Decorating
Decorating: How to Use Wood for a Pared-back Modern Rustic Look
Want a contemporary country vibe where wood takes centre stage? Step away from the orange pine dresser and be inspired by these cool ideas
Once the preserve of the classic country cottage, the rustic look has evolved to suit 21st century tastes. It’s still a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and natural materials, but the age-old formula of turned table legs, big flagstones and pretty accents has been reinvented. It’s easy to use wood in a modern scheme, as these images demonstrate. Move over loft living, here comes farmhouse chic…
Work crisp contrasts
The classic country interior is all about soft edges in the form of pattern, natural forms and carved curves. But, as this image shows, clean, modern lines and traditional rustic credentials can mix, particularly when right-angled woods are topped off with the precise, sharp finish of snow-white composite worktops and jet-black cabinetry.
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The classic country interior is all about soft edges in the form of pattern, natural forms and carved curves. But, as this image shows, clean, modern lines and traditional rustic credentials can mix, particularly when right-angled woods are topped off with the precise, sharp finish of snow-white composite worktops and jet-black cabinetry.
See more of this kitchen
Show the bones
Contemporary rustic style is about rejecting artifice and celebrating authenticity. So forget choosing a gorgeous wallpaper or agonising over the perfect shade of paint. A whitewash is all that’s needed on oh-so-simple wooden walls and floor, making them the perfect backdrop for some local character. And if your chairs show signs of having lead an interesting life, so much the better.
Contemporary rustic style is about rejecting artifice and celebrating authenticity. So forget choosing a gorgeous wallpaper or agonising over the perfect shade of paint. A whitewash is all that’s needed on oh-so-simple wooden walls and floor, making them the perfect backdrop for some local character. And if your chairs show signs of having lead an interesting life, so much the better.
Try a pale parquet
Stone floors or simple wooden boards are the usual option for a rustic look, but if you have parquet (or a passion for it) don’t assume it will look too grand. The colour is important, as are the other woods you use alongside it. Keep things light for an informal air and team with plain boards in a similar shade so the focus is on the natural material rather than the exquisite finish. Simple yet luxurious.
Stone floors or simple wooden boards are the usual option for a rustic look, but if you have parquet (or a passion for it) don’t assume it will look too grand. The colour is important, as are the other woods you use alongside it. Keep things light for an informal air and team with plain boards in a similar shade so the focus is on the natural material rather than the exquisite finish. Simple yet luxurious.
Reinvent it
Use a quintessentially rustic feature in a new way for an innovative mood. The tiered effect of traditional shutters works well on other furniture, such as this bed frame and locker. Meanwhile, ubiquitous wooden flooring becomes something special when the boards are extra wide.
Use a quintessentially rustic feature in a new way for an innovative mood. The tiered effect of traditional shutters works well on other furniture, such as this bed frame and locker. Meanwhile, ubiquitous wooden flooring becomes something special when the boards are extra wide.
Combine with concrete
Create an industrial take on rustic style with the introduction of that most utilitarian of materials: concrete. The perfect foil to the rugged, unpredictable features of woodgrain, it also offers cool colour and a smooth surface. There’s no fighting for attention here: it’s just a simple, contemporary setting in which to enjoy warm wood.
Create an industrial take on rustic style with the introduction of that most utilitarian of materials: concrete. The perfect foil to the rugged, unpredictable features of woodgrain, it also offers cool colour and a smooth surface. There’s no fighting for attention here: it’s just a simple, contemporary setting in which to enjoy warm wood.
Use it in unexpected ways
Avoid the clichés of a country cottage by introducing unusual items. Be warned, though: a wooden basin, quirky washstand, handcrafted towel rail and amazing combination of colours like this will leave you admiring the bathroom instead of brushing your teeth.
Avoid the clichés of a country cottage by introducing unusual items. Be warned, though: a wooden basin, quirky washstand, handcrafted towel rail and amazing combination of colours like this will leave you admiring the bathroom instead of brushing your teeth.
Create ample storage
Open dressers are all very well in a traditional farmhouse kitchen, but build a bespoke bank of painted wooden cupboards and you’ll instantly remove unsightly clutter from an otherwise serene scheme. These spacious beauties coordinate well with the long scrubbed table and, in terms of style, sit somewhere between the modern refrigerator and classic armoire.
Check out more ways to keep your kitchen organised
Open dressers are all very well in a traditional farmhouse kitchen, but build a bespoke bank of painted wooden cupboards and you’ll instantly remove unsightly clutter from an otherwise serene scheme. These spacious beauties coordinate well with the long scrubbed table and, in terms of style, sit somewhere between the modern refrigerator and classic armoire.
Check out more ways to keep your kitchen organised
Be generous
When it comes to appreciating the beauty of wood, there’s no place for subtlety. Get the full effect of beautiful, natural grain patterns with a substantial expanse of timber and you’ll be able to admire it from every corner of the room. This scheme continues the washed-out neutral look with a faux fireplace set with driftwood.
When it comes to appreciating the beauty of wood, there’s no place for subtlety. Get the full effect of beautiful, natural grain patterns with a substantial expanse of timber and you’ll be able to admire it from every corner of the room. This scheme continues the washed-out neutral look with a faux fireplace set with driftwood.
Embrace the ageing process
If the classic rustic interior is all about perfectly preserved pieces covered in thick layers of varnish, the modern take on the trend is quite the opposite. Peeling paint in faded colours creates a irresistible patina that offers a fascinating glimpse into the furniture’s history.
Are you a fan of modern rustic style? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
If the classic rustic interior is all about perfectly preserved pieces covered in thick layers of varnish, the modern take on the trend is quite the opposite. Peeling paint in faded colours creates a irresistible patina that offers a fascinating glimpse into the furniture’s history.
Are you a fan of modern rustic style? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Modern rustic interiors are all about proportion. Instead of relentlessly pushing the (undeniable) appeal of wood, team a few key pieces with modern materials. In the bathroom, complete an antique washstand with a brand-new basin and state-of-the-art tap. Similarly, a walk-in shower with glass screen adds a touch of luxury alongside the traditional tub.