The modern farmhouse style is one of the most revered design aesthetics among celebrities, from Amanda Seyfried and Gigi Hadid to Meg Ryan. The latter, however, has changed how I see this tried-and-true aesthetic for the better.
I'll admit, I always found the modern farmhouse style somewhat uninspiring, despite its sleekness – the style has always felt a little too safe and, in the worst case, slightly boring. In Meg's home, it's the opposite. The Sleepless in Seattle actress worked with Santa Barbara-based Becker Studios to bring her black-and-white farmhouse alive with layered textures – starting with her curated accessories.
To ensure her modern farmhouse living room feels thoughtfully designed – and anything but flat – Meg has decorated with eclectic pieces, including large terracotta vases (like these one from Crate & Barrel), rattan storage baskets (similar to this one from Wayfair) and decorative branches to bring sculptural drama to her table.
Expertly crafted by skilled artisans, this terracotta vase draws inspiration from ancient Italian ceramics, giving it the charm of a discovered, vintage piece. Display it on its own or fill it with greenery to enhance your living room.
Experience the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design with this large rattan storage basket. Handwoven by skilled Indonesian artisans, each piece is a testament to their dedication, offering not just practical storage but a beautiful work of art.
Elevate your floral displays with this simple glass vase, reminiscent of Meg Ryan’s chic style. Its clear, high-quality glass showcases flowers beautifully without detracting from a minimalist black-and-white setting. Durable, elegant, and effortlessly versatile, it complements any modern interior.
Available in three versatile sizes, this storage basket is inspired by classic market baskets, featuring a gently rounded shape, convenient handles, and a thoughtfully handcrafted lid.
This set of bookends seamlessly combines modernist sculpture with practical functionality. Each looping form explores positive and negative space, creating a captivating sculptural presence while securely supporting your books. They're uniquely textured and so beautiful.
The Auster Distressed Vase blends vintage-inspired craftsmanship with a striking shape and rich texture. Crafted from terracotta clay and finished in deep black, it adds dimension and visual intrigue, making it an ideal statement piece for a monochromatic living room (like Meg's).
Meg may have converted me on the modern farmhouse style, but I am not alone in my observations. Lesley Taylor, an interior designer and founder of The Baked Tile Company, mirrors my sentiments, noting how the this style should be designed to be both lived in and personal. These accessories keep the space truly alive.
'The beauty of the modern farmhouse trend is it’s an interiors style that can truly be lived in. It’s all about creating beautiful, liveable spaces with rustic detailing and practical touches for a contemporary edge,' Lesley says. Claire Garner, the founder and director of Claire Garner Design Studio, agrees.
'The rustic farmhouse interior design trend embraces natural textures, vintage or antique pieces and a lived‑in, layered style that feels both grounded and inviting, making it perfect for creating a homely, relaxed vibe,' she adds. 'There is a real shift towards thoughtful interiors that tell a story. Rustic farmhouse style offers a sense of nostalgia and a strong connection to nature, while still feeling relevant and fresh.'
To elevate your look beyond Meg-inspired accessories, Claire recommends experimenting with lime-washed walls, rustic wooden beams, and reclaimed finishes that make a lasting statement. With Meg's space as the blueprint, it's impossible to go wrong.
