Is Farmhouse Style Dead?

As the Marketing Manager for Federal Brace, I attend several & various interior design conferences each year to keep a live pulse on what is trending in our industry. Besides the rush of being in the know, these design conferences (expos, markets, trade shows, etc.) provide maximum inspiration in a centralized location as well as opportunities for future direction, solid networking opportunities, & exposure to industry challenges.

Early in 2019, while attending the Design Influencers Conference, I remember overhearing multiple times from fellow attendees that “Farmhouse Style is dead” & “the Modern Farmhouse aesthetic has run its course”. Honestly, I wasn’t sure about the accuracy of these statements but certainly was astounded to hear them at an interior design event in Atlanta, GA. With this in mind, I’ve certainly experienced the fickle nature of trends & I’m no stranger to the short life cycle of fads. Which led me to wonder, is it really time for farmhouse fans to branch out & try a new aesthetic?

I turned to Google for answers - specifically, Google Top Charts. New to Top Charts? Disclaimer/Warning: Set a timer & stay on topic! Top Charts shows Google search interest areas that are spiking in popularity outside the norm. It is extremely possible (LIKELY!) to fall into a Top Charts rabbit hole or time warp with the type & specificity of information available. Top Charts relies on technology from the Google knowledge graph to identify when searches seem to be about specific people, places, & things (like Farmhouse Style).

I discovered fairly easily & quickly that Google’s Top Charts listed “Farmhouse Style” as the #1 trending home style search for 2019. I dug deeper - years deeper. In March 2015, Google “Farmhouse Style” searches were averaging nearly 30 per day in the USA. In March 2016, the same term was averaging searches in the high 30 #’s per day. March 2017 showed “Farmhouse Style” searches in the high 40’s to low 50’s range per day. In March 2018, “Farmhouse Style” was being searched approximately 70 times per day. In March 2019, “Farmhouse Style” was searched approximately 75 times daily. Currently in March 2020, “Farmhouse Style” is being searched (more than ever!) at an average of 80 times per day. “Farmhouse Style” clearly is not going anywhere, at least according to Google Top Chart trends.

So why is “Farmhouse Style” continuing to resonate in America? Modern Farmhouses have expanded beyond rural pastures to new communities in urban areas, coastal environments, & suburban neighborhoods. What Chip & Joanna Gaines made mainstream is actually an incredibly approachable & comfortable home style for everyday living. The rustic vibe of reclaimed wood accents (hardwood floors, exposed beams, accent furniture, etc.) add instant warmth to any space. Open floor plans encourage family togetherness & entertaining. Tall gabled rooflines give Farmhouses’ exteriors a strong presence on their land plots with curb appeal to spare. Then, there are those gracious front porches to welcome you home.

Take what you love about the subtle expression of farmhouse style & apply it to your way of living! Federal Brace’s curated collection of intentionally crafted products provide unmatched quality/durability with attention to detail. Our exclusively Made in America selection is unparalleled with beautiful innovations to exceed expectations. Rely on Federal Brace for the impeccable details that make huge design impacts. Check out www.FederalBrace.com or call toll-free (877) 353-8899 8:30AM - 5 PM EST for additional ideas & design assistance.