10 ways to blend modern and rustic interior design

At first glance, rustic and modern interior design schemes seem to be totally at odds with each other but, when used properly, they can be the best of friends and create the most stunning home imaginable.  If you’re keen to learn how you can bring contemporary and rustic aesthetics together, read on because we have some super simple tips and tricks to try.

1. Keep your walls neutral

When you want to combine different schools of design, you need to start with a neutral canvas and the best way to do that at home is with an understated wall colour. Naturally, white works perfectly, but a pale grey, light yellow or cream would all work as well. Essentially, your walls are simply the backdrop and they need to melt away!

2. Choose solid wood furniture

[caption id="attachment_15381" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Rustic Red Cedar Log Vanity[/caption] Solid wood furniture is an easy and timeless way to inject a little rustic flavour into every room in any home. Whether it’s a stunning bathroom vanity made from fragrant red cedar or a trestle-base dining table, some natural materials will balance out the cool neutrality of your walls.

3. Keep the textiles simple

Don’t get us wrong, we always think there’s a place for some well-chosen plaid but on the whole, keeping your textiles more pared back prevents an overly cluttered vibe and errs on the side of modern interior design again. Think about luxurious wool sofa throws, single color curtains and fewer embroidery samplers laying around.

4. Go wild with rugs

An exemption from the textiles rule are your floor rugs. Here, you can afford to be a little more rustic and daring, perhaps with a classic animal hide show piece. On a wooden floor, these beautiful pieces really shine.

5. Let there be light

When it comes to your main lighting, let’s be modern. You want energy-efficient, bright LED bulbs that give you all the illumination you need, without breaking the bank because of your electricity bills. Brighter lighting will make your home feel cleaner and bigger too.

6. Create the right mood

When it’s time to relax and turn off the main lighting, you need some gorgeous lamps dotted around, cabin-style. Wooden bases and hide shades will create a warm and snug ambience, while adding in a little outdoorsy feeling too. It’s the perfect balance for when you want to wind down.

7. Declutter and maintain clear surfaces

Homes with a modern theme often seem to be not tidier exactly, but less chaotic in terms of debris lying around. Get in on this trend by regularly auditing your display pieces and removing day-to-day accoutrement. In a family home, this can be easier said than done, but at some point, everybody needs to pull their weight and after themselves!

8. Have a place for everything

While tidying and auditing, consider treating yourself to some seriously functional but still fabulous furniture. A large dresser is an ideal addition to any home that needs to stay on top of clutter. As is a media center, where games consoles, remotes and associated accessories can all live. Even a coffee table with hidden storage would be a fantastic addition!

9. Use those blank walls as a gallery

A little fresh and modern art on the walls will always inject a serious amount of style and elegance into your home. Choose understated frames that make the framed item the star of the show and be sure to think about lighting. We always think that some tasteful black and white photos work well and can be a great opportunity to keep friends and family close.

10. Don’t forget the mirrors

Big, beautiful and stately mirrors are so frequently overlooked, but treat your home to a few. In a modest hallway, they double the perceived space and in a living room, they reflect all your ambient lighting and amplify a cozy vibe. Keep things classic and rustic with stoic solid wood frames and enjoy the extra warmth the material brings to neutral walls. So there you have it! Modern interior design and rustic themes really can work together and in our opinion, should!