Modern and rustic, two opposite design styles that you might think could never go together. However, that’s not the case. In fact, they’re so complimentary and interesting that real design magic happens when you mix them.

When a modern house is paired with rustic touches, there’s this phenomenon that takes the edge off the starkness of the modern style. Rustic’s texture and warmth contrasts modern’s simplicity and coolness by mixing in history with aged materials and worn in vintage charm.

This contrast is precisely why I chose the modern rustic combo for the second week in my mixing design styles series. If you missed last week’s, 5 key tactics the pros use when mixing Mid Century Modern and farmhouse design, make sure to check that out.

Just as last week, I spent time going back through my own archives and questions, then I cross referenced those findings with keyword research and social engagement for this post. Not surprisingly the research showed this pairing to be a close second to Mid Century and modern farmhouse.

Sadly, there’s no shortage of people who struggle to combine different decorating styles and that is certainly true for this combination. For some reason, the belief that you can successfully mix modern and rustic is a tough sell. I know this because I’ve counseled and consoled a few customers through this very combo.

It’s completely normal for people to be drawn to parts of one decorating style and parts of another or even many others. In fact, couples who have vastly different design tastes will come to me with genuine concern that they just can’t live with what the other loves.

Disagreement over how to decorate leads to avoiding the subject completely. In the worst cases, some homes remain unfinished for years!

I believe wholeheartedly that your home are meant to be your sanctuary from the frenetic energy of the outside world. That’s why it’s a shame some homes go unfinished.

A lack luster home decorating dilemma is no way to create a relaxing and restorative environment.

Even as we spend nearly every waking hour at home these days, chances are you’re feeling a pull to finish up a couple projects here and there, right?

If you’re experiencing conflict from trying to mix two opposite design styles, I’m here to tell you it is absolutely possible. You just have to put aside preconceived notions and believe that there’s ALWAYS a way to build a bridge or two to ANY decorating style.

How Do You Define Rustic and Modern Design?

I love the publication, House Beautiful. I’ve been a subscriber for years and there’s always amazing articles to read about and beautiful pictures to look at in every issue. And, thankfully, they never shy away from exploring eclectic styles or quirky decorating trends. It’s no wonder that I was immediately drawn to their explanation of these two styles above all others:

“The term rustic is pretty broad, but many different design styles can actually fall into it. In it's most basic definition, rustic describes a design that's natural, rough, aged, and casual, so there are many styles—each drastically different from the other—that can be rustic. Some include Tuscan, coastal, cottage, or what you might traditionally think of as rustic—lodge.”

“Modern design is a designated time period, from the early to mid-20th century. It originated at the turn of the century, with roots in both German and Scandinavian design, and really gained popularity throughout the first half of the century. Modernism was the future in the early midcentury. It harnessed the capability of machinery to offer affordable housing and furniture solutions to the masses.”

These definitions explain the broad strokes of both styles and sometimes the best way to combine two or more decorating styles is to stop focusing on the minute details of each and look at the big picture instead. Don’t get caught up in being a purist. Trust that there will be elements from each to enhance the other.

So, how do you make your modern house rustic? Let’s get into 5 tips for mastering the art of mixing modern classic & rustic like a pro

Tip 1: Emphasize Natural Wood

Exposed wood beams, century old wood floors, repurposed or salvaged wood turned into furniture. These are the archetypes of rustic charm and warmth when mixed with modern.

Whether you have existing architectural elements or you’re installing them to accomplish the look, adding wood to walls or introducing textural wood furniture will go a long way to making a modern space feel more rustic.

Here I clad the walls with wood, immediately adding warmth and character.

Tip 2: Combine a Neutral Palette with Minimal Pattern

Modern rustic interiors tend to not show a lot of color contrast or pattern. If you love color, you can bring it in with fun throw pillows, art or accessories that can be edited as needed.

The best way to characterize the modern rustic color palette is unfussy. You won’t see a lot of funky wallpaper patterns or brightly colored walls.

