A modern rustic house is technically an oxymoron. The words ‘modern’ and ‘rustic’ are opposites. But the good thing about opposites is that they sometimes attract and create a long-lasting relationship. One that’s as unique as it is exciting. It’s no secret we have a love affair with modern rustic house exterior makeovers at brick&batten. As designers, we love to create interesting and unexpected design elements that simultaneously surprise and just make sense.
If you’re loving the modern rustic home style but just can’t quite seem to get the balance right, we can help. Our team of designers are experts at combining opposing design theories into one balanced and beautiful home. Learn more about our virtual exterior design service here.
What is modern rustic?
According to House Beautiful, there are a few things that are necessary to define ‘rustic’ — a fairly broad term that encompasses many styles. Whether your home leans more toward lodge rustic, cottage, Tuscan, or farmhouse, a rustic home should have these 3 components:
- Emphasis on natural: color scheme, furnishings, lighting
- Gritty: physically rough textures, nothing sheen, worn
- Warm & inviting: cozy, comfortable, welcoming
Modern homes are often seen as the opposite, with cool color schemes, stark furnishings, synthetic materials, clean lines, and open space. Adding rustic elements to a thoroughly modern home will give it a grounded aesthetic and provide interest and contrast. Similarly, introducing modern touches to a more rustic home can make it feel more updated and intentional. A modern rustic home will feel both welcoming and sophisticated.
#1 // Modern Rustic Ranch
This home is modern with its large windows and doorway, metallic finishings, and sharp peaks. It’s softened by the rustic wood beams, stone, and landscaping.
#2 // Updated Rustic Restaurant Exterior
This restaurant got a much-needed modern rustic exterior makeover. The natural wood paneling in the entryway contrasts with the modern metallic accents and cool color palette.
#3 // Modern Rustic Traditional
In this rendering, our designers highlighted the wood trusses above the second-story windows and matched the stain with the garage doors and new tri-lite front door. These rustic elements along with the more modern dark paint color on the siding and updated whitewash stone blend rustic and modern perfectly.
#4 // Open Porch Gable with Wood Truss
Open porch gables with exposed wood trusses are quintessential features of rustic houses. Our designers decided to add this feature with an inviting porch to make an otherwise modern exterior home design feel more down-to-earth.
#5 // Blueprint to Modern Rustic
Rustic homes often have some history to them, but brand new builds can attain a similar feel. To make that happen in this example, our designers used rustic elements like reclaimed wood posts, aged stone, and a darker stain to create an inviting feel to a modern home.
#6 // Wood Paneling
We love adding wood paneling or cladding (like this example from Woodtone) as an accent to modern homes. It softens the edges and adds a more natural feel without going too ‘log cabin.’ In the example above, the wood cladding draws the eye to the front porch and door in a welcoming way.
#7 // Rustic Farmhouse
Not all farmhouses have to be white! We love this example that uses moody Raccoon Fur by Benjamin Moore (which was featured in our top dark colors for 2021 list) on the siding. The color scheme is decidedly warm and down-to-earth, but the lines on the peaked gables and the new front door with sidelights and transom windows add some modern sharpness.
#8 // Rustic Tudor Style
Tudor homes are a classic style but can offer a modern vibe with wide-open windows and dedicated white space. This particular home is given a rustic makeover by keeping the tiled roof, updating the stone and garage doors, and using warm tones.
#9 // Outdoor Fireplace
The whole point of a rustic house is to feel warm and welcoming. When it comes to a rustic exterior, nothing makes you feel warmer than an outdoor fireplace, are we right? This large stone fireplace creates a focal point on the side of the home, anchoring it to the patio. The other rustic features of the new design also work to ground the very simple, clean, and modern look of this ranch home.
#10 // Rustic Modern Craftsman
We love a good cozy craftsman. This style of home, with its focus on exposed wood beams and natural color palette, often feels naturally rustic. It can be difficult to make a new build home feel rustic without leaning into cheesiness, but with the right accents, our designers can pull from nature and make it look like your house has always been there.
#11 // James Hardie Siding
We love working with James Hardie siding, not only because it is durable and beautiful, but because its clean lines are the perfect blend of modern and rustic. The Hardie® Plank lap siding used on this home is painted in Olympic Mountains and Iron Mountain, both by Benjamin Moore, with wood accents and concrete posts.
