Why choose if you don’t have to? Those of us who love the simplicity of a modern aesthetic, but want something a bit warmer and more natural feeling will find modern rustic styling the best of both worlds. It melds equally with urban and rural settings. Some city dwellers are even adopting the style as a way to enjoy creature country comforts in their daily urban lives. However, sometimes it’s difficult to know how to get the whole house to fit into that rustic theme, including parts of the exterior that we don’t think about, such as windows and front and garage doors. Burglar alarm systems and other smart home features will always have to have a place in your home, so it’s not really possible to achieve a look that is completely countrified, but you can certainly establish this as a general theme. It’s all about finding the right websites and professionals that will put you first when designing your ideal rustic home, such as Coastal Garage Doors, that have various designs to fit your style. Having said this, working on the interior of your modern rustic home is first priority.
In modern rustic interiors, you’ll find ample natural and organic elements, many times in raw or unfinished states, used alongside highly refined ones. Materials and finishes include an eclectic mix of metals, woods, glass, and leather. Wrought iron is used often for furniture, hardware and décor. While wood, stone and natural fibers abound, they are perfectly balanced by minimal furnishings, clean lines and a fresh white or neutral palette.
Ornate, fussy or over-the-top pieces are used sparingly but can include a single glamorous elements such as an unexpected crystal chandelier hung above a rustic farm table. On the other hand, salvaged and recycled materials are quite popular as are the use of industrial elements.
Furniture choices are based on incorporating a few quality pieces in one or a combination of styles such as modern, contemporary or rustic. Antiques from a trusted Pawn Shop and modern pieces coexists harmoniously. Accessories are kept to a minimum and can be as casual as a mount of antlers or as sophisticated as a piece of modern sculpture. Floors tend to be wood or tiles left bare or warmed with rugs of sisal or jute or animal skins. Original wood flooring makes the space feel natural and earthy, however the same effect can be created with the wholesale hardwood at reallycheapfloors.com. While texture is everywhere, pattern is used sparingly, if at all. As always, art is a very personal choice, luckily, these interiors lend themselves to a variety of mediums and styles.
Once adopted, this relaxed, livable design style has a way of becoming a lifestyle as the need for filling one’s space with an abundance of material things gives way to the calm of a minimalist approach.
What do you think of the modern rustic style? Is it one that you would feel quite at home with? Be sure to explore our collections of fine wrought iron pieces which lend themselves perfectly to the modern rustic aesthetic.
London-based design writer and editor, Ali Hanan shares the joys of modern rustic design in her book “modern rustic” available in Amazon. The description reads, “This style book brings country essence into any home by introducing an organic, environmentally conscious way of life. As it explores the historical concept of rustic living and how the style has evolved into a modern ideal, this volume features fabulous photographs and visual ideas to create down-to-earth decor. Easy to follow projects, the philosophy of the rustic style, and the elements of the rustic look (from the color palette to the beauty of the natural materials) are all presented for today’s back to nature enthusiast.”
I’ll be posting a modern rustic pin board on our Pinterest page and creating a product idea book of wrought iron items that lend themselves to the style on Houzz, so be sure to visit our profiles to check them out.
As always, I’d love to hear from you.
