Skip to main content

Rustic home decor ideas that still look modern

Many people get bored with their furnishings and décor — it happens. When it does, why not push yourself out of your comfort zone and try out a few trendy, new home designs? If you’re on the hunt for a different style, consider incorporating rustic home décor into your space. The best part is that you don’t need to undergo a full-scale renovation to get a taste of this aesthetic.

Blend a few rustic pieces with your existing design to create a unique style that’s a little cozy, a little luxurious, and entirely you.

Rustic themes with modern accents

If your home is already a little rustic, bring it into the 21st century with touches of modernity. The easiest and least expensive method is to keep the statement pieces and update the decor. Keep the furniture and heavy heavy objects in place and your wallet (and your back) will thank you.

Utilize modern accents and strategically place decorations that will show your guests that you’ve taken a rustic theme and made it all your own. For instance, add sleeker elements like granite (or quartz) countertops in the kitchen, oversize bathroom mirrors, and glass side tables. Consider hanging solid picture frames and dark, square lighting fixtures to add a contemporary flair.

Modern living room with rustic accents
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Modern themes with rustic accents

On the other hand, you might live in a high-rise apartment or modern house in one of the newest developments in town. Despite the modernity of your home, you can still include elements that bring in comfort and a touch of history.

Warm up the kitchen by adding a large wooden farmhouse table to gather around for family meals. In general, wooden pieces are a quick and easy way to add a rustic flair to the room, so look for wooden side tables, picture frames, and shelves. Also, start using dried flowers in vintage vases along with decorations that once saw real-life use on a farm. Think butter churns, milk buckets, horseshoes, and other items that can be upcycled to become storage or unique wall decor. A few strategically placed vintage pieces of furniture can add a touch of antiquity to your space, even if the house was built only a few years ago.

Long story short, carefully placed accent pieces are the key to finding the perfect balance between rustic and modern styles. In a house ruled by rustic furniture and architecture, bring in stainless steel or minimalist accents like a large overstuffed sofa or simple, clean rug. On the flip side, placing a big antique sideboard in an otherwise updated dining room prevents the area from looking too cold and uniform.

Create a dedicated space

Sometimes mixing and matching just might not work as a blended theme throughout your entire house. It may end up looking busy, confusing, and as if you couldn’t decide between two styles. That’s okay — when it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. However, you can always create a specific room or an area of a room dedicated to one style or the other, no blending necessary.

Just keep in mind that some spaces lend themselves more to one style over another. If your home’s architecture and vibe are more modern, then you may want to keep big family spaces like your kitchen and living room in that same style. On the other hand, you could easily set up bedrooms and bonus rooms with comfy rustic-styled furnishings accented with folk art on the walls.

King sized bed in modern bedroom
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The final word

By bringing together more than one style and artfully integrating them, you can create a visually interesting space that has layers of textures, designs, and impacts. Following one design to the letter can end up looking boring and maybe even a little cookie cutter. While the houses in the most recent issue of Architectural Digest may look jaw-dropping, keep in mind that that’s someone else’s style and vision. Take inspiration from these styles and mix it with other influences to create a space that’s uniquely your own.

There are no rules in today’s world. Who’s going to judge you for experimenting with new furnishings and décor? Not many. With a little imagination and a weekend or two of remodeling, you can make it work.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Will Blesch
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Will Blesch is a copywriter, content writer, and someone passionate about anything that lets him discover more about this…
8 spectacular basement laundry room ideas to create a warm, inviting space
Transform your basement laundry room with these remodeling tips
Farmhouse style laundry room with blue cabinets

The basement is a great spot for a designated laundry room due to its open layout and utility hookups. Often, though, the aesthetics leave a lot to be desired.

Your basement laundry room doesn’t have to be dingy or dull; you can make your space more functional and stylish with a few simple changes. Your newly renovated space may even make you enjoy doing your laundry! Here are eight of our favorite basement laundry room ideas and a few considerations to keep in mind while remodeling.

Read more
These apps that use AR for furniture placement are amazing
Check out these interior design apps that use AR to help you style your space
person using an augmented reality app for home design

Sometimes we just need a change. Whether this means rearranging existing furniture or purchasing a brand new sectional, redecorating the home is a quick and easy way to give yourself a change of scenery. Now, you don't even have to push couches back and forth to determine their best placement or purchase a table without knowing for sure how it will fit with the rest of your decor.

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we go about interior design. AR technology has paved a new path for many designers and homeowners, allowing them to superimpose furniture right in their living room. If you're a pioneer in the home design space or simply love using tech to style the space of your dreams, take a look at these AR interior design apps that will make the next remodel smooth and easy.

Read more
6 easy ways to update your home for under $500
Update your home with these inexpensive, easy projects
Couple painting white walls

When most homeowners think of renovations, they think of time-consuming projects that always run over budget. And often, they’re right. But updating your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Tearing down cabinets and installing brand-new hardwood floors aren’t the only ways to up your home design game.

With a bit of planning and elbow grease, you can refresh your space with inexpensive home remodeling projects that will have a considerable impact. Here are six DIY home projects that you can easily complete for less than $500.

Read more