matte black hardware was the perfect contrast to the all-white farmhouse aesthetic. It was on faucets, cabinet pulls, light fixtures, and window frames. While it can look sleek, its overuse has made it predictable.
Introduce a mix of metal finishes to create a layered, collected look. Warm brass, polished nickel, and aged copper are all beautiful choices that add a touch of glamour and warmth. Mixing metals, like brass light fixtures with nickel cabinet pulls, can look incredibly chic and intentional when done thoughtfully.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Overusing matte black fixtures makes a room feel flat and uninspired.
- Try Instead: Warm metals like brass or copper, polished nickel for a classic feel, or a tasteful mix of different finishes.
6. Open Shelving Nightmares
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Open shelves look stunning in magazines, perfectly styled with a curated collection of matching white dishware and a single, thriving plant. In reality, they are dust magnets and a constant battle against clutter. Unless you are incredibly disciplined, they quickly become a chaotic display of mismatched mugs, half-empty cereal boxes, and a lonely plastic cactus.
The solution is simple: cabinets with doors. If you want to break up a solid wall of cabinetry, use glass-front doors. They allow you to display your favorite dishes while protecting them from dust and grease.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Open shelves are hard to keep clean and organized.
- Try Instead: Cabinets with glass-front doors to display items cleanly, or a freestanding hutch for added charm and storage.
7. Shaker Cabinets
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada – Kitchen – CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons.
Shaker-style cabinets are beloved for their simple, clean lines and timeless appeal. They are versatile and have been a staple of farmhouse kitchens for a good reason. To update your look, consider cabinet fronts with more detail. Fluted or reeded cabinet doors add texture and a modern touch.
Flat-panel doors offer a more minimalist, contemporary look that can still feel warm when done in a natural wood finish. If you already have Shaker cabinets, you can easily update them by painting them a bold color or swapping out the hardware for something more unique.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Shaker cabinets have become so common that they lack personality.
- Try Instead: Fluted or reeded cabinet doors for texture, flat-panel doors for a minimalist look, or simply updating existing cabinets with new paint and hardware.
8. Faux-Distressed Furniture
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That “shabby-chic” look, where furniture is intentionally chipped and sanded to look old, has run its course. Often, these mass-produced pieces look more damaged than charming. The farmhouse style is moving toward a more refined and authentic aesthetic, favoring quality pieces that show their age gracefully, not through a factory finish.
Instead of buying faux-distressed items, invest in genuine antiques or high-quality, solid wood furniture. Look for pieces with a story, like a dining table made from reclaimed barn wood or a vintage dresser with its original hardware.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Faux-distressed furniture often looks cheap and contrived.
- Try Instead: Genuine antique or vintage finds, or well-made, solid wood furniture that will stand the test of time.
9. Mason Jar Overkill
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Admittedly, it feels morally wrong to discard a good mason jar. They were used as drinking glasses, vases, light fixtures, and soap dispensers. Sadly, this humble canning jar has been asked to do far too much. Seeing them everywhere has diluted their charm, turning a practical item into a decorating cliché.
It’s time to let mason jars return to their primary purpose: canning. For drinking glasses, invest in a proper set of glassware. For vases, use ceramic pitchers, unique glass bottles, or simple pottery. There are countless beautiful and affordable options for lighting and soap dispensers that can add a more sophisticated touch to your space.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Mason jars have been overused for every possible function, cheapening their appeal.
- Try Instead: Dedicated glassware, ceramic pitchers for flowers, and stylish light fixtures and dispensers.
10. Whitewashed Everything
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From floors to furniture to brick fireplaces, the whitewash technique was applied liberally to give everything a light, weathered look. While it can brighten a dark wood or tone down red brick, it often results in a chalky, washed-out appearance.
Embrace the natural beauty of materials. Let your wood floors shine with a natural stain that highlights their grain. If you want to lighten up a brick fireplace, consider a German schmear technique for a more authentic, textured look. For furniture, stick to natural wood finishes or a solid coat of paint in a color you love.
Rethink & Refresh:
- The Issue: Whitewashing can look chalky and dated, stripping materials of their natural warmth.
- Try Instead: Natural wood stains for floors, a German schmear for brick, and solid paint or natural finishes for furniture.
11. Staged-to-Perfection Spaces
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The early modern farmhouse trend often resulted in homes that looked perfectly staged but lacked personality. Every pillow was karate-chopped, every throw blanket was artfully draped, and every surface was styled with a trio of generic decor items. These rooms felt more like a showroom than a home.
The new direction is all about creating a space that feels lived-in, personal, and collected. Mix vintage finds with modern pieces. Display artwork that speaks to your heart. Layer textures with a variety of textiles, from chunky knit blankets to linen pillows. Let your home reflect your interests, your travels, and your life.
Rethink and Refresh:
- The Issue: Picture-perfect, staged rooms lack personality and feel unlivable.
- Try Instead: Mix old and new furniture, display meaningful art, and use a variety of textiles to create a layered, personal, and authentic home.
Find a Design Blend That Works for You
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Ready to trade in a trend for a home that feels more you? Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea of a total makeover. Settle on one trend you like and make it a fun weekend project.
- In the Garden: If you’re retiring your army of mason jar planters, explore beautiful terracotta, ceramic, or modern fiberstone pots. Visit a local nursery and select plants with unique foliage to create living art in your home.
- In the Home: Swap out that “Live, Laugh, Love” sign for a beautiful mirror or a piece of art from a local artist. Repaint a small piece of furniture in a bold, new color. Changing your cabinet hardware is another easy update that can completely transform a kitchen or bathroom.