Style & Design
Tile for Every Style: Modern Farmhouse
Cozy, comfy–and chic! Modern farmhouse decor is about creating a home that connects you to the tradition of living off the land (even if your home is in the middle of the city). Rustic and weathered looks paired with calming neutrals are central to modern farmhouse, but more and more we’re seeing people incorporate color and contemporary details to personalize this style.
From realistic wood-look tile to charming patterns–read on for nine ideas on how to use tile to achieve an authentic modern farmhouse aesthetic in every area of your home.
1. Wood-Looks Everywhere
Organic materials and textures are essential to the modern farmhouse style, but some areas–like bathrooms and mudrooms–might not be suitable for hardwood floors. A wood-look porcelain tile or luxury vinyl tile combines the rustic look of hardwood with superior durability. Waterproof and stain-resistant, these materials will keep your bathroom, mudroom or deck looking nice through the years and won’t trap bacteria, like real wood can.
2. Make the Hearth the Focal Point
This living room with its white walls and wood accents is classic modern farmhouse style, but the real showstopper is the charming fireplace. The Look Avio tile is expertly incorporated for a pop of color that complements rather than detracts from the minimalist appeal of the space. With its emphasis on simplicity, you’ll want to use color sparingly, but the rich, natural blue-green tones in this tile perfectly enhance this living space.
3. Perfectly Imperfect Details
Texture is a great way to add interest to a style that’s primarily centered around neutral colors and natural accents. Handmade and handmade-look tiles are characterized by variations in surface and color, giving them a perfectly imperfect appearance that will add lots of visual texture to your space. This charming kitchen uses handmade-look tile for both the backsplash and on the kitchen island. Notice how the light plays off the surfaces of the tile, illuminating the variation between each piece.
4. Add Pattern
If you’re under the impression that pattern has no place in modern farmhouse decor, think again. Many patterned tiles fit this aesthetic. The Star floor tile used in this chic mudroom complements the blonde wood tones and black baskets. The pattern invokes classic Americana while still being neutral enough to incorporate into the modern farmhouse style.
5. Marble Mosaics
Elevate your modern farmhouse style with a simple, yet lush marble mosaic, like the Sampson Mosaic tile shown here. The open shelves along the backsplash are functional and chic. The beige and whites in the mosaic tile match the whites of the counters and the gold hardware, while the basketweave motif invokes a classic homespun look that is enhanced by the elegance of the marble.
6. Embrace Moody Neutrals
Although it’s characterized by bright whites and soft neutrals, modern farmhouse style has room for more moody colors. Deep grey, green and blue can all be used to add a dramatic flair to your design. The Silver Hex floor tile is the perfect choice for this elegant powder room designed by I SPY DIY. The shape of the mirror is repeated in the floor tiles and the grey is complemented by the purplish-grey of the wainscoting and trim. With the wooden accents and basin sink, this room exudes rustic charm.
7. Distressed Stone
One of the hallmarks of modern farmhouse design is embracing the architectural details of your home, but if you don’t live in an 1800s farmhouse, you can use tile to create truly rustic-looking stone features. The Claros Silver, a tumbled travertine subway tile, shown here looks like it’s authentic to the house. The tumbled finish gives this stone a distressed look that adds character to this bright and inviting bathroom designed by Coco & Jack.
8. Showcase Your Linens
Nothing embodies a summer day on the farm like crisp, clean linens hung out to dry. Bring that fresh linen feel into your home with the crisp-white lace patterned Morris & Co. Pure Net Linen tile. This ornate tile was inspired by 1800th-century wallpaper designs and is the perfect way to add a twist to your modern farmhouse style.
9. White Subway Tile
Sleek and versatile, white subway tile lends itself to a myriad of styles, making it a perfect choice if you feel you might want a room refresh before you’re ready to reno your entire space. The Royal Satin White marble subway tile backsplash embodies the organic texture and authentic materials that are a trademark of modern farmhouse style. The off-white cabinets and vintage picture frame complete the aesthetic. We can imagine sitting down for a good meal and a good chat in this homey kitchen!
Inspired to incorporate modern farmhouse elements into your next remodel? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more whimsical patterns in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!
Shop The Look
- Look Avio 2 x 10 in. | Porcelain | 484055
- Riad White4 x 4 in. | Ceramic | 484017
- Star 18 x 18 in. | Ceramic | 680280
- SampsonMarble Mosaic | 650014
- Claros Silver3 x 6 in. | Tumbled Travertine | 657541
- Truewood Beige9 x 48 in. | Porcelain | 680222
- Firenze Carrara Hex 2 in. | Honed Marble Mosaic | 650217
- Morris & Co. Pure Net Linen 13 x 13 in. | Porcelain | 681462
- Silver Hex 10 x 10 in. | Porcelain | 680186
- Royal Satin White 3 x 6 in. | Marble | 656134
- Look Oliva 2 x 10 in. | Porcelain | 484053