#12 // Rustic Porch with King Post Trusses
This ranch home got a rustic update with a large king post truss on the new open porch gable. The entryway is now the focal point of the home. Painted in warm Aged Pewter from James Hardie, its welcoming-but-modern design still feels open and airy, despite the darker paint color.
#13 // Use Rustic Features to Ground
With an upper-level entry, this home could feel like it’s floating. Instead, the wood garage doors are grounding, bringing it down to earth. Our designers anchored the façade further using natural stone and landscaping. The moody-but-warm color palette also makes the home’s modern lines feel cozier.
#14 // Modern Rustic Balance
This home was getting lost in its features. There was a lot going on in terms of color and texture, which made it hard for the eye to focus. A new color palette of warm neutrals helped. We rendered this home with James Hardie siding painted in Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams and the brick and trim in Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. Wood accents in the form of paneling and front porch columns create layers and balance
#15 // Rustic Warm Color Palette
If you own a home with modern lines, like the ranch above, you can bring in a rustic feel by painting in a warm color palette. We love using Kendall Charcoal and Revere Pewter, both by Benjamin Moore, together for a warm, neutral look that still has plenty of interest.
#16 // Modern House, Rustic Feel
Last but not least, rustic doesn’t have to feel outdoorsy, dark, or dirty. If you take the simple, clean lines of a modern home, and add a few textured, natural elements, your home will feel more welcoming and rustic without sacrificing style.
Conclusion: Modern Rustic Is Here to Stay
At brick&batten, our designers enjoy working with homeowners interested in a modern rustic design for their home’s exterior. As was the case in many of these examples, sometimes a few minor changes — adding a king post here, an exposed beam there — and often a new paint color scheme are all you need to bring a rustic feel to your modern home.
Have an idea of what you’d like your home’s exterior to look like, but can’t quite picture it? Or can you picture it in your head, but you don’t know how to explain it to your contractors? That’s what we’re here for. Our team of exterior designers use a photo of your home and the inspiration you provide to create a virtual rendering of your new design. Plus, we provide you with a resource list to help you execute the look. Learn more about our exterior design services here, or get started on making your exterior dreams a reality today!
Modern Rustic House FAQs
What is a modern rustic house?
A modern rustic house blends clean, contemporary lines with warm, natural materials and textures. Think stone, wood, exposed beams, earthy colors, and simple architectural details that make the exterior feel both polished and welcoming.
How do you make a house look modern rustic?
Start by balancing modern and rustic elements instead of leaning too heavily in one direction. Clean lines, large windows, and simple forms can be softened with wood accents, natural stone, textured siding, warm colors, and landscaping that helps the home feel more grounded.
What colors work best for a modern rustic exterior?
Warm neutrals, earthy grays, charcoal tones, muted browns, and natural wood stains all work well for modern rustic homes. The best palette should also coordinate with fixed elements like your roof, stone, brick, and existing windows rather than being chosen in isolation.
What materials are commonly used on modern rustic homes?
Wood, stone, brick, fiber cement siding, concrete, and metal accents are all common choices. Mixing natural texture with cleaner modern materials can create contrast while still keeping the exterior cohesive.
Can you make a modern home feel more rustic?
Yes. You don’t have to completely remodel a modern home to introduce rustic character. Wood cladding, exposed beams, stone accents, warmer exterior colors, and more organic landscaping can soften modern architecture and make it feel more inviting.
Can you modernize a rustic house without losing its character?
Yes, you can absolutely modernize a rustic house without losing its character. The goal is usually to preserve the natural materials and architectural details that give the home its personality while simplifying dated colors, finishes, doors, windows, or other elements. A few carefully chosen modern updates can make a rustic exterior feel fresher without stripping away what makes it distinctive.
Do modern rustic homes have to look like cabins?
No, modern rustic homes don’t have to look like cabins. Modern rustic design can work on ranch homes, Craftsman houses, farmhouses, Tudors, new builds, and other architectural styles. A few natural materials and warmer details can create a rustic influence without making the home feel like a log cabin.
How can brick&batten help with a modern rustic exterior?
brick&batten’s exterior designers can help balance modern and rustic elements based on your actual home, existing features, and design preferences. A photorealistic rendering can help you see how colors, materials, architectural details, and other updates work together before you commit to the changes.
