Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about the design trend “Modern Farmhouse”, but “Modern Farmhouse” is not a trend, it’s timeless. I’ve loved the look and feel of this design concept for several years, so much so my first design collaboration with Simply Amish in Illinois consisted of three entire collections: bedroom, dining and occasional pieces. It’s a huge collection and I am delighted it incorporates the beauty of real wood and has rustic, traditional and modern elements mixed in. This is what makes it perfect for a furniture designer like me. I love so many different design components, any opportunity I get to incorporate all of them within a large collection, the happier I am.

I also love the fact “Modern Farmhouse” design has a plenty of flexibility to it. It encourages creativity, thinking outside the box and most importantly it incorporates everyone’s distinct personality. It is easy to add a coastal flare or a bohemian feel. Any type of design that becomes too rigid or specific tends not to be something I am drawn to. A design which incorporates the personality of the person who lives in the home is the design which always, hands down, is the winner.

Simply Amish recently completed an amazing collaboration with Kent Shaffer Homes in Indianapolis which is an outstanding example of “Modern Farmhouse” incorporating rustic, modern and traditional elements. What a treat it is to walk into a home and realize there is not a single thing you would change. I cannot remember the last time I have thought this. Being inspired is something we all need and often leads to great things in all areas of our lives. I am incredibly fortunate that I love my work and I am endlessly inspired, sometimes to the dismay of those I work with. I have the energy of an entire football team at times. As would you if you had the good fortune to work in a world where every day you are surrounded by creativity, beauty and inspiration.

It is a real treat to be able to share this collaboration with all of you. Too many words or design trends can simply confuse us, so feast your eyes on this beauty. This is what I call “Amish Cool”.