This kitchen seamlessly blends rustic charm with uber-contemporary finishes – a timeless trend we'll see plenty of in 2024

Designing a kitchen can be one of the most crucial parts of creating a home. While there are many popular kitchen styles to embrace, we're beginning to see a new trend emerge: mixing traditional and rustic details with a redefined modern edge.

Showcasing this style is a rustic kitchen designed by Texas-based interior design studio Maria Flanigan Interiors, proving just how effective blending old and new decor in a kitchen can be. 

We spoke to Marie Flanigan to learn more about the design of this interesting space, exploring how to strike a balance between rustic and modern to achieve a balanced look – something we expect to see lots more of in 2024 thanks to its timeless and versatile appeal.

'The impressive home is permeated with natural light from large steel-encased windows, while the furnishings and fixtures were selected by layering pieces from various time periods,' explains Marie Flanigan. 'With the authenticity of natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal, this gracious home evokes a sense of European subtly with modern sensibilities.'

While farmhouse decor has dominated kitchen trends in recent years, we're now seeing more favor for contemporary variations of this look. Modern rustic style takes the core elements of farmhouse-inspired spaces – think large range ovens, lots of natural materials, and brass accessories – and adds a modern twist with sleek and contemporary finishes. 

'The kitchen carefully balances tradition and modernity,' explains Marie. As with many rustic kitchens, lots of antique and brass elements feature throughout the space: 'Artisanal metalworkers created the metal-clad cabinets, framed with antique brass with exposed connections and screws. Aged brass hooks and an antique brass pot rack hold the owner’s collection of vintage copper pots.' 

The kitchen also uses natural wood for the kitchen cabinets, further establishing a rustic look: 'Stained oak cabinetry reveals the natural wood grain, contributing an organic feel to the space.'

Marie Flanigan

Marie Flanigan is an award-winning interior designer whose passion and achievements in design have positioned her as one of the nation’s best. She is classically trained and practiced architect, and her trademark style is evident through the sophisticated use of color, texture, and light. Every home she designs receives her personal signature of timeless elegance and innovative simplicity.

To balance the many rustic design details of the space, plenty of modern elements are incorporated to create contrast. While rustic decor provides vintage charm, when overdone it can look overpowering and overly trend-led. By adding lighter tones and sleek finishes, the kitchen is instantly uplifted, while these contemporary elements are generally more practical for cooking and daily use of the space.

'Brass-wrapped marble countertops add interest to the center island,' explains Marie. This marble is also repeated along the kitchen backsplash, while antique mirrors line the full length of this to 'reflect light and add depth.'

To add warmth and brightness to the space, the ceiling and walls are finished in a warm white hue, while the large windows help to bring lots of natural light. 'Sheer draperies offer some softness amongst the metal and stone,' explains Marie. 'To contrast the masculine feel of the space, smaller corridors, and arched openings create a more romantic and enclosed impression.'

We predict that modern rustic will be a key kitchen design style in 2024. Striking the perfect balance between old and new, this look offers the best of both styles while prioritizing functionality. If you are looking to channel this style in your own home, make sure you're aware of these five modern rustic kitchen design mistakes to ensure a cohesive look.