Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs The once-popular “modern farmhouse” home design style is “officially out,” according to one interior designer in Ireland.Interior designer Aoife Tobin offered her perspective on why the style has lost its appeal and what homeowners might consider instead in a viral video shared from her TikTok account @stylesosimple, which has had 1.1 million views since it was posted on October 4.Tobin has been an interior designer for over a decade, “blending my experience in interior architecture and design to create timeless, livable spaces for our clients,” she told Newsweek.She runs the interior design studio Style So Simple, which works on projects across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally, including a recent expansion into New York City.”This style is officially out—modern farmhouse is gone. We’re putting it next to crushed velvet and mirrored furniture,” Tobin said in the viral video, which features a minimalist home backdrop with neutral tones and greenery.Despite her bold statement, she included a disclaimer for fans of the style, which has been popular among millennials.Tobin says in the clip: “I love this, and I don’t plan to change anything in my house that reflects this just because it’s no longer in vogue. And I suggest you do the same—you love this, go with it.”
A screenshot from a viral TikTok video posted by interior designer Aoife Tobin. Tobin claims the “modern farmhouse” home design aesthetic is “officially” out of style.
A screenshot from a viral TikTok video posted by interior designer Aoife Tobin. Tobin claims the “modern farmhouse” home design aesthetic is “officially” out of style.
@stylesosimple on TikTok
The viral post comes as home renovation spending in the United States was found to have surged in the last three years, with the median spending rising by 60 percent between 2020 ($15,000) and 2023 ($24,000), according to a survey of 32,615 users, including 17,713 renovating U.S. homeowners, conducted by Houzz, a home design websiteSeven out of 10 renovating homeowners were reported to have invested in interior room remodeling last year, according to the report.Modern Farmhouse, which gained popularity in the mid-2010s through platforms like Pinterest and television shows like Fixer Upper, blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The style typically incorporates natural materials like wood and stone, neutral color palettes, and cozy yet polished designs.Tobin described it to Newsweek as “a sophisticated and inviting style.”However, its widespread popularity is also why Tobin believes the trend is fading.”Like all beautiful styles that have been trending and highly trending for years, it’s just basically been oversaturated. We’ve seen it too much, and it’s just become predictable,” she said in the video.Tobin predicts a rise in two other styles: “organic modern” and “vintage modern.”She describes organic modern as an aesthetic that uses natural materials like wood, stone, and plants while blending them with sleek, modern design. This creates a cohesive, nature-inspired look.”Organic modern shares some characteristics with modern farmhouse, which means it’s easy to transition from one to the other,” she explained. “It has a blend of nature and modern, which makes it really nice and cohesive.”Vintage modern, another popular style, focuses on blending antique or mid-century pieces with contemporary designs.”It’s about creating contrast, like pairing sleek furniture with a vintage rug or retro lighting, for a look that feels timeless but still fresh and modern,” Tobin told Newsweek.She said that vintage modern’s versatility appeals to many because it allows for more individuality and creativity.”People love this because you can shop secondhand, you can thrift things, and as long as your space is well put together, it’s basically a vibe,” she said in the video.While Tobin believes the modern farmhouse style is no longer at the forefront of design trends, she emphasizes that it isn’t entirely “out.””Like any popular trend, it became so widespread that people started seeking more unique and personalized design approaches,” she said. “However, modern farmhouse remains a great style because it incorporates timeless elements that can adapt and pivot into other styles seamlessly, like organic modern or vintage modern.”Looking to the future, Tobin predicts that interior design in 2025 will focus on individuality and boldness, moving away from uniform trends.”It’s goodbye to the show home look and hello to spaces that are deeply personal and unique,” she told Newsweek.”For 2025, I think it’s going to be all about being individual and bold, so character, character, and more character. People want their spaces to truly reflect who they are, not what’s trending online,” Tobin said.While trends come and go, Tobin stresses that the best interior design is one that resonates personally.”Ultimately, it’s about embracing individuality and creating designs that feel meaningful and authentic,” she said.Do you have an interior design-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
