How to Incorporate Rustic Style Into Your Modern Home Design

The days of ‘millennial grays’ and boring beiges are coming to an end. People are spending more time at home than ever before, thanks to post-pandemic life. With more people working from home and seeking work/life balance, attention is turned to home aesthetics.

Although trending styles are ever-changing, one has never left the building: Rustic. Modern trends are dominating the popular style guides, yet rustic holds its own. Now is the time to consider merging these two heavy hitters in the home-styling world. 

Whether you rent an apartment or own an estate, this style merge is perfect to set a warm and inviting mood.

But where do you start with this sort of design endeavor? Below we explore a plethora of design elements – from color palettes and textures to art and lighting – that will give you the modern rustic look you desire.

What is Rustic Style?

Rustic is a broad term in the style world. Many people confuse the term with farmhouse. Although similar, the two styles are quite different. The materials used are what separates rustic and farmhouse from one another. 

Rustic tends to incorporate a broader range of influences. These concepts are influenced by more raw, weathered, and distressed materials. These natural textures create the “rustic” appearance by emphasizing imperfections and a raw, organic feel. Rustic expresses history and soul. A prime example of rustic style is Saltillo stone or terracotta tiles.

Rustic creates a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere. The style includes neutral earth tones and organic elements such as wood and stone. A staple in the rustic style world is Saltillo tiles, otherwise known as terracotta. These tiles are a perfect addition to create a rustic and authentic feel in your home.

How To Pair Rustic Elements Into A Modern Home

It is time to make the transition away from stark modern monochromatic styles to rustic elegance. It is important to properly implement the two together in a way that feels organic and welcoming.

Here is how to seamlessly merge modern and rustic styles together in your home:

Start with a neutral color palette

The easiest way to start the combination of rustic and modern styles is by using a neutral color palette. Opting for these shades is encouraged:

• White
• Gray
• Beige
• Taupe
• Cream

By adding contrasts of black, deep blues, and charcoal, you can inspire a modern and moody edge. Utilize earthy, warm tones such as olive green, rusty oranges, and browns to perfectly complement the space. Mexican tiles are the perfect earth-tone addition to warm any space.

Select statement furniture

A unified blend of modern and rustic can be implemented by selecting statement furniture. Your furniture is one of the most used things in your home, so choose the most comfortable and appealing pieces.

Choose a focal point in the room. You can look into a real stone fireplace or a wooden accent wall to set the mood. Build the feeling around that main piece with modern touches such as light fixtures.

Balance smooth and rough textures

The best way to get a uniform feeling in your home with two different styles is texture. By balancing rough and smooth textures, you can flawlessly inspire a modern and rustic feel in your home.

For example, a wooden coffee table always looks amazing with a modern couch. Another great option is to combine Saltillo tiles with marbled granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. The ultimate touch? Exposed wooden beams with polished appliances.

Use natural elements

The next step to enmesh rustic and modern designs is to incorporate natural elements. Choose stones, potted plants, and even a living tree for your home. 

Natural elements against modern-day technology and décor bring life to otherwise boring modern spaces. The combination of the two creates a warm, harmonious feeling.

Select rustic materials in modern forms

By utilizing rustic materials with modern silhouettes, you can integrate the two styles simultaneously. The rustic nature of the material will not be overpowered by the starkness and sleekness of the modern vibe.

A dining table made from reclaimed wood that boasts metal legs brings the modern/rustic vibe to the forefront. Another idea is installing a barnwood vanity in the bathroom, but with a rectangular sink. If you are interested in light fixtures, opt for a sleek hanging pendant light made from iron or copper. Don’t forget to add the famed terracotta tiles to complete the look!

Mix old and new

There is something special about keeping the old and purchasing new. Combining modern and rustic styles starts here. Curate a mix of both new and old furniture, elements, and décor.

This layered effect feels warm, inviting, and lived-in. It also incorporates a balanced feel of new-world modern appeal. The more layers, the more depth, and the more alluring.

For example, you can pair an antique wingback chair with a modern lighting fixture. You can also showcase a precious heirloom with contemporary throws and pillows. The merging of the two worlds creates both a cozy and refreshed feel.

Statement lighting

And back to the lighting! Lighting is a vital way to marry rustic and modern elements. A bold lighting feature is the ultimate showstopper and centerpiece.

Look for a modern chandelier that unites displays of wrought iron or wooden touches. Industrial light fixtures with exposed bulbs — called Edison bulbs — are a great way to offer both styles in tandem. Join a rustic piece of furniture with a sleek floor lamp for an extra bold touch.

Modern art meets rustic settings

Modern pieces of art are the ultimate showpiece in a home. This can offer a striking contrast against rustic flooring and décor. Thousands of consumers entrust Rustico Tile to help capture this perfect setting of rustic and modern implementation in their homes. 

Modern art and rustic settings are perfect to create a juxtaposition between grounding harmony and new-world sophistication. Try featuring an abstract canvas art against a reclaimed wooden accent wall. You can also pair black-and-white photography with surrounding rustic elements.

Add textile layering

Layers, layers, layers. This method of using textiles is a proven way to bring texture and warmth to your modern-rustic home. Modern minimalism meeting rustic coziness is the perfect combination of both worlds. The more layers, the better. 

Try layering a neutral rug with an overlay of a fluffy throw. You can also match cotton and linen curtains. For a bolder step, have a dark accent wall with pale curtains. Add a plethora of throw pillows with organic features such as linen, sheepskin, wool, or leather.

Bottom Line for Rustic Style

In a world full of one-dimensional aesthetics, you can choose to marry multiple styles into one place of harmony. The more layering and marrying of elements, the better. By starting with a neutral color palette, you can seamlessly implement rustic elements, lighting fixtures, and statement furniture into your modern aesthetic and design. 

Rustic and modern perfectly capture the feeling of warmth and sleekness. This creates a cozy feeling that also feels fresh and new. Step into a blend of two worlds that is the perfect foundation to create one charming space you’ll be proud to call home.