10 Rustic Interior Design Styles from Modern to Scandinavian

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDSEN | Published on June 03, 2019 | Updated on March 08, 2024|

If you want to add rustic warmth and charm to your home but need help figuring out where to start, this article explores the top rustic interior design styles and is a great starting point. Although many of the following design aesthetics have similar components, each has unique elements. Understanding your style preference helps to create a cohesive and personalized space.

Rustic interiors evoke a simpler time and provide a sense of connection to the past that’s hard to resist. Although it’s common to blend different elements of each rustic style, it does help to identify the core aspects of each one.

Choosing only one style is unnecessary; mixing and blending different styles provides a contrast that makes a home feel interesting, inviting, and unique. 

“From modern cottage to warm minimalism, today’s trending designs all have one thing in common: contrast. Gone are the days of selecting one signature style and going all-in — 2024 is all about mixing and matching pieces from different eras, palettes, and philosophies. Picture an antique wooden stool paired with an ultra-modern curved sofa — the mix feels eye-catching, unique, and perfectly unexpected.” – Havenly.

Rustic style has natural overtones that parallel exterior and interior spaces. While rustic style in its most traditional sense has appeared heavy and dark, a more contemporary approach has emerged that is far more light and fresh. Feature image above courtesy of Locati Architects

Rustic Interior Design Styles | Jackson Wyoming Design
Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

The History and Origins of Rustic Decorating

Rustic interior design has a rich history that dates back to the early days of human civilization. It originated as a way of life for people living in rural areas, focusing on functionality and making the most of available resources. The simplicity and practicality of rustic design soon caught on, becoming a popular style in rural and urban settings.

One of the key elements of rustic interior design is using natural materials. Wood, stone, and other organic materials create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The color palette is typically earthy, with shades of brown, green, and beige dominating the space.

Rustic design also incorporates elements of nature, such as plants, branches, flowers, and natural light. Another characteristic of all rustic interior design styles is the celebration of imperfections. 

Contemporary Rustic Living Room
Image courtesy of  Alder & Tweed

Distressed furniture, exposed wooden beams, and rough-hewn finishes are all standard features of rustic spaces. These imperfections add character and charm to the design, giving it a unique and lived-in feel.

Rustic interior design has evolved, incorporating influences from different cultures and design movements. Today, various rustic styles cater to different tastes and preferences. Let’s explore some of these styles in more detail.

Rustic Dining Room
Image courtesy of  Alder & Tweed

1. Log Cabin & Lodge Design

If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, rustic cabin style might be the perfect choice. Inspired by log homes and mountain retreats, this style embraces the rugged beauty of nature. Rustic cabin interiors are cozy and inviting, focusing on warmth and comfort.

Log cabin style in design refers to a rustic and traditional architectural style often associated with cabins or cottages in rural areas. This style typically features a simple and symmetrical design, with a rectangular or square shape and a gabled roof.

The exterior of log cabins is often made of logs, which provides a natural and earthy feel. The interior typically features exposed logs, timber, and stone fireplaces. Log cabin style is often used in vacation homes, hunting lodges, and other rustic settings.

Rustic Living Room Design
Image courtesy of Michael Smith Design

The log cabin and lodge design style combines the rural charm of mountain living with natural elements, natural fabrics, and weathered metals. Try layering warm colors, patterns, textures, vibrant quilts, warm cabin rugs, and leather to achieve this look.

Rustic charm is about retaining a natural look and works well with handcrafted rustic furniture, rough-hewn wood beans, animal hides, organic materials, and wrought iron. Create a color palette inspired by nature using subtle browns, greens, reds, and sandy tones to give the interior space an earthy and rustic feel.

Get the lodge look by pairing rich leather with rustic wood elements and classic tartans. Look for earth-toned accessories, earthenware containers, colorful quilts, and lodge-style lamps.

Opt for a wooden bed frame, cozy flannel bedding, and warm lighting to create a cabin-style bedroom. In the living room, choose comfortable seating like leather sofas and armchairs, and add plush rugs and throw blankets for extra comfort. Complete the look with rustic accessories like antler chandeliers and vintage signs.

Rustic Interior Design Styles 
Image courtesy of Jake Arnold Design

2. Modern Rustic Design

Modern rustic design might be perfect for a more contemporary and refined look. Inspired by the fusion of rustic and modern design, this style combines natural elements with sleek and clean lines. These interiors are characterized by their sophisticated and timeless feel, focusing on quality and craftsmanship and celebrating natural beauty.

In a modern-style interior, natural materials like wood and stone are often mixed with sleek finishes like glass and metal. The color palette includes warm neutrals and shades of gray, white, and black, creating a minimalist and refined look. Rustic modern kitchens often feature sleek cabinetry, raw materials, wood floors, quartz countertops, and high-end appliances.

Modern Rustic Interior Design
Photo courtesy of AMB Design

To create a rustic modern-style bedroom:

1. Opt for a platform bed with a leather or upholstered headboard, crisp white bedding, and minimal accessories.
2. In the living room, choose streamlined seating like leather sofas and armchairs, and add modern accessories like abstract artwork and metallic accents.
3. Remember to incorporate natural textures like wool and linen to add warmth and depth to the space.

Incorporating honed, hammered, and distressed finishes and objects elevates a modern, rustic room. Add miscellaneous items such as industrial décor, bold kilim patterns, natural wood finishes, dark leather chairs, reclaimed furniture, and ottomans to achieve a modern rustic approach. Key elements of a modern rustic space are an open floor plan, exposed natural architectural elements such as wood beams, and contemporary furniture. 

Modern Rustic Bedroom
Photo courtesy of Lindye Galloway Design

Incorporate honed, hammered, distressed finishes and objects for a modern rustic dining room. Add miscellaneous items such as industrial décor, bold kilim patterns, natural wood finishes, dark leather chairs, reclaimed furniture, and ottomans. Key elements of modern rustic dining areas are exposed natural architectural elements such as wood beams and contemporary furniture. 

Modern Rustic Dining Room
Photo courtesy of Brownstoner

3. Rustic Industrial Design

For those who prefer a more edgy and urban look, rustic industrial style might be the perfect choice. Inspired by old factories and industrial spaces, this style combines rustic elements with raw and unfinished materials. Rustic industrial interiors are characterized by their natural and gritty aesthetic, focusing on functionality and practicality.

You’ll often find exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and metal accents in a rustic industrial interior. Natural palettes are used, combining a mix of grays, neutrals, and rustic colors. 

Most industrial spaces incorporate weathered wood, exposed brick, concrete, and industrial lighting fixtures. Mechanical components in lighting are often reminiscent of steampunk culture.