Create a beautiful home with modern coastal farmhouse style.
Last year my daughters and I visited the Street of Dreams in Portland, and we hope to go again this year if we can fit it in. We used to go every year when we lived there. I shared my visit to a favorite house last year — a modern coastal farmhouse — and today I want to revisit that home and highlight the features that make this blend of styles so appealing.
Modern coastal farmhouse combines familiar, classic elements with a refreshed, contemporary approach. Calling it “modern” simply separates it from older interpretations of farmhouse or coastal interiors. Even so, these homes often retain timeless details that have been updated with subtle twists.
It’s easy to get swept up in trends, but you don’t have to worry about your home feeling dated if you rely on enduring architectural features and quality materials. Choosing classics for the structure and major surfaces — things you won’t want to change every few years — keeps the look lasting and versatile.
Elements like subway tile, painted paneled walls, stone countertops (marble or quartz), exposed wood beams, and hardwood or tile flooring are all time-tested choices. They translate well across both modern coastal and farmhouse aesthetics. When craftsmanship and materials are high quality, the result feels elegant and intentional rather than trendy.
Accessories and smaller decor pieces are where trends can live without risk — they are simple to update. If you enjoy contemporary trends, use them boldly. If you prefer a more timeless approach, collect enduring pieces like ironstone, wooden utensils, white dishes, and beautiful books. These items will always feel fitting.
Decorating in a modern coastal farmhouse style is about mixing elements that resonate with you. I love combining old and new, coastal touches with farmhouse details, and adding personal treasures that create unexpected moments and a unique character.
This particular house reads Nantucket-style from the exterior but shifts toward farmhouse on the inside. That contrast works well — you can mix architectural cues and interior finishes to create the balance you want. Personally, I’d lean a touch more toward modern coastal or lake-house elements inside, but that’s the beauty of personal style: you decide the proportions that suit your home.
The house in these photos is sizable and spectacular, though large homes can feel overwhelming. If I were designing for my own life, I’d seek similar style in a smaller, more manageable footprint. Still, the ideas translate easily to homes of any size.
Below are images and ideas to inspire your own modern coastal farmhouse. Think about architectural choices and durable finishes first, then layer decor and accessories to reflect the season or your current taste. This approach keeps the overall design anchored and adaptable.
Shop modern coastal farmhouse style with carefully chosen pieces that suit your home and budget.