Decoration ideas for a more sustainable Christmas

Collection of Christmas ornaments against rustic wood background

Assortment of homemade and rustic Christmas decorations against a brick wallOne of the reasons people love to buy reclaimed wood furniture is how wonderful and natural it looks but the other reason is, of course, the positive environmental impact it has on our planet – ie. reusing wood that would otherwise be destined for landfill. So if you do not have a liking for mass-produced plastic Christmas decorations and want a more sustainable Christmas, as well as having something fun and creative to do as a family – this blog will be of interest to you…

Here we have put just a few ideas together so you can decorate your home with something a little more personal and individual. Some suggestions could also work as a small personal gift for a friend or family member.

Twigs in a vase with hanging Christmas decorations on a blue background

You may have some old decorations and want to reuse them in a new and more modern way instead of just throwing them away.

A homemade wreath on the front door is a perfect seasonal welcome to your home – just a simple wreath made from fir branches, pine cones, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks. A bit of red ribbon or some holly berries finish it off – hang it on your door and you give your door a bit of Christmas cheer for passersby and for any visitors.

Christmas wreath made with pine leaves, cones & berries hanging on bright pink door

It is lovely to create a welcoming hallway when you come in from the cold – it’s generally a small space so Christmas decorations should be sized so people can easily walk past them on their way in and out of the house. You can make a small twig tree to fit on a narrow console table, add fairy lights and just a few decorations. If you have a hallway storage bench you can add a wall-mounted decoration like a twig tree above it and hang fairy lights around that to give a bit of Christmas cheer as you walk in and take your boots off.

Close up of Christmas tree made from tree branches, wooden stars and string

You can also make a twig tree for the dining room – this is perfect for next to a rustic dining table. If you have a nice large sideboard you can place a wreath on it with one or more candles to create a more festive atmosphere. There is so much in nature that you can use, the kids would love foraging for pinecones, twigs, leaves and the many other things they would find to incorporate into your masterpiece.

Rustic and natural Christmas decorations with wreath and homemade tree made from twigs and leaves against brick wall

We love this simple and effective Christmas display – this is so simple to achieve and would look brilliant on a wood bookcase in the living room or as a centrepiece, arranged on a silver tray or plate, on a rustic coffee table, you could add some more candle holders to turn it into a real feature.

Glass jar filled with pinecones, dried orange slice and fairy lights

How to get the modern farmhouse style

Rustic wooden bench with checked cushions and white painted panelled wall

wooden bench with checked cushions and round rug

In recent years, the concept of modern farmhouse style has become a popular look, and the good news is that design experts believe it will be with us for some time to come. This is a contemporary style that is cosy but right on trend and has plenty of room for a person to add their own personality. Plus, it is calming and authentic without being too rural in its styling, offering clean lines with pops of subtle colour. The modern farmhouse style is also a real mixture of textures so if you have been looking for a style to complement rustic furniture, then this is the perfect choice for you and your home.

What is the difference between farmhouse and country styles?

The word farmhouse brings to mind an image of a slightly cluttered look. It includes wooden mismatched furniture, in particular, a scrubbed worn farmhouse table, flowery fabrics, a range-type stove and a look that is more practical and put together over time. Essentially it is lacking in any strong design cohesion – this is the country style. The addition of the word modern to the style changes this and offers a more updated look on the rustic country style. In a move away from the completely modern look of stainless steel and monochrome colour palettes, the modern farmhouse look is altogether softer and mixes warmer neutral and more texture.

For those people who dream of a more rustic style of home décor but still want a look that is “pulled-together,” well-thought out and offers all the design benefits of modern style, but with a softer look……then modern farmhouse is a great choice for this more organic flow.

Textures

wooden bench with white painted legs and checked cushions

The modern farmhouse look relies on textures as a key part of its aesthetic in order to achieve a softer look. Natural materials work well and can be mixed to great effect. A farmhouse dining table, for example, made of reclaimed wood will fit much better into the style than one with a more polished look. Consider pairing the look of this more organic choice of material with textiles like wool, tumbled linens and even soft velvet for a richer interest.

