The Rustic Look | How It's Re-surfacing

Even though Joanna Gaines and her brand Magnolia Home have managed to capitalize on the rustic look and keep it alive much longer than we expected, every style has it's trend time and rustic is no exception.  That shabby chic, rustic-y look was big a few years ago but has since gone to the back burner with the popularity of minimalism.  Design went more streamlined and cleaner and there wasn't so much of a need for all heavy wood that shabby chic boasted.  However, one thing has survived and has managed to work it's way into almost every style and that's texture.  Texture will always survive because texture is what gives rooms depth and makes them feel comfortable.

The way texture is being represented is coming back in the weather woods and organic grasses.  So much so that it's feeling a little rustic, although not to the extent that shabby chic was rustic.  Instead, weathered wood textures are blending with minimalism creating a rustic-modern motif that we're all loving.  It really appeals to the masses because it ultimately creates a comfortable look that either be dressed up or dressed down for the more glam home owner or the person who prefers more casual-living.

Here's how that modern rustic look is being accomplished in design...Forget the industrial modern that had rustic influences and lots of dark accents, we're eliminating the edison bulbs and talking warm wood textures.

A big distressed farmhouse table is still a big yes! in our book.  We much prefer something with a little visual interest and maybe even a story to a shinny, polished dark wood table that you're afraid to put your drink on. The great thing about a farmhouse table is that it can be mixed with upholstered chairs, or even molded plastic making it such a versatile piece.  It's not so fancy that you're scared to eat at it but it also provides a huge presence in any space, making it a great focal point!

Whether or not you have a farmhouse table or farmhouse feeling kitchen, you can mix a little rustic in with your lighting and still make it interesting.  Large white or black factory lights are casual and sculptural and can be fun in a super modern or rustic casual space.  At this point, they're just sortof a vintage accent instead of forcing the kitchen in a farmhouse direction.

Seagrass and jute aren't going anywhere.  The jute rug is another one of those things that has survived the test of time and just morphed into a more updated version of itself.  But, in addition to rugs, grasses have made huge comeback in lighting.  Woven rattan and seagrass pendants are a sure-fire way to warm up any space and create a feeling of bringing the outside in.  They're warm and inviting which is good for any design!

Aside from a farmhouse dining table, any kind of reclaimed wood is a plus right now.  Reclaimed wood looks expensive and in something like a cocktail table or smaller piece of furniture, it adds a lot of movement and quickly becomes the focal point in the room.  Reclaimed wood shelves are another great way to add a rustic feel without overwhelming the space.  They create an interesting architectural detail and make visible storage interesting, especially when backed with a white wall.

Finally, black and brass accents are surviving even into the minimalist era.  They are reminders of the rustic style but, when used in more streamlined styles, create an interesting accent against distressed woods.