In recent years, design enthusiasts have found themselves somewhat divided over the ubiquitous phrase modern farmhouse. Largely popularized by shows like Fixer Upper, mass retailers, and, yes, design magazines such as this one, its an aesthetic that can elicit eye rolls from designers who are getting a bit tired of receiving the same roster of requestsshiplap! barn doors!from clients on repeat. (The New York Times referred to the modern farmhouse aesthetic as this generations McMansion. Rude!)Heres the thing: The internet tends to hate on anything with widespread appeal. And while Zillows Home Trends Expert Amanda Pendleton acknowledges that features such as shiplap and barn doors are not quite as coveted as they used to be, the modern farmhouse aesthetic can still serve up a really nice balance of the new and the old. But what is that aesthetic, exactly? Generally speaking, the modern farmhouse look celebrates the staples of a historic country farmhouseopen shelving, apron front sinks, wide-plank hardwood floorswhile incorporating modern-day elements that lend the look a more contemporary I'm-not-actually-a-farmer edge. (Think steel-frame windows, clean-lined light fixtures, and contemporary art.) Monica Buck, styling by Raina Kattelson for Country LivingWhimsical wallcovering and antique beds keep a farmhouse bedroom (designed by Jersey Ice Cream Co.) from feeling same-old, same-old.Youll also find that the modern farmhouse look tends to favor neutrals (white paint, pine finishes, nubby linens) which allows for more rustic architectural accents like reclaimed mantels and exposed beams to stand out.What we love most is the fact that the farmhouse aesthetic is rooted in practicality, and that never goes out of style. If youre tempted to join the modern farmhouse family, or looking to tone down the trendiness of the one you already have, let us point you in the right direction.1. Skip the One-Size-Fits-All Exterior.Most backlash associated with this look tends to be a response to the architectural samenessparticularly when perfectly pretty old homes are remodeled or torn down in the name of strikingly similar side-to-sides that feel spit out of a conveyor belt. A few of the designers and architects we spoke with are a bit tired of the black window sashes. Others cited scale as an issue: Huge expanses of interrupted glass can undermine the innate humble nature of a farmhouse, says Cristiana Pledger, an architect in Birmingham, Alabama. But there are plenty of examples of modern farmhouses that beautifully break the mold. Stephen Karlisch for Country LivingThis new build feels like its been sittin pretty for decades thanks, in part, to its simple warm white exterior that is as timeless as it gets. For similar, try White Dove by Benjamin Moore.Annie Schlechter for Country LivingEnergy-efficient and fully recyclable, a metal roof can last 60-plus years compared to the 12-year average of asphalt.Jean Allsopp for Country LivingA charcoal black paint is a sophisticated and less expected choice for a modern farmhouse exterior. For similar, try Peppercorn by Sherwin-Williams.2. Prioritize Real Patina.For me, its all about authenticity, says Emily Doerfler, a designer in Bend, Oregon. Too often I see faux vintage or overly distressed and cheap materials being used in modern farmhouses. The key to achieving the look is using authentic materials. There is no substitute for real patina, so skip the repro sign or uniformly distressed dresser at the big box store and proceed straight to the antiques shops for the real deal. (That goes for wood beams, too.)Lincoln BarbourAn antique cabinet lends soul and substance to this all-white bathroom by Nashville designer Julie Couch.David TsayReclaimed beams and antique light fixtures bring ample old soul to a new-build kitchen in Bellville, Texas.Lincoln BarbourWeathered beams and an antique rug help the room feel layered and lived-in.3. Incorporate a Little Color. If you gravitate toward neutrals, you do you! But if Instagram has made you feel as if the only way to do modern farmhouse is with an overwhelmingly white palette, were here to set the record straight. Generally speaking, nature-inspired tonesrich greens, warm pinks, sky bluesfeel right at home in a farmhouse. Your homes surroundingswhat your land looks like, whether youre by the water versus surrounded by a lot of greeneryprovide good directional cues to inspire your color palette, says