Colours

living room with large round wooden coffee table and black display cabinets

The colour palette for the modern farmhouse style is based on neutrals, greys, soft, gentle browns with names like mushroom and latte, and greige – a mix of grey and beige. It can also incorporate pops of bolder colours like inky blues, emerald or natural shades of green. Black, whilst not a bold colour, can be used to striking effect with this style. The key is to create a calm and neutral environment and then add carefully placed accents of your chosen colour through clever use of soft furnishings, accessories and discreet feature painting.

Furniture

live edge dining table in oak with white linen runner

The furniture that is most suited to the modern farmhouse style offers a more natural, cosy look. In addition to seating with soft lines and neutral colours, rustic wood and reclaimed wood furniture is a popular choice. A rustic coffee table will work really well in a modern farmhouse-style lounge. The natural features of the wood set against a neutral wall with maybe a plant to help raise the natural element of the style will work a treat.

Overall, keep it casual. When it comes to a more modern farmhouse look think simple – no fussy detailing is needed here, just high quality timeless materials and beautiful wooden furniture.

For rustic furniture that will help shape a modern farmhouse style in your living, dining or bedroom, visit us at Modish Living. Or for more interior inspiration explore our blog ideas.

Wooden or fabric dining chairs: how to decide

White wooden dining chairs with reclaimed wood dining table

reclaimed wood dining table with white wooden dining chairs

They may come secondary to a dining table, but if you’re looking to spruce up your dining area, investing in new dining chairs is an easy refresh. One of our most frequently asked questions here at Modish Living is what type of seating will best suit my dining table? Should you pair your rustic dining table with fabric dining chairs or stick with matching wooden dining chairs? We take a look at the pros of both fabric and wooden chairs to help you choose the perfect pairing.

Pros of fabric dining chairs

reclaimed wood dining table with grey fabric dining chairs

When it comes to texture for upholstered dining chairs you’re spoilt for choice, stylish recycled wool, charming aniline leather or sumptuous velvet are all great materials for dining chairs. Get creative and play with a variety of patterns to achieve different aesthetics based on your interior style. Take the plunge and opt for an upholstered dining chair in a tropical inspired print, pair with a reclaimed wood dining table, dark interior and plenty of antique trinkets and accessories to live out your true maximalist dream. If you prefer the minimalist look, keep it simple and revisit french countryside cool with muted stripe chairs featuring a rounded backrest which will look beautiful around a reclaimed wood dining table.

Fabric dining chairs are also an exciting way to bring some colour to your dining area. Elevate neutral spaces with deep purples for a romantic setting or emerald green coloured dining chairs to add some real depth and drama. Our Lansford Dining Chairs look fantastic when sat around an industrial dining table, the rich tones complement the warmth of the wood table top whilst the velvet seat and gold metal legs bring some glamour to the room. Indulging in velvet dining room chairs is the way to go if you’re wanting to achieve a more formal spaces. The Telford grey velvet dining chair paired with a striking wooden or glass top table is an iconic duo, the contrast of luxurious materials create a modern setting that oozes sophistication.

green velvet dining chairs with gold metal leg

If you want to mix and match dining chairs with a dining bench, you can even add an upholstered dining bench to your upholstered chairs. Looks aside, both a fabric chair or bench are incredibly comfortable, especially if you choose a dining bench with back. More like dining on your own personalised sofa, the level of comfort they offer will keep you and your guests seated way past desserts are served.

Pros of wooden chairs

reclaimed wood dining table with wooden dining chairs

You can never go wrong with a reclaimed wood dining chair. Aside from their strong, solid and durable nature, they are bursting with authentic character and charm. Our best-selling Standford Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Chair embraces all of its natural markings and undulations to bring a wholesome, comforting feel to dining areas wanting a homely touch.

wooden dining chair with cross back

If you’re concerned about comfort, there’s no need to compromise as you can elevate your space with soft seat cushions in the style of your choice or choose a wooden chair with an upholstered seat for the best of both worlds. Create the current viral coastal grandmother-style trend with nautical blue check seat cushions sitting on top of a wooden chair with arms for added support. Pair with a chunky wood dining table, modern coastal artwork and fresh blooms to set off the theme. For a more mid-century look, mix and match bright and bold fabric seat cushions around your dining table for a chic, artful look. The eclectic combos create a visually interesting point which is bound to spark a conversation. To really channel that 60’s vibe, arrange the chairs around a round wood dining table to capture the gentle curves of the mid-century design.

