Today’s Rustic Style Puts a Modern Twist on a Classic Design Aesthetic

As interior styles become more minimalistic, there’s been a shift from traditional country style to something more simplified. Writer Vivienne Ayers and photographer Brent Darby call it the new rustic style, and they showcase its sophisticated looks and laidback charm in their 2024 book Living in New Rustic Style from Lannoo Publishers. “This is a relaxed look that is easy to live with, more often than not embracing Scandi minimalism and with elements of wabi-sabi,” say Ayers and Darby.

This new rustic style ditches the formality and frills of traditional country style in favor of a more subdued approach. “Generally speaking, modern country is about a celebration of natural materials, muted color palettes, and relaxed, unfussy style,” say the authors. The new rustic aesthetic visually and physically opens up spaces, modernizing the details to be more in line with today’s desire to create a haven at home. 

Key Elements of New Rustic Style

Modern rustic style has a look that feels familiar, with elements reflected in the popular organic modern style and simplified Scandinavian design. “Natural materials, cozy textures, and industrial-inspired elements are certainly key to the new rustic style, as are unique vintage pieces that bring soul to the interior,” say Ayers and Darby. 

It also shares sensibilities with related looks like modern farmhouse style. “Modern farmhouse style and modern country have a lot of common denominators: the pared back, unfussy element and penchant for subtle colors and the sociable, open-plan, practical spaces,” say the authors. Modern farmhouse, however, often has more moments of stark contrast, geometric accents, cool tones, and of course, shiplap. 

Similar design influences have transformed country style, trading the stuffiness and overabundance of decor for something uncluttered and curated. “Modern country style is much more relaxed, pared back, and unfussy than traditional country style, which is known for its sense of formality and decorative exuberance,” say Ayers and Darby.

Here are some of the significant elements of the new rustic style (and how it differs from traditional country style). 

Natural Materials

Natural materials are both decorative and foundational for modern country style. Timbers, beams, and exposed woods keep with the traditional aesthetic, but instead of dark, rich tones, the new rustic look features lime-washed, pale, or raw woods.

Stone, brick, and wooden floorboards are common flooring. Traditional country style might incorporate the same materials, but often in a more formal way. Ayers and Darby note the use of marble and cabochon-patterned floors in the older style. “Fabrics are usually simpler too,” say the authors, “with the emphasis on natural materials such as slubby linens, cottons, and warm wools.”

Restrained and Refreshed Colors and Patterns

Trade traditional accents such as bold and historic paint colors (particularly yellow and red), chintz fabrics, swags and frills, carpets, and draped tables for simpler elements in a more modern style. One of the most important style updates the authors mention is ditching carpets and fussy window treatments; instead, rugs soften the look and feel of flooring, while forgoing swaths of window fabrics provides a cleaner and less formal appearance. 

“Pattern is usually low key,” add the authors. An emerging design trend, textured walls are a staple of a modern country home. Plaster, tadelakt, or microcement add nuanced interest to walls, which Ayers and Darby say are typically in earthy and neutral colors and in muted or chalky shades.

But don’t think the personality often associated with country style is abandoned with an updated rustic aesthetic—it’s merely relaxed and transformed. Ayers and Darby talk about the “evolution of modern country” through a return to color, noting the particular influences of Kit Kemp and Mind the Gap. Modern hues come into this style through subtle elements like “bohemian fabrics on soft furnishings and furniture.”

Another style change is choosing an oversized scalloped headboard instead of the more utilitarian wooden or cast iron beds. “In that sense, the bold colors, more elaborate detailing, and layering of pattern have parallels with traditional country style but with a contemporary update,” say Ayers and Darby.

Vintage Instead of Antique

“Modern country embraces vintage and mid-century pieces, whereas traditional country tends to embrace antique pieces,” say Ayers and Darby. In particular, midcentury furniture is used to “inject an on-trend look” for the updated country aesthetic. The style avoids the oversized furniture trend, as well as the overly ornate or crowded approach to furniture and layout in a traditional space. Vintage is preferred over new furniture in the midcentury style for sustainability, which is an important underlying theme of the decorating approach.

Open Layouts and Industrial Elements 

“Modern country spaces tend to feature open plan spaces, whether they are barns, loft-style spaces, or cottages that have had rooms knocked through,” say Ayers and Darby. Larger windows and rooflights are also modern additions meant to bring natural light into those layouts. While this is reflective of the long-established trend of open-concept homes, it subtly nods to the industrial influences that are a key component in the new rustic style, too.

“There are often industrial twists introduced in modern country with use of ‘brutalist’ materials such as concrete for floors or worktops,” say Ayers and Darby. With both industrial and modern country styles employing a more minimal canvas, the synergies between the two—including a mix of metals, simple forms, and a preference for natural materials—may feel surprising given their very different overall aesthetics. 

Tips for Embracing the New Rustic Style In Your Home

In Living in New Rustic Style, Ayers and Darby show the aesthetic’s flexibility, from more contemporary spaces with energetic patterns to nature-imbued sanctuaries. The key to embracing this new rustic style is keeping it simple, natural, and, perhaps above all, authentic. 

“It is important that you bring into your home things you love, especially vintage pieces that will inject personality and authenticity,” say the authors. Art from travels or other pieces that mean something are easy examples of decor with genuine connections. 

To capture the style, Ayers and Darby say the space should look like it’s been developed over time. For example, highlight the bones of the home, such as historic or period features. Including vintage and reclaimed furniture imbues spaces with character and helps define the aesthetic. It also supports sustainability, an underlying element of the modern country ethos.

“There is definitely a lifestyle element in new rustic style,” confirm Ayers and Darby. It takes to heart the idea of a rural, slower pace and a home meant to nurture. Open floor plans are popular partly because they work for families, and overall, the style’s look and materials aim to be relaxed and easy to live within for a more laidback atmosphere.