What you will see is colors you find in nature. Look at the variations in the stone or wood wall cladding to pick up cues for the rest of the space.

Natural architectural materials tend to contain a rainbow of natural colors: grays, cream, white, taupe, beige, black. Those colors are perfect for painting walls and choosing upholstery and finishing touches in a modern rustic space.

Tip 3: Incorporate Cozy Textures

Introducing items like a rich distressed leather on upholstery will immediately contrast neutral walls.

Little accents like a faux fur pillow or wall tapestry will compliment and soften modern architectural elements like concrete floors or polished stone counters and other modern features.

Bring the cozy to the floors with a shag rug or hair on hide accent rug on top of a contemporary flat weave rug. Layering different textures works very well for mixing many types of design styles, especially modern rustic.

Layer an antique patch quilt or hand knitted throw on your modern sofa. Display artisanal pottery on your modern hutch, cabinets or shelving.

Modern meets rustic works wonderfully when you layer natural, cozy textures in with modern architectural features.

Don’t take the process so seriously because when you play around with layering materials, you’ll eventually find the perfect combination and you’ll create that magic I wrote about above. Just let your guard down and have fun.

Tip 4: Choose Straight Lines in Furniture and Accessories

Typically, you won’t see a lot of turned legs on furniture, or intricate inlays on tables when combining modern with rustic. Even though mixing natural with modern furnishings prevails, you’ll not see a lot of fuss or extravagance in modern rustic.

Upholstered furniture tends to favor the modern side: simple straight lines, tapered, thin legs and a conspicuous lack of over stuffing is typical.

That doesn’t mean you can’t add depth and character to the modern rustic decor. Take for example, this modern chair. The butterfly shape adds curve and dimension without straying from the straight-line formula. The leather on the body is a rich warm copper color with a bit of distressing to add texture. It’s a great example of how you can mix the modern and rustic all in a single piece.

Tip 5: Opposites Attract

Rustic wood paneling contrasting a smooth boxy concrete fireplace surround… You can’t get much more modern rustic than that. When picking finishes for a modern rustic space, always mix complete opposite materials in close proximity.

Think about mixing a reclaimed or really rustic wood tabletop with super modern metal legs on a dining table. Install rustic wood floating shelves over a simple gray painted wall.

Incorporate a modern chandelier to add something a little unexpected. For this example, this ultramodern ribbon shaped chandelier contrasts the natural wood floors and cladding on the fireplace wall. It’s both stark and quirky making a surprising and interesting statement in the space.

Don’t be afraid to combine opposite old world with contemporary in the same piece of furniture or in architectural elements in a space. Combining two styles in this way will ensure you have an interesting space that is both comfortable and stylish.

There you have it, 5 Quick Tips for Mastering the Art Of Mixing Modern & Rustic Like a Pro:

Tip 1: Emphasize Natural Wood

Tip 2: Combine a Neutral Palette with Minimal Pattern Tip

3: Incorporate Cozy Textures Tip

4: Choose Straight Lines in Furniture and Accessories

Tip 5: Opposites Attract

I’d love to hear what you think about this post. Have you experienced difficulty mixing two different design styles? How did you successfully achieve your vision? Or, are you stuck and can’t make your ideas look the way you’d like?

Leave me a comment below. I promise, I read and respond to all and I’ll be happy to lend a virtual hand.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a few minutes here with me.

Don’t forget to subscribe to see the last installment of this 3 part series next week. The best way to do that is to subscribe so you don’t miss out. You can subscribe by downloading my 11 Secrets Only Designers Know to Make Your Space Rock. If you’re curious about how decorators and designers make a home look magazine ready, you’ll love taking a gander at these 11 secrets. You’ll learn how to style your room from the floor up and it will work for ANY space you have.

If you missed last week’s blog, 5 key tactics the pros use when mixing Mid Century Modern and farmhouse design, don’t forget to check it out. Until next week, keep your dreams big for your small house!

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.