What is the Rustic Modern Trend?
One of our top decorating requests for our customers in Chicago and Milwaukee is for a home that has warmth but still seems orderly. For many years, the rustic modern trend has fit the bill.
So, what exactly is rustic modern design? Here are 5 things to look for.
5 Signs of Rustic Modern Furniture:
Example of a rustic modern coffee table
Rectilinear (squared off) and simple forms. Unlike your waistline, chunky is okay!
An appearance of being salvaged, antiqued or ‘old’
Darker wood
Wood with distressing, knots, and general inconsistency
Use of dark metals like bronze and iron
The boxy forms have suited the simplicity that clients long for, and the salvaged materials and warm metals have given them the feeling of warmth.
Shabby Chic and the Start of Rustic Modern
Like all trends, rustic modern was borne from another movement – shabby chic. Shabby chic is like the feminine version of rustic modern. It has lighter woods and more detailing – almost Victorian in style. Shabby chic also has the appearance of being found or discarded with its chipped, crackled paint.
Rustic modern is a reaction to the fussy and pretty style of shabby chic. It is brutish and simple, while still being warm for its look of being from another time.
Rustic Modern vs. Modern Farmhouse
There is a slight difference between rustic modern and modern farmhouse. There tends to be more carving and the wood tends to be lighter but still ‘salvaged’ in modern farmhouse. So, for those that have used the modern farmhouse trend you are officially off the hook. But, if you have a coffee table with wheels, roll it straight to the curb!
Rustic Modern
Modern Farmhouse
How Long will the Rustic Modern Trend Last?
Time has been good to rustic modern trend. Over the past 7 years, it moved from boutique shops to all of the major big box stores. Now, entire dining rooms and bedrooms are styled in this aesthetic and accessorized with rustic sliding barn doors, cage lights and tables and shelves constructed of pipe.
“Sadly, most decorating trends only last 7 years”
Now that catalogs are filled with rooms where every piece has the “rustic modern” style, we think that it is reaching a point where there is too much of a good thing.
Our interior design team here at Design Inside gives the industrial aspect of this trend another 2 years in its life cycle.
Is All of My Rustic Modern Furniture Junk?
No. Since trends take time to mature, they also take time to go out of favor. We think that you have another 2 years before some of your furniture, artwork and accessories may start to look dated. As pieces wear out, it’s a good time to strongly evaluate what you want to replace it with. This is where an interior designer can help you out by making sure you are making wise decisions.
Do You Need Design Assistance?
Are you still confused if one of your pieces of furniture is out of style? Leave a comment below with links to the furniture or a photo of your room and we will give you our opinion on the topic.