Investing in a wooden dining chair gives your dining table a partner for life. As the years go by your dining chairs will not only stand the test of time, but natural wear over the years will add to the authenticity of the design. Reclaimed wood is considerably easy to maintain with a lower risk of damage and stubborn staining. The easy wipe surface is a game-changer for young families with lots of small, sticky and spill-prone mitts at dinner time.

Tell us…..

So, what will you choose? Share you ideas and photos in the comments below or sign-up for our newsletter below for a weekly dose of inspiration and ideas.

Is a chest of drawers really better than a wardrobe?

Dulwich Reclaimed Wood Large Chest of Drawers

reclaimed solid wood bed with wooden blanket box and rustic bedside table

When it comes to bedroom storage, given the choice, would you opt for a chest of drawers over a wardrobe or visa versa? It’s a common conundrum and a question our customers toy with when looking for the perfect reclaimed or rustic furniture for their bedroom. Whilst some are resolute they couldn’t live without a wooden wardrobe, others, given the choice would opt for a rustic chest of drawers. So could a large chest of drawers replace the wardrobe? When and why would a chest of drawers be a better option than a wardrobe? What we’re really asking is – are you a chest or wardrobe type of person!

Small space, big dreams

reclaimed wood chest of drawers and matching wooden bedside table

Not all of us are gifted with a huge bedroom and masses of floor space to create the dream wardrobe and wooden chest of drawers get-up. In a smaller bedroom, we need to be clever with space and that means choosing versatile, flexible bedroom storage for clothing and other accessories. Luckily, what it doesn’t mean though, is that we can’t go for reclaimed wood furniture.

When you can’t even squeeze in a wardrobe with shelves, there is no denying that a bedroom chest of drawers is a great alternative. In most cases, we don’t need the full-length hanging space that most reclaimed wood wardrobes offer. And so even when we can afford the space for a wardrobe, it is sometimes not the best storage solution. Create a stylish look whilst affording as much storage as possible by mixing and combining tall, large and small chest of drawers.

Make the most of height (even if there isn’t much!)

A loft bedroom presents some interesting angles and characterful nooks and crannies, and whilst this is what you fell in love with, when it comes to furnishing the room, it can be a bit of a design nightmare. Chests of drawers could be the ideal solution here, especially as they come in a wide range of sizes and options, such as…….

Low and wide

The reason why you choose rustic furniture for the bedroom in the first place is for its natural features and beauty, but you also want pieces that offer bedroom storage without crowding the space. A low and wide chest of drawers is perfect for when ceiling height is limited but you have an expanse of wall.

large reclaimed wood chest of drawers

Tall and slender

Many bedrooms have a recess, in older properties especially, that can be hard to dress but is ripe for converting into a storage space. Square off an oddly-shaped room with a tall and slender bedroom chest of drawers in an awkward nook.

Combination storage

When you have unforgiving dimensions, sometimes you need to be a little bit clever in how you add storage. As well as a chest of drawers in the bedroom, consider adding bedside tables with drawers, just for that extra bit of storage space. You might also want to consider a wooden blanket box at the foot of your bed, or even investing in a bed with storage underneath, such as one from our Onslow collection.

reclaimed wood bedside table with pull out drawer

    The wardrobe

    Of course, none of this means that the wardrobe has had its day – far from it! Whilst it might be true that we are open to alternative bedroom storage options, sometimes only something with height will do to keep our glamorous gowns and swish suits looking their best. If you can’t live without a wardrobe, one with shelves provides many more storage opportunities as do wardrobes with hanging and drawer space, the perfect bedroom storage combination in our opinion.

    two wooden wardrobes in reclaimed wood with drawers

    Tell us…..

