A modern farmhouse kitchen is a timeless style. Blending the traditional elements of a farmhouse kitchen with the addition of more contemporary designs, this kitchen style epitomizes the old-meets-new aesthetic.
The beauty of the modern farmhouse kitchen is the versatility – you can opt for a rustic scheme with elevated, modern finishes, or a sleek kitchen design with charming details that have an err of old school style.
One such detail that can tie the whole scheme together is kitchen lighting. There are so many options that work well in a modern farmhouse kitchen. Pendant lights above an island add brightness and character, whereas wall lights and sconces add ambiance and an additional decorative element.
Choosing the right lighting styles and fixture designs is not always easy, so we've asked interior experts to shed some light on their go-to modern farmhouse kitchen lighting ideas, so you can feel inspired to adorn your own space. From charming vintage designs to hard-wearing pendants, there's something to illuminate every kitchen space.
Modern farmhouse kitchen lighting ideas
It's easy to fall into the trap of opting for the most resilient light fixtures in a kitchen. After all, these spaces are hardwearing, and more delicate additions are much more likely to get damaged.
But as our kitchens become more frequently used for socializing and spending time with loved ones, the need for lighting options that not only create a comforting ambiance but also add a stylish design feature has become more important. If you're in the process of choosing modern farmhouse kitchen lighting, one of these ideas is sure to inspire.
1. Introduce antique or vintage lighting
When it comes to adding a more traditional lighting style to your modern farmhouse kitchen, there are few options more authentic than a vintage or antique piece. Adding character and a more lived-in feel, these old-school fixtures are the perfect finishing touch.
'The wonderful thing about design is that there are countless directions you can go as you shape your space – none of them wrong, each of them pleasing in its own way,' says Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director at 1stDibs.
'That means even if you’re looking to create a modern farmhouse kitchen, you’re free to decorate with antiques or vintage designs (and not necessarily just those that have an agrarian spirit). They can suggest “farmhouse” even in the most of-the-moment urban kitchens,' he adds.
2. Create contrast with a colorful pendant
In a modern farmhouse kitchen, the kitchen cabinetry and countertops are typically more paired back to create timeless appeal. Hence, the more eccentric, colorful elements usually appear in the decorative details that feel less permanent.
Lighting is one such area – a smaller design detail that can make all the difference to the finish of your kitchen, adding island pendant lights with a pop of vibrant color offers an eye-catching feature.
In this kitchen design by Susan Sutter Interiors, large yellow pendant lights have been suspended above a kitchen island painted in a medium green tone. When paired together in the kitchen scheme, they add some much-needed vibrancy that effectively introduces the farmhouse style.
3. Make a feature of ceramic light fixtures
A kitchen is one room in a home where blending function and style is key. This applies to the lighting, too – in a modern farmhouse kitchen, choosing a fixture that feels timeless is important to the overall feel of the design, but you want to choose a material that is sturdy and hardwearing.
'Objects in a farmhouse interior should reference nature tamed, rather than wild. Look for kitchen lighting made of simple materials that show the hand in conspicuous workmanship,' recommends Anthony Barzilay Freund. 'These should be easy to clean, impervious to heat and humidity, and cast a light that sets the mood for joyful time spent cooking and eating with friends and family. Ceramic fits the bill, particularly when it is not too fussy,' he adds.
In this kitchen scheme by deVOL, ceramic light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling, introducing a vintage feel to the scheme. Elsewhere, wall lights with a very similar ceramic shade have been added with gold hardware, offering a seamless fusion of modern and farmhouse style.
4. Add a decorative light above a kitchen table
Creating a conversational space is core to the modern farmhouse kitchen, and it's not uncommon to have an eat-in kitchen rather than a separate dining room. In these cases, it's important to create zones so each area of the kitchen feels intentional.
Lighting is a great way to do this. Adding a statement fixture above your kitchen table not only creates focused lighting and ambiance, but it adds a charming decorative feature. In this modern farmhouse kitchen, an oversized kitchen wall light projects over the table with a traditional skirted lampshade.
As the rest of the kitchen lighting is restricted to ceiling spotlights, this adds softness and character to the space, introducing a more homely feel.
5. Opt for lantern lights
If your kitchen leans more modern than farmhouse, lighting is an ideal element to introduce a more rustic, aged element to your space. The seamless blend of old and new is crucial to creating a successful design, so opt for a lighting fixture that is either vintage or more rustic in style.
'Modern farmhouse kitchens always work well when a combination of new and old vintage or antique pieces are used. Whether you are trying to achieve a traditional or a contemporary look this is essential,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens. Lantern lights are a perfect option for your modern farmhouse kitchen lighting, and they can usually be found at antique shops and online portals.
In this kitchen design, the overall scheme leans more modern in style, but the addition of a rustic barstool and oversized lantern lights above the island inject a sense of character and lived-in elegance. The combination of white painted decor and the darker wooden countertops and ceiling beams create a sense of timelessness modern farmhouse kitchens are known for.
Helen is the Creative Director at deVOL, a leading kitchen design company that mixes classic and contemporary. Helen has been creative director at the company since 2011, passionate about the signature understated approach deVOL takes to designing kitchens.
The key to choosing the right modern farmhouse kitchen lighting is ensuring it is both functional and stylish. Ensuring you have a few different light sources is key to ensure you have brightness for cooking and food prep as well as more ambient lighting for socializing and dining. Introduce antique and vintage lighting for an authentic look – modern farmhouse style depends on blending old and new into one scheme.
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