​How to give your home a modern rustic design

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Multifunctional Open Plan Space, Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors Salas / recibidores
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We’ve all heard that popular buzz term ‘modern rustic’, but how many of us actually know what it means? Out of all the different design styles out there (contemporary, Scandinavian, traditional, etc.), modern rustic is probably the most puzzling. 

But are we making things more difficult than they have to be?

Let’s break it down – those two terms that make up the style (modern and rustic) are quite oxymoronic. One focuses on sleek, clean lines, space-age materials and glowing LEDs, while the other reminds us of quaint idyllic images of rural, tumbledown cottages with vintage, raw décor. 

Yet, here lies the trick: if done well, the modern rustic style can be one of the most enchanting trends on the market, giving a room (or entire house) an abundance of warmth and charm that reminds one of an old farm house that’s also quite chic and cool. It’s the best of both worlds! And today we are going to show you how to go about doing the modern rustic style just right!

1. Giving your kitchen the modern rustic style

Research has shown that the kitchen is the most popular space to flaunt the modern rustic look. But also here lies the fact that one needs to keep a cool head and embrace both natural and traditional materials within the architectural elements of the room. If you own a period property, see if you can expose some of the brickwork to create a warm and tactile feature wall. 

If a new-build property is your home, then a great way to flaunt some rustic charm is by opting for reclaimed materials. Think floorboards, stone-flagging and bricks. Reused timber can also be up-cycled to create new countertops with a bit more raw character.

In terms of appliances, you have a choice, but try juxtaposing them with your counters and cabinets. For instance, you can go for a retro-looking stove from a trusty manufacturer like Smeg, or an Aga if you’ve chosen chic and modern fittings. Alternatively, pick a high-tech or commercial-specification range cooker if you have more traditional features in your culinary space.

2. Giving your bathroom the modern rustic style

It might prove to be a bit more tricky doing the modern rustic design in a bathroom – after all, the word ‘rustic’ used to describe a bathroom doesn’t always mean a compliment, does it?

The best way to achieve this look is by blending bathroom fixtures, which have extremely modern design aesthetics, with organic materials.  Think oval (and free-standing) bathtubs, floating (wall-mounted) basins and rainfall showers, and then pair these up with materials like marble, granite and limestone.

Alternatively, you can go for tiles made of an earthy material, such as terracotta. 

homify hint: Sneak wood into your modern rustic bathroom to tip the scales more to the ‘rustic’ side of things, like a hardwood vanity unit, old-fashioned wooden towel horses, and slatted wooden bath/shower mats.

3. Giving your living room the modern rustic style

If you’ve got any original or period features in your living room (like ceiling beams and wooden floorboards), flaunt them for the modern rustic look! If there isn’t a fireplace already, see if you can include one (a chimney breast is usually a clear indication that it’s possible). 

You could also substitute the fireplace for a log-burner instead, but one with hypermodern aesthetics to really drive home the ‘modern’ side of things.  

Furniture-wise, pick modern designs, but see if you can find items with a rustic twist. For example, when it comes to choosing textiles (like sofa materials, rugs, curtains, etc.), see what you can find made from old-fashioned rustic materials such as jute or sisal. 

But keep in mind: with the modern rustic style, there’s no need to hide away your high-tech equipment like wall-mounted flat screens. And put down those speaker systems to celebrate the greatness that is technology. Let the rest of the room focus on the rustic side of things.

4. Giving your bedroom the modern rustic style

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Giving your bedroom a modern rustic look is quite similar to the living room. Opt for woods and traditional textiles with modern touches. What could be most brilliant is a loft bedroom, as this allows you to include a cathedral ceiling. 

Other sensation tips include: 

1. Using unfinished wood to create rustic shelves. 

2. Mixing different materials, like a simple wooden crate placed right next to a striking headboard made of ceramic tiles. Add in a copper lamp to lift the look of the wood even more and ensure a touch of the industrial style.  

3. Keep it pale to keep it interesting. Imagine soft blue hues in front of bleached wood walls. As the wood is rough and pale, your bedroom will enjoy a pared-down look (almost nautical in appearance). To achieve this, simply mix a bit of white paint with water and add a coat to your panels. Wipe it off with a paper towel or rag, and repeat the process until you have the right finish.

4. Hang a chandelier. This could turn out to be the most surprising touch in your modern rustic bedroom. Just imagine how it would contrast with some rustic ceiling beams.  

5. Ensure charm for your luxury. Old-fashioned elements like exposed beams and wrought-iron curtain rails contrast perfectly with tufted headboards and modern bedside lamps.  

6. Create a haven. A simple unvarnished wood bedside table can beautifully enhance your pared-back modern rustic bedroom. The pale finish complements white bedding and a neutral rug stunningly, while white wall panels and a painted floor can provide the perfect backdrop.

Next up: The homify guide to Scandinavian style interiors.

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