Nicole Gibbons, founder of paint company Clare. If you want to up the modern quotient, go bolder with a high-contrast pop of red or bright yellow. Annie SchlechterBright yellow bedding sets a cheerful tone in a modern farmhouse bunk room.Stephen KarlischMoss green paneling and an antique rug lend color to a modern farmhouse bathroom.4. Use Lighting as a Lever.The modern farmhouse look is all about balance, and light fixtures go a long way toward achieving that equilibrium. In a room thats already rich with patina, you may want to consider a modern-leaning light fixture. In a space that feels overwhelmingly new construction, a crusty salvaged lantern may be just what you need. On the fence? An iron pendant or chandelier can often bridge the gap.Lincoln BarbourBlack-and-brass orb pendant lights offset more traditional elements in this light and airy Nashville kitchen.A bold pop of pattern can also give a farmhouse a modern feel. A good rule of thumb: The more traditionally country the motifthink pastorals, florals, toiles, plaids, checks, and quilt motifsthe bolder you can dare to go with the colorway. A few editor favorites include Gable by Farrow and Ball, Klverblad by Josef Frank, Big Gingham by Max Humphrey for Chasing Paper, Pinwheel Quilt by Chris Benz for Wallshoppe, and Red Pink Quilt by Sara Fitz.Annie SchlechterTastemaker Holly Audrey Williams updated her Kentucky kitchen with a metallic floral wallcovering.RELATED: Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen With Wallpaper6. Look to the Shakers.The Shaker religious sects guiding principles of honesty, unity, and simplicity informed not only how they lived, but also the artful pieces they designed. These days, the Shaker aesthetic, with its simple lines and lack of adornment, can feel downright modern, which is why its a great reference point for modern farmhouse design. (And cmon, who doesn't love a pegrail?)John GruenSo simple. So pretty.John GruenYou cant pinpoint this kitchen to any specific era, and thats precisely the point.ERIN FRANCOISA pretty pegrail-lined entry in a room designed by Leanne Ford. 7. Try a Little Lacquer.High-gloss paint finishes are yet another way to infuse a modern feel into a farmhouseand, unlike architectural elements, paint is an easy thing to swap out should you tire of the treatment. A high-gloss finishon furniture, on floorsbrings that unexpected hint of edge, says Country Living Senior Homes & Style Editor Anna Logan. I also love using a high-shine finish on a traditionally country silhouette, such as a Windsor chair. The combo creates a wonderfully playful push-pull.John GruenBlack lacquered Windsor chairs give this dining area a contemporary feel.Buff StricklandAn antique bookcase painted in a high-gloss finish (Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams) creates a pretty contrast with the pine.8. Mix and Match Eras.Your aged items neednt all date to the same period. In fact, plucking pieces from different decades, or centuries, helps a home feel as if its evolved over time. Plus: a clean-lined mid-century chair or sofa goes a long way toward giving a room a little edge. Annie SchlechterMid-century chairs give this Oklahoma living space a fresh point of view.ALI HARPERWho wouldnt want to tackle a crossword puzzle in this groovy little corner?Robert PetersonArtwork from assorted eras makes for a lively display in this room designed by Brian Patrick Flynn.9. Make It Personal.At the end of the day, a home should reflect you and the things you love. In the age of social media, tastemakers wield a lot of influence (they are called influencers, after all), but the best spaces are the ones that feel like a personal scrapbook, not a carbon copy. By infusing your home with quirky collections and sentimental heirlooms, youll be creating a far-from-cookie-cutter space that tells your story.Stephen KarlischVintage elements (artwork, stoneware, a wooden crate) give this new kitchen a sense of warmth.ALI HARPERGreek and Roman-themed bottle openers from the mid-1900s outfit the walls of this Alabama bathroom.Eric PiaseckiA collection of dog artwork brings personality to the room designed by Katie Ridder.For More Modern Farmhouse Ideas:Rachel Hardage BarrettRachel Barrett is the Editor-in-Chief of Country Living. She can't pass up a vintage seascape, drives an '89 Woody Wagoneer (that is, when it'll start), and hopes to buy you a lemonade at a future Country Living Fair.