Incongruity is one of the best ways to create eye-catching designs, and a combination of natural and contemporary materials is perfect for capturing this dynamic effect. Hilary Swank's Colorado home is a striking example of how seemingly distinct design styles can come together beautifully.
Her house presents a stylish smorgasbord of natural wood, stone, and glass accented with mid-century modern furnishings, all mixed in each room. In its incongruity, the home taps into one of the biggest interior design trends of 2024: rustic modern. Designed by acclaimed interior designer Mark Zeff, it's a celebration of the surrounding mountains with a distinctly luxurious and modern feel.
So, what exactly is the rustic modern trend? 'The rustic modern decor trend is a design style that blends the raw, natural beauty of rustic elements with the clean, sleek lines of modern decor,' says Nina Lichtenstein, acclaimed, Westchester-based interior designer. 'It’s a harmonious marriage of materials like natural wood and stone with contemporary silhouettes and finishes. This balance between organic textures and modern refinement creates a timeless aesthetic that feels both grounded and sophisticated, making it a perfect fit for homes that embrace nature.'
Each space embraces this endlessly appealing style, from the exterior to the living room to the kitchen. One glance at Swank's living space and it's immediately clear why rustic modern is one of the most timeless interior design styles. 'One of the reasons the rustic modern aesthetic is so appealing is that it combines sentimentality with beauty and function,' says Catherine Jacob, Head of Design at sustainable interior design company Hovia.
One way the look comes through in Swank's home is through the incorporation of vintage furniture. 'Combining beauty and function via upcycled furniture continues to be a popular theme for home decor, and the trend lends itself effectively to achieving the rustic modern vibe,' says Jacob.
She continues, 'Treating the wood and adding new handles or feet to the dresser brings new life to antique or vintage industrial furniture and is a great way to achieve the rustic vibe whilst decorating sustainably and responsibly. Decorating with a “make-do” mentality, so upcycling and finding affordable, on-trend solutions are a great way to hit this trend with a unique piece.'
She adds: 'The rustic modern vibe is also about comfort and functionality; you’ll often find a mish-mash of items that each contribute something unique to the overall aesthetic of the home.'
If you're feeling inspired by Zeff's design, it's easy to create your own modern rustic checklist and replicate the look. First, begin with a focus on material quality.
Lichtenstein states: 'Incorporating natural wood and stone into your designs creates a sense of warmth and authenticity that’s hard to replicate with synthetic materials. The rich textures and organic patterns found in these natural elements add depth and character to a space while also establishing a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. In a home with expansive mountain views, using these materials inside not only echoes the natural beauty outside but also creates a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor environments.'
She continues, 'To achieve the Rustic Modern look in your home, I recommend starting with foundational elements like wood beamed ceilings, stone fireplaces, or live-edge furniture. Choose natural finishes that highlight the raw beauty of the materials—such as Shou Sugi Ban wood for a sleek, charred effect or rough-hewn stone for a more tactile feel. Pair these with clean-lined modern furniture, neutral textiles, and understated decor to create an inviting yet polished balance.
Finally, be sure to incorporate large windows or sliding glass doors to frame and celebrate the views, ensuring your home remains visually tied to the stunning landscape outside.'
Neutrals are the name of the game when it comes to creating a rustic modern color scheme. As seen in Swank's home, focus on a tonal combination of warm browns, creams, and gray. Pops of black bring in a hint of modernity and help to contrast the look.
Lighting and a focus on the relationship between the indoors and outdoors is another significant element for this trend. An outdoor living room like Swank's helps to expand the available entertaining space in the summer and invite light into the home during the colder months.
Shop the Rustic Modern Edit
This colorful rug is unlike anything you've ever seen with pops of color and unexpected pattern
This natural wood rounded table adds a warming feeling to any room at an accessible price point
We can't get enough of reclaimed wood, so this bowl is an instant 'yes' in our minds.
If you love the red rugs and the lived-in feel of Zeff's bedroom idea, pops of color are essential. Lichtenstein recommends:
'To infuse personality and break up the neutral tones often found in Rustic Modern design, incorporate splashes of color through vibrant gallery walls, textured fabrics and throw pillows, or curated bookshelves with bold accents. These touches add warmth and individuality while enhancing the natural, grounded feel of the space.'
Though rustic modern is currently trending, Hilary Swank's home is proof the look will never go out of style.