    So, which do you prefer? How have you organised your bedroom storage? Share you ideas and photos in the comments below or check out our Inspiration blogs for more storage ideas.

    Discover rustic interior vibes at Habitat hotel, Mykonos

    rustic coffee table and leather armchairs at hotel Habitat

    Rustic console table in bedroom of hotel Habitat, Mykonos

    How many times have you walked into a hotel and thought, ‘I want my home to look like this?’ Hotel interior designers know exactly how to create that relaxed-yet-refined ambience and when it comes to gathering inspiration for your home, we think a beautiful design-led hotel captivates the imagination.

    In a new regular monthly feature, Modish Travels, we roam the globe to discover some of the most inspirational and beautifully designed hotels that capture the essence of easy rustic living with a dose of luxury.

    We start our journey at Habitat, a new hotel on the island of Mykonos. Not short of luxury hotels, the party hub of the Cycladic islands knows how to spark an unmistakable sense of escapism and Habitat captures the laid-back rhythm of Mykonian life wonderfully with its modern bohemian style.

    wooden armchairs and rustic coffee table in lobby area of the Habitat hotel, Mykonos

    leather armchairs with wooden frame in lobby area of Habitat hotel, Mykonos

    Effortlessly mixing simple, rustic details with contemporary comforts, all elements of nature are visible around the hotel and within the luxury suites. Handmade rustic furniture, plush linens and unique materials exude understated elegance and a feeling of total relaxation.

    Habitat Suites are an inspiring mix of earthy tones, natural materials and rustic wooden details. The earthy indoor colour palette matches the surrounding landscape, respecting local architecture and maximising the resort’s feeling of escapism.

    rustic dining table and leather armchair at hotel Habitat, Mykonos

    rustic wooden bench at foot of king size bed with natural covers at hotel Habitat, Mykonosrustic furniture and accessories at hotel Habitat, Mykonos

    Get the look

    farringdon reclaimed wood dining table

    rustic console table with drawers

    If you’d like to stay at Habitat, Mykonos, visit its website habitatmykonos.com for more information and inspiration. Or to shop the look, browse our stunning collection of rustic and reclaimed wood furniture at Modish Living. All images courtesy of Habitat, Mykonos.

    Loved this?

    We hope you enjoyed reading this article and it’s inspired you to add a rustic vibe to your home. If you’d like to read more about how to achieve that rustic style, visit our Ideas and Inspirations.

    How to care for your reclaimed wood dining furniture

    How to care for your reclaimed wood dining furniture blog

    reclaimed wood dining table with matching wooden dining bench

    Reclaimed wood furniture has been growing in popularity for some years now, not only because it boasts authentic character, but because it is an easy, and stylish, eco choice. Reclaimed furniture is wood that is reused – generally from old beams found in buildings and barns that are being demolished, old railway sleepers, floorboards, scaffold boards, and even old boat timbers. It is an planet-friendly way to give old timbers a new lease of life and stories to tell, rather than the alternative, which is either burning or rendering it to landfill.

    The rustic furniture pieces created from reclaimed wood are not designed to look new – rather they should proudly show tone variations, knots and holes from where the nails have been hand removed, all of which give the furniture tonnes of genuinely unique character and history that you can only achieve with new timber. It is homely, warm and comforting, yet stylish and current at the same time. With the right care a reclaimed dining table, sideboard or chest of drawers will be a part of your home for many years to come.

    How do you care for reclaimed wood?

    Reclaimed wood is a natural product that will react to its environment, therefore, when you first welcome a piece into your home it will take some time to “settle in”. During this time it is a good idea to wax it regularly using a lint-free cloth – say once a month for the first three months – especially on surfaces that will be frequently used. After this time, you can give it just a thin layer of wax around four times a year to keep it looking its absolute best.

    close up of reclaimed wood dining table and brown faux leather dining chairs

    A reclaimed wood dining table is very forgiving, making it the ideal choice for a busy family home, especially if you have young children. Small scratches and dents can be easily blended by simply using clear wax and because a rustic table already has natural splits and nail holes, any small new scratches will be indecipherable. There are many waxes on the market and some rustic wood dining tables will have a slight tint to the wax. If this is the case, take a quick photo on your phone and ask your local hardware store for advice on colour and the best type of products to use.

