Decorating
10 Modern-rustic Room Schemes With Natural Appeal
Want to evoke a welcoming, calm feel at home? Fall for the honest simplicity of this pared-back incarnation of traditional rustic style
If you’ve ever stayed in a ski lodge or watched a Christmas film set in snowy mountains, you’ll be familiar with traditional rustic style and its undeniable cosy appeal. However, wall-to-wall timber cladding is a bit full-on for everyday life in the UK, where we need décor that works across the seasons. Modern rustic is a new take on this much-loved look.
Wood is still integral, but the finish is lighter and less shiny. Soft fabrics and hand-crafted pieces take pride of place as always, but pattern is more subdued. Crucially, you don’t need a log cabin to get comfortable with this nature-inspired, trans-seasonal style. See if these 10 interiors spark a modern-rustic makeover in your home.
Wood is still integral, but the finish is lighter and less shiny. Soft fabrics and hand-crafted pieces take pride of place as always, but pattern is more subdued. Crucially, you don’t need a log cabin to get comfortable with this nature-inspired, trans-seasonal style. See if these 10 interiors spark a modern-rustic makeover in your home.
Celebrate imperfections
Embrace the beauty of aged wood by leaving bare floorboards exposed. Try a Scandinavian-style soaped finish instead of varnish to protect boards without changing their appearance.
Explore 10 ideas for transforming natural wooden floors
Embrace the beauty of aged wood by leaving bare floorboards exposed. Try a Scandinavian-style soaped finish instead of varnish to protect boards without changing their appearance.
Explore 10 ideas for transforming natural wooden floors
Lay wide planks
If you’re after the modern-rustic look but your house lacks original wooden floors, get to grips with convenient engineered options. For this laid-back-luxe look you need extra-wide boards, such as those made from Douglas Fir.
See beautiful Douglas Fir in context in a modern eco-kitchen design
If you’re after the modern-rustic look but your house lacks original wooden floors, get to grips with convenient engineered options. For this laid-back-luxe look you need extra-wide boards, such as those made from Douglas Fir.
See beautiful Douglas Fir in context in a modern eco-kitchen design
Concentrate on the basics
Make hard-working organic materials such as stone, porcelain, wood and metal the backbone of your design plans. Once you have these key elements in place, display one or two carefully chosen accessories to create a fuss-free space, such as this serene utility room, or add a little more decoration if you prefer a slightly busier scheme.
Make hard-working organic materials such as stone, porcelain, wood and metal the backbone of your design plans. Once you have these key elements in place, display one or two carefully chosen accessories to create a fuss-free space, such as this serene utility room, or add a little more decoration if you prefer a slightly busier scheme.
Source originality
Furniture made from reclaimed wood works well with this pared-back design aesthetic. Modern-rustic style celebrates craftsmanship, so look out for unique, handmade pieces.
Furniture made from reclaimed wood works well with this pared-back design aesthetic. Modern-rustic style celebrates craftsmanship, so look out for unique, handmade pieces.
Show everyday wares
If you’re just looking to add a hint of modern-rustic style, use raw wooden shelves in the kitchen to display your most-used crockery and glassware. Tuck items you use less out of the way inside drawers or cupboards to keep them from getting dusty.
If you’re just looking to add a hint of modern-rustic style, use raw wooden shelves in the kitchen to display your most-used crockery and glassware. Tuck items you use less out of the way inside drawers or cupboards to keep them from getting dusty.
Bring the outside in
Make a feature of chopped wood for the fire by piling logs in an alcove with their sawn-off ends on display. This modern-rustic barn conversion continues the natural theme with a coffee table made from a chunky ash tree and a fur rug to soften the stone floor.
Make a feature of chopped wood for the fire by piling logs in an alcove with their sawn-off ends on display. This modern-rustic barn conversion continues the natural theme with a coffee table made from a chunky ash tree and a fur rug to soften the stone floor.
Love linen
Layer linen sheets and plump pillows in soft, washed-out colours to create a calm sleep sanctuary. Pair with an antique wooden table or chair for a suitably modern-rustic bedside set-up.
Layer linen sheets and plump pillows in soft, washed-out colours to create a calm sleep sanctuary. Pair with an antique wooden table or chair for a suitably modern-rustic bedside set-up.
Meet the panel
This beautiful custom-built bathroom proves that timber can work in an area where water is present – ask your carpenter for recommendations on suitable wood types and finishing treatments. Alternatively, panelling is a quick and easy way to imbue your space with the warmth and texture of wood.
This beautiful custom-built bathroom proves that timber can work in an area where water is present – ask your carpenter for recommendations on suitable wood types and finishing treatments. Alternatively, panelling is a quick and easy way to imbue your space with the warmth and texture of wood.
Simplify the study
Free your mind from the distractions of busy décor by installing an all-white home office. Wooden trestles make the base for a stylish desk, while plenty of plants ensure a healthy and inspiring study space.
TELL US…
Do you like this contemporary, rustic look – and how would you describe your style? Let us know or share photos in the Comments below.
Free your mind from the distractions of busy décor by installing an all-white home office. Wooden trestles make the base for a stylish desk, while plenty of plants ensure a healthy and inspiring study space.
TELL US…
Do you like this contemporary, rustic look – and how would you describe your style? Let us know or share photos in the Comments below.
When it comes to soft furnishings, natural fabrics such as wool and cotton will help to create a relaxed feel in your living space. Modern-rustic schemes use subdued pattern sparingly against a plain base. Add texture with storage baskets and occasional furniture, such as the woven rattan stool shown here.