Meg Ryan Shows How One Simple Color Scheming Trick Can Instantly Elevate a Rustic Farmhouse Living Room

Designing a farmhouse-style home that feels both chic and timeless may seem daunting, but Meg Ryan has shown it’s entirely achievable – and the key is a classic monochromatic color scheme.

Although this post is a few years old, the idea remains just as relevant today. In her black and white kitchen, created with Santa Barbara-based Becker Studios, Meg carried the black-and-white scheme into her open-plan living area. The architecture leans industrial farmhouse, with high wooden beams, a textured brick wall, and a large fireplace – yet the simple contrast of black and white instantly modernizes the space while letting the rustic textures shine.

Many traditional farmhouse interiors stick to natural wood and brick tones, but a black-and-white palette creates a timeless backdrop that works with any style. Giovanni Scippo, architectural director, explains: 'Using natural materials like exposed bricks and wooden beams establishes a rustic foundation, but color is what brings it into the present. A white base with black accents instantly feels fresh, modern, and enduring.'

Even without structural changes, this timeless look is easy to achieve. 'Opt for wood furniture and woven textures,' Giovanni adds. 'They add warmth and character, keeping the monochromatic scheme inviting rather than stark. Hardwood floors enhance the contrast, giving the room a cozy, lived-in feel.'

Mary-Lynn from Mary-Lynn Ring Design, LLC, emphasizes that a white and black color combination is a palette that never goes out of style. 'White living rooms are admired by designers for their timeless quality,' she says. 'They serve as the perfect backdrop for natural materials, whether wood or metal, allowing textures and shapes to take center stage without competing with color.'

The beauty of a black-and-white palette is that it bridges eras and aesthetics. Meg Ryan’s living room proves that rustic farmhouse features can coexist effortlessly with contemporary elegance, all while remaining a style that will endure for years. With black-and-white as your foundation, layering in textures, materials, and thoughtful accents is what transforms a house into a home – and keeps it looking stylish no matter the color trend.

Shop the Look