    Some tables are finished with oil, again this is something you can easily find in hardware stores and apply as necessary to protect your wood dining table and keep it looking as good as new.

    Daily care and maintenance

    As you would with any type of wood furniture, we recommend using placemats and coasters to avoid heat and water ring marks. You should also pop something underneath a piece of paper if you are writing to avoid marking the table through the paper – if you have chosen an especially rustic finish, this will be essential to provide a smoother writing surface. When it comes to spillages, don’t panic! Excess water should be wiped up as soon as possible, but as long as you don’t leave puddles of water, your stylish dining table will be just fine. We do not recommend using wood polishes as they contain silicone that build-up over time – a dry lint-free cloth is fine or a damp cloth with a little mild detergent on a regularly waxed table is all you need to do!

    reclaimed wood dining table with polished silver crossed legs and glass top

    Reclaimed wood tables, such as the stunning Luxe Kensington Reclaimed Wood Dining Table above, can be incredibly heavy so when you move your furniture please don’t drag it, as this will weaken the joints. It is always best for a couple of you, or more if your table is particularly solid and heavy, to lift the table and gently set it down in its new position. In addition, if possible, avoid putting your dining furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

    Bring in the professionals

    If your treasured piece of reclaimed wood furniture gets particularly damaged and you don’t feel confident to mend it yourself then this is when you should get the professionals in. There are plenty of companies that can send a fully qualified furniture technician to your home to carry out a repair quickly and easily. And because reclaimed wood is so forgiving, these experts can do amazing things and treat a whole range of issues. Phew!

    close up of small round dining table in reclaimed wood

    Peace of mind

    No matter how careful and cautious you are with your reclaimed dining table, life’s little accidents are unavoidable. We understand this, so when you buy any of our luxury furniture from us you can also purchase a 5-year protection policy with a convenient one-off payment. This will cover your furniture for accidental stain damage, including food, drinks, ink, make-up and candle wax, as well as accidental scratches, chips and more. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

    No matter what type of interior scheme you’re coveting, whether that’s a classic farmhouse table or an uber-cool industrial dining table, reclaimed wood is the magic ingredient that will pull your look together. Not only is it the eco-friendly choice, but the timbers are strong, durable and overflowing with character, bringing bundles of style to your dining space.

    Do you have a reclaimed wood dining table in your home? Did you choose a wooden dining bench or some faux leather dining chairs to go with it? We’re a nosy bunch and would love to see how you style it. Follow us @modishliving to see how our customers style our furniture and get ideas and inspirations for your own home.

    Best of British – get patriotic with Mayfair Reclaimed

    beam industrial dining table for Best of British - get patriotic with Beam Reclaimed blog

    Hip hip-hooray to an extra long royal weekend! With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee fast approaching and as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gets ready to mark her 70-year reign, it’s certainly a moment to feel proud to be British. Whether you’re celebrating this joyous occasion by hosting afternoon tea or throwing a patriotic picnic, before you break out the bunting why not take a look at our beautiful and British made reclaimed wood furniture. Handmade by highly skilled craftsmen here in Britain, by buying Reclaimed you’ll be supporting our very own craftspeople, whilst investing back into our economy.

    We don’t often like to pick favourites, but read on to see which pieces from our Reclaimed Wood collection really do take the crown.

    Mayfair Industrial Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

    If you’re looking for a dining table that’s bursting with natural features but also has that refined ‘London look’, look no further. Our Mayfair Reclaimed Wood Dining Table is perfect for city loft-style lovers wanting to add a little character and charm back into their space. The combination of solid black steel legs, which add an unfinished industrial edge, and the rugged wood top full of comfort and warmth, this dining table really something special. If you have an awkward shaped space or a smaller dining area, don’t fear, you’ll be happy to know all of our Beam range is made to order, so we can customise your furniture to fit your needs.

