DEFINING FARMHOUSE DESIGN FOR MODERN HOMEOWNERS
Alisha emphasizes the importance of embracing a design aesthetic that reflects the functional needs and decorative tastes of her clients. She explains, “We're known for designing what our clients want, and even if they don't know what they want, pulling that out of them and understanding them, their lifestyle, how they live, how they cook, how they entertain, and creating that style that is best fitting for them. So, our philosophy here is really to listen; that’s really the first part of design.” Taking it a step further, Alisha contends an honest conversation between client and designer is key to understanding what the client wants and successfully designing an interior tailored to satisfy their daily needs for practicality while simultaneously creating a look that is an expression of their distinct personality. Communication is particularly important when someone comes in and claims they are looking for a modern farmhouse aesthetic because “modern farmhouse” is really a broad umbrella term that means different things to different people. Alisha observes that modern farmhouse isn’t a true style; it is a buzzword popularized by television programs
geared toward home design, renovations, and flipping houses.
This means designers like Alisha have to concentrate on “digging and peeling back” to actively listen to clients as they express what kind of home they are seeking and what specific design elements are a priority for them. As conversations are had and probative questions are asked and answered, clients reveal what they truly want, which in Alisha’s experience can range from a style that would be classified as European-inspired country to a warm industrial, depending on the individual’s tastes. “I think at the end of the day, ‘farmhouse’ to a lot of people means cozy,” Alisha contends. The term “modern” is often added to describe a desire for the incorporation of the newest innovations in things like appliances and lighting to make the living space not only cozy but convenient. So, if you have seen images or a television program that purports to show a modern farmhouse design, to explain the look you are hoping to achieve, you must ask yourself some basic questions.
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February 2025
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