Blending the old and new is no easy task. While there is beauty in pieces of all ages, balancing them in one, harmonious design is a delicate act that takes some consideration.
Modern rustic is a stylistic term for homes that fuse period charm into a modern setting. There are a few designers who manage to blend vintage and contemporary pieces, but one who instantly springs to mind is designer Nate Berkus. His love of vintage shows in every project and he can decorate with antiques even in the newest buildings, consistently nailing the modern rustic look.
He recently shared a sneak peek of a new project on Instagram. Not afraid to mix contrasting styles, Nate shares the inside of a bedroom that feels refreshingly simple yet artfully considered.
The neutral color palette and lack of furnishings make this space appear relatively simple, however, looking closer it's clear there's plenty of thought behind the design. A few things initially pop out at us but the vintage pieces scattered around the bedroom are most intriguing.
Nate has chosen meaningful pieces that initially appear simple but provide a rich luxury through their age and craftsmanship. You'll likely first notice the vintage-style flush mount light and the shabby-chic wooden wardrobe. Both pieces are large yet serve their purposes in this modern rustic room.
The light brings a sense of curation that often comes with decorating with vintage pieces, harking back to the thoughtful interiors of the 19th and 20th centuries. The dresser does the same, with its intricately carved face and worn wood, it feels like a timeless piece that's stood the test of time due to its fusion of beauty and functionality.
Nate has added another vintage piece, a three-tiered floor lamp that feels more midcentury. It's clear he's not afraid to mix various styles. Composed of gold metal and wrapped in leather, the lamp brings an important warmth and sense of luxury that contrasts with the shabbiness of the wardrobe and the elegance of the light.
It's all well and good using vintage touches in a space, but what Nate does so effortlessly is balancing them with modern pieces. The angular chair is a contemporary take on a midcentury shape, and paired beside it is a stark marble pedestal that brings a sense of organic luxury. Despite the stylistic contrasts of all these pieces, they all work due to Nate's consideration of color, texture, and pattern, making the bedroom feel fluid and modern.
Tying all the pieces together, Nate brings in an all-important element of softness that touches on the modern organic trend. He incorporates a plushy neutral carpet, subdued gray curtains, and bedding made of organic linen.
And in the truly brave and characteristic style of Nate Berkus, he throws (and wows) us once again by framing the entrance of the bedroom with a pair of custom-made leather doors. They're finished with gold accents to tie in with the luxurious accents that lay inside.
Recreate Nate's rustic modern bedroom with these vintage-inspired pieces
Delicately scalloped and finished with a tassel, this pendant light would make the perfect ceiling addition to any room, bringing finesse and luxury.
Distressed yet chic, this armoire will elevate a modern interior with texture. It's the perfect piece to pair with elegant decor for a purposeful contrast of styles like Nate.
Pedestals feel grand and opulent. This one is made of marble like Nate's, making it the perfect luxurious piece to bring into any room.
Nate Berkus' rustic modern style is achieved by incorporating a range of textures and styles that all sing together. He's taught us a lesson in taking pieces from all periods to make a space feel coherently calm.