    Eastwood Rustic Oak Dining Table

    The design of this classic and rustic reclaimed wood dining table features a thick, chunky wood top and sturdy legs to last for years of good times and memories. 

    Winchester Reclaimed Wood Bed

    The solid wood bed frame boasts a contemporary cool look which is great for adding a little style to traditional bedrooms. Looks aside, the design incorporates handy and essential storage with a handy underneath drawer to keep things neat and tidy. Truly fit for a king, or queen, the Buckingham bed will reign in your home for years to come.

    Winchester Reclaimed Wood Large Chest of Drawers

    Complete your cosy bedroom and clear the clutter with a matching chest of drawers crafted in reclaimed wood. We love how visible all the knots and markings are in the wood, giving the rustic chest of drawers a natural and authentic look. 

    What are the differences between rustic and farmhouse?

    Farringdon Reclaimed wood extendable trestle table

    farmhouse dining table with grey fabric dining chairs

    Are you confused at the difference between rustic and farmhouse interior styles? Rustic furniture and farmhouse furniture are the same, right? Well, not entirely. There are similarities between the two styles, both have a warm and welcoming feel to them, but there are distinct differences as well. We take a closer look to help you decide whether you’re wanting to create a farmhouse look or rustic style in your home.

    The Rustic Style

    rustic stool with wool blanket

    Both the rustic and farmhouse styles were borne out of rural life, so it makes sense that both have strong natural influences. Wood was the material of choice many years ago and in plentiful supply, so it features heavily in both styles. However, if you want to achieve the rustic look, these are the key elements you need to incorporate into your design to differentiate it from farmhouse:

    • Rustic furniture tends to be ‘rougher’, retaining a more natural finish and letting the raw beauty of the wood shine through.
    • Both styles honour the grain of the wood, its pitting, splits and marks, but the rustic style makes a feature of these qualities and accentuates them further in its finish and design.

    rustic sideboard with three cupboards and black metal handle

    • Key pieces of furniture such as a rustic dining table or rustic styled solid wood bed should be crafted from ‘knotty’ woods with curves, bends and irregularities that give it natural character.
    • Wood in a rustic style room or home is left very much in its original state, but can also be distressed further, ensuring that as a piece it continues to tell its story. As a result, you can expect to see a solid wood bed frame or a rustic sideboard made from reclaimed wood such as a reclaimed wood rustic dining table.

    reclaimed wood dining table wooden dining bench

    • This brings us nicely onto reclaimed wood, which is a common feature in both styles, but especially rustic. The history, character and abundance of features visible in reclaimed wood furniture sits with the rustic style seamlessly.
    • Overall the wood used is thicker and chunkier, with solid wide cuts used to create bespoke rustic style furniture.
    • Finally, the joints in rustic styled pieces tend to be chunkier as well or made using natural materials, but always still finished to a high standard.

    Colours for the rustic style

    The colour within a rustic interior scheme tends to be a mixture of a neutral palette to allow the rustic furniture to stand out or strong and natural earthy tones – soft browns and rusty orange for example – that are grounding, organic and inherently warm.

    Accessories reflect the simple yet elegant, natural yet comfortable rustic style too. Choose pieces created by local artisan crafters, with pottery and naturally woven textiles perfect for finishing the scheme.

    The Farmhouse Style

    white milk jug with pink roses with white rustic wood background

    The farmhouse look is equally as appealing and has a comforting and unpretentious feel to it, but if there is one obvious difference, it is the subtle rounding and polishing of the finish that features in the farmhouse style and farmhouse furniture.

    • Farmhouse decor relies on natural materials and more specifically, wood, but rather than leaving the wood in its natural state, it takes a different approach by adding a more refined finish.
    • The cut of the wood is often machine cut and not rough-swan for a smoother finish.
    • The finish in farmhouse furniture, such as a farmhouse dining table, is often polished, stained or in many cases, painted. The natural grain of the wood is still visible, but it has been given a more elegant aesthetic.

    white painted reclaimed wood dining table with matching wooden dining bench

    reclaimed wood dining table with white painted trestle leg

    • Finally, the farmhouse style has a more rounded shape to its furniture, together with a great emphasis on the detailing. For example, a typical farmhouse table may feature trestle style legs or a thick-set monastery leg for a more imposing statement. A round kitchen table in a farmhouse style home would almost definitely feature a curved pedestal leg, perfect for family suppers.

