What Is The Modern Prairie Design Aesthetic And How Is It Different From Modern Farmhouse Decor?

Modern prairie style, a slightly more contemporary and luxe version of modern farmhouse decor, has been slowly gaining a foothold in design circles. It's a popular aesthetic that values natural elements, clean lines, and rustic details, and it takes its inspiration from the Midwest landscape. Think fields of prairie wildflowers, endless horizons, and lots of stone. The modern prairie look is also inspired by the original prairie style popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 20th century, and this new variation revels in rich nature-inspired colors, an abundance of woodgrain, and a clean maximalism filled with texture, history, and functionality.

If you're looking to transition your modern farmhouse into this fresher take on similar principles, or you're hoping to bring some prairie elements into other decor schemes, there are a few key ideas to keep in mind in terms of furniture, accents, and materials in order to have your modern prairie spaces looking both beautifully rustic and elegantly appointed.

Modern farmhouse style, as pioneered by HGTV's Joanna and Chip Gaines, is a style marked by its focus on down-to-earth style and rural living. Spaces are typically filled with a mix of neutral colors, industrial or rustic metal accents, and lots of painted and distressed wood. Farmhouse spaces also take advantage of cozy textures and shiplap-lined walls, giving a decidedly-rural feel to even the most urban and suburban homes. Modern prairie style finds its source in a similar place, but emphasizes different aspects of the Midwest landscape and aesthetic, taking a softer and more rustic approach.

Modern prairie style leans more primitive and simpler than industrial-accent-loving modern farmhouse style. For example, a farmhouse style kitchen may feature wrought-iron light fixtures, while a prairie style kitchen would be more likely to have a light fixture with a softer texture, like wicker or stiff linen. 

If you are looking to bring some modern prairie style elements into your home, consider ways you can add texture and history while still keeping things clean-lined and contemporary. Designer Sarah Storms tells Better Homes & Gardens, "This style is a play of the rustic, natural materials combined with clean modern lines in upholstery ... [like] a modern sculptural oversized pendant over a rustic farm table, or brick veneer backsplash with a clean pure white quartz countertop." Look for stunning vintage pieces at your local thrift or antique store (furniture from the mid-to-late 19th century is a great fit for this style), or bring in inviting textures like wool and wicker.

Other great elements to add to your home include lots of greenery and florals, stone and clay pieces, and unfinished or reclaimed wood furniture. Natural materials like leather, bamboo, and woven textiles work well alongside decidedly modern chairs and sofas, while nature-inspired colors like mustard yellow, olive green, taupe, terra cotta, and brown join the neutrals of modern farmhouse style.