Defining a Style Series: What is Rustic Chic? Your Modern Take on Country

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Creating a rustic chic look is all about blending traditional and modern touches. Image: Cohen Construction Inc.

The phrase “rustic chic design” has been thrown around a lot lately and, believe it or not, it isn’t just exclusive to weddings anymore. While this term certainly does conjure up images of refurbished barn ceremonies and mason jar centerpieces, more recently it has also become synonymous with an eye-catching style of home décor.

At first glance, this combination of aesthetics can seem elusive to those who drool over it. It can be hard to see where the ideal balance lies between the two styles and to understand how to bring them together in a way that feels both effortlessly current and cozy.

Let us show you how to create rustic chic interiors that live up to their name and surpass expectations. If you take the tips in this article into account while you work up your design, we guarantee you’ll become a modern country master.

Choose modern furniture and silhouettes. Image: Snake River Interiors

Choose modern furniture

It should be obvious from the name that rustic chic is about creating contrast. In these spaces, you need to offset more traditional, country pieces with some equally current selections. Furniture is the ideal place to give the room a modern twist because it can be seen throughout each item’s distinct attributes, such as silhouette, material or color.

Don’t be afraid to go bold here. When selecting furniture, choose pieces that would make your grandmother role her eyes. Opt for either sleek, straight lines or eye-catching, artistic curves and consider using metals like stainless and chrome to pop against natural woods.

When it comes time for placement, however, go back to fundamentals. Make sure your modernist picks are arranged into cozy seating areas that facilitate conversation and that the function of each room is perfectly clear.

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Add country charm through your accessories. Image: The Ranch Uncommon

Add in rustic accessories

The most important aspect of any rustic space is its charm. These little touches add a warm and welcoming feel to your room that is irreplaceable. No matter how modern you want your space to look, include at least a few elements that are undeniably big, bold and country.

Accessories are the best place to do this because they give you the freedom to infuse the room with a punch of visual impact without it overwhelming. Use wall art, lighting or even a few simple décor items you can spread throughout the space.

Those who want an even stronger rustic feel may make one of these items the room’s focal point. Consider, for example, the island in the picture above. This statement piece instantly draws the eye and sets expectations.

Add rustic accessories like the following suggested products:

Lean on neutral colors and natural materials. Image: Studio Industrielle

Rustic chic spaces stick to natural palettes

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that rustic spaces tend to revolve around natural materials. In some cases, they literally allow you to bring the outdoors into your home and, in others, they can help conjure images of more rural territories. In rustic chic designs, they work double duty because these same materials are also undeniably modern.

That means you can go nuts when it comes to including woods (bonus points if it’s reclaimed) and stones. These can be included in nearly every part of the room, in anything from beams across the ceiling to hardwood flooring and the face of the fireplace. When making your selections, keep in mind that modern spaces tend to favor lighter shades to help keep them feeling light and airy.

This natural palette also extends to the colors you should incorporate in your design. Instead of focusing on monochromatic colors for your dominant neutrals, opt for softer shades of tan and brown. Then, choose brighter colors that are still found in nature — maroons and indigo blues, for instance — as your accent shades.

Stick to a natural palette with these suggested products:

Use a variety of textiles to infuse coziness into spaces. Image: Snake River Interiors

Use textiles to keep things cozy

Rustic spaces have a cozy feel to them, one that is even more necessary when you take into account the starker, modern attributes in a rustic chic design. To combat this, it becomes essential to infuse an extra layer of warmth into the space. For that, textiles are the perfect vehicle.

You know the drill: Rugs, blankets, pillows and duvet covers all count, of course. But try experimenting with textiles in places where you wouldn’t normally consider them. For example, add a throw rug in the kitchen or even one in the bathroom, as in the picture below.

Rustic chic can work in any room. Image: Frank de Biasi Interiors

Get cozy with these suggested products:

The rustic chic aesthetic is not new. Just look at any wedding magazine and you’ll see what we mean. That said, the look has become increasingly popular among interior design fans recently. It’s not hard to see why it continues to be a consistent hit, but for those who need a little help bringing this look to life, we have your back. Follow these tips to create the perfect current-yet-cozy aesthetic.

What do you think of rustic chic design? Have you brought a modern country aesthetic into your home? Share your best style tips with us in the comments below.

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