Joanna Gaines' Castle kitchen is the best example of 'modern country' I've ever seen – and we should all be replicating it in 2025

If there is only one person you take decorating inspiration from, make it Joanna Gaines, an esteemed interior designer, owner of Magnolia Homes, and star of HGTV's Fixer Upper. Joanna Gaines's castle kitchen, her home in Waco, Texas, is a masterclass in modern rustic style.

Characterized by the warmth and beauty that natural materials bring to a space, rustic kitchens embody a pared-back look that celebrates the world of restoration and reclamation. It is a functional aesthetic, edging towards the industrial and modern, but one that also retains the inherent warmth that comes from a traditional kitchen scheme.

So who is this look for? If a modern kitchen is just too cold or sterile for you yet a rustic kitchen is too homespun, then you might like the latest kitchen trend for modern country style.

A key tenet of modern country design is to ‘embrace the natural warmth and charm of architectural details in the kitchen, such as beams or stone walls, which have aged and weathered over the years,' explains Adrian Bergman, design manager at Plain English.

However, unlike Joanna Gaines, many homes aren’t lucky enough to have these details with which to ground their design. If this is the case, then instead ‘look to introduce elements such as timber cladding, reclaimed countertops and antique pieces of furniture,’ continues Adrian.

The trend for 'modern country' design was born out of our desire to craft a space that unites everyone in the family – a space that blends modern simplicity with the warmth, comfort, and homey feeling found in country homes.

Drawing on the traditional look of a rural kitchen, a modern country space must be functional and versatile, while also setting the tone for the rest of the house.

While embracing all the character, patina, and riches that natural materials offer the kitchen, it is also important to consider sustainability. Opting for reclaimed pieces gives old, unloved items a new lease of life and will bring a unique personality to your space. This approach will also guide you towards a more relaxed, freestanding design, rather than built-in cabinetry, creating a more rustic look.

Add to the lived-in atmosphere of your modern country kitchen by creating a functional display. Showcase antique tableware, vintage finds and accessories on open shelving, as Joanna Gaines has done here. ‘Having raw or organic items on display also adds to the charm of a rustic kitchen,’ advise Jen and Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox. ‘Think glass storage jars filled with oats or flour, bowls of artichokes, a loaf of sourdough within its waxed paper, and pots and pans hanging from a ceiling rack.’

Finally, pair reclaimed furniture with a few industrial-inspired pieces and a contemporary kitchen color scheme will ensure that you perfectly encapsulate the modern country trend.

Shop the modern country trend