8 ideas to merge traditional and contemporary

8 ideas to merge traditional and contemporary
8 ideas to merge traditional and contemporary

Rafael F. Bermejo

Journalist specialized in interior design, design and architecture.

April 24, 2024, 12:00

A modern country house does not have to be a glass cube with huge windows and rectilinear decoration. Probably, the best country houses (and also the most modern) are those that, based on respect for the original, know how to give a twist to the traditional aspects of decoration, such as prints, textiles and other accessories to, finally, incorporate technological elements that improve the functionality of the environments.

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Bedroom with wooden beams and clay floor.

Salva Lopez

Respect the essence of the house

Preserving the essence of a country house, its architectural characteristics, is essential. Stone walls, exposed beams and hydraulic or clay floors (like the one in the photo) are essential decorative elements in a decoration that ends up combining the best of classic and modern. Once the objective of rescuing and highlighting the original has been achieved, it is time to find a way to introduce modern elements.

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Rustic style living room in white and wood.

Eugeni Pons and Felipe Scheffel

Use color sparingly

Regarding color, a modern rustic style gives all the prominence to bright tones because they provide a greater feeling of spaciousness to the environments. In the coatings, white or beige They are the best option to create a backdrop that does not take center stage from furniture or accessories. For the floor, the best option is a large-format gray porcelain tile or natural wood. As we say, you can add a touch of color using shades such as sage green, mint or English green on the furniture, curtains or carpets.

3/8

rustic bathroom stone wall, round sink, wooden cabinet and golden faucet.

Pepe Peris and Stella Rotger

Update faucets and hardware

At first glance it may seem trivial to you, but doing so will transform the decoration of a classic country house. The reason? Appliques and hardware are usually among the most outdated, but they are also among those details that immediately catch the eye. You know, to transform the decoration of a country house, and modernize it, replace the handles and fittings on the doors, cabinets and faucets in the kitchen and bathroom with others from more modern finishessuch as matte black, stainless steel or brass, which combine with natural materials such as wood, stone or granite.

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rustic bedroom with wooden sliding door

Neus Pastor

Install a barn door

Change the access door to the day area, or the kitchen, down a barn slide. Barn doors have been appearing in home decoration in the last five years. In general, they are a way to add a rustic note to a contemporary interior, but if you play with color, they can also work to add a contemporary note to a country house.

With a barn door you add a focal point to your decor. Choose very simple handles to transform its look. Finally, make sure you have enough space to open it completely.

5/8

This house in the Catalan Pyrenees retains its rustic character but has been adapted to modern life.

Enric Badrinas

Integrate technology

Incorporating technology into the design of a country house is the best idea to combine functionality and comfort. Programmable thermostats and lighting, among other things, will transform the experience of living in a country house. It may not be an aspect directly related to the decoration, but it is related to how you are going to enjoy the space. As far as possible, integrate all the elements so that they go unnoticed by the eye.

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Modern wallpaper with botanical motifs.

Chairish

Prints, better with large motifs

Yes, in a modern rustic style there is a place for prints, but flee from the small. We mean that those botanical motifs of little flowers, tiny branches or narrow stripes have no place in a more modern rustic decoration. In short: large stripes, large checks and large floral motifs on the wallpaper, but also on the upholstery of cushions, pillows and sofas, fit perfectly into a modern-style country house.

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Rustic kitchen with a set of leather stools with metal chain legs.

Ana Luis

Add an industrial touch with chairs or stools

Let’s see what you think of these three ideas. In the dining room, pull a versatile classic, like the chair Tolix, which has an industrial and modern point that will fit very well with a rustic style table. If you have a kitchen island, or a bar, add a contemporary note to the decoration with some stools with round seats and adjustable height, you know… like those from the diner American people. Finally, in the bedroom you can add a contrast note with an original footboard, upholstered, for example, in boucle.

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The renovated living room maintains its original essence

Javier Bravo | Project: Carmen Bueno

Enhance contrasts with original lighting

Over a rustic table, hang a large-format lamp or one with a unique design, such as the Vertigo, by Constance Guisset for Petit Friture; the Mobile Chandelier, by Michael Anasstasiades for Flos (not suitable for all budgets); or the most accessible Sinnerling, by Ilse Crawford for IKEA. In the photo, the Ball lamp made of paper and bamboo, by HK Living.

More ideas? A neon on a wall will also provide a nice note of contrast. In general, play with lighting It’s a good idea to provide contrast. In a farmhouse kitchen or dining room, track lighting adds a modern touch. For the living room, classics like the Bow, by Achille Castigiloni for Flos; wave TMM, by Miguel Milá for Santa & Cole.

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