    Colours for the farmhouse style

    For colours, choose light, pretty tones such as light blue. sage green and neutral beige, or opt for more flower-inspired shades reflective of a cottage garden – cherry reds or sunshine yellow will brighten-up a room beautifully.

    Accessories are stylish and functional, taking the best of not only local artisans, but national crafts too. Adding a hint of French style and interior design works well with the farmhouse style and appeal; the details found in French furniture work well in any room in the home, but especially in a farmhouse styled dining room.

    This is our take on the differences between Rustic and Farmhouse styles, we hope it’s helped you decide what style is best for you. What style would you choose? We would love to hear from you!

    If you enjoyed this, read more….

    3 best colours for a chic rustic living room

    3 best colours for a chic rustic living room

    rustic living room with brown couch, wooden floor and rustic tv stand

    If you thought the idea of rustic style was something that really only belonged in a quaint chocolate-box cottage, then you might be surprised. When executed properly, with the right rustic furniture, colours and, of course, accessories, the rustic style can be applied to any type of living room. It can work in homes ranging from the more traditional to a contemporary apartment building. But how do you make it work for you? And what colours should you pair with it?

    What is rustic style?

    The modern rustic look is one that offers a somewhat soothing quality to your home. It is a look that is built around the use of raw edges, natural materials, such as reclaimed wood furniture and stone, along with soft colours.

    The key to creating this type of style is informal elegance and in the modern home that can also mean open floor plans, preserved natural architectural details and plenty of light. It’s also important to get the colour right to keep the rustic look fresh and modern. With this in mind let’s take a look at three palettes that complement a contemporary rustic living room.

    1. Neutral

    white living room with modern rustic furniture and white rug

    A neutral (think off-white, beige, light grey or magnolia) colour scheme can give you a fantastic backdrop against which your key pieces of rustic furniture can take centre stage and create the perfect rustic living room. For example, a cosy brown leather sofa beside a rustic coffee table – these are great pieces of furniture to build your rustic decor around. Whilst a neutral palette is a fantastic colour for your walls and floors, without the right touches it risks looking cold and lack the rustic charm you are striving for. The extra touches that you can add by way of accessories offer the perfect opportunity to add a bit of warmth that will help bring the rustic look together. Muted tones, such as grey and dusky pinks will ensure you don’t stray too far from your neutral pallet, but will add some much needed warmth; think rugs, cushions with textures and even artwork.

    2. Bold and Dark

    rustic coffee table in living room with dark blue feature wall and cream fabric sofa

    There is something about a smaller living room that works really well with bolder darker colours. Darker greens and deep blues are a great combination with reclaimed wood furniture, helping to create a warm and welcoming space that invites you to relax. The key is to be subtle and not overdo things – less is more when it comes to dark shades and creating the perfect rustic living space. Use a splash of colour to create feature walls or with accessories, such as rugs, throws and cushions, as well as cosy lighting to create a rustic glow at night.

    3. Natural colours and textures

    rustic living room with modern wood panelling and cream armchair

    Our final colour scheme, and one that works particularly well in a rustic living room, brings natural earthy colours together to complement the textures of rustic furniture. Colours that you should consider here include a range of browns and muted tones like sage green. These colours work wonderfully well with brown leather sofas and standalone pieces of furniture like a wooden side table and lamp combination. They also bring a fantastic contemporary contrast against natural exposed brick work and wood panelling – both raw or painted – to create a contemporary rustic look. Continue the natural theme throughout the room to create a cohesive rustic look with some well placed foliage; a plant or a stone vase of grasses would work really well.

    Are you considering mixing up your colour scheme to fit around your rustic furniture? If so, what colours are you considering? Leave a comment below and share your ideas.