Rustic vogue – designer Abigail Ahern explains the latest look we've fallen for

What is rustic vogue, and why is the interiors' world buzzing about this latest trend? Rustic vogue is an elegant, sophisticated look. It works alongside your home's original features and adds natural textures and accessories in deep, bold or dark colors. 

Think of it this way: the property's bone structure – its original fireplaces, floorboards, country cottage doors and windows provide the rustic. Carefully chosen accessories and colors will provide the vogue. 

• See: Interior design trends – the 20 top looks for the year

Interior designer Abigail Ahern, aka the queen of dark interiors, sums up the look perfectly. 'Rustic Vogue is the cooler, more sophisticated big sister of cottage décor,' she says. 'It’s a little more cultured, a little more citified, glamorous and refined. 

'It marries together elements of country: think wooden floors, vintage rugs, hand-thrown pots, and lots of botanicals. Then adds in more contemporary and architectural elements. For instance, beautiful modern lighting in shiny gold, contemporary artwork, or a beautiful sculptural Willy Guhl chair crafted from concrete. Lust-worthy pieces that make you swoon.'

'In terms of color, anything goes,' says Abigail. 'Many people opt for a neutral scheme but I twist it up one stage further and go for soothing, super-restorative, dark, earthy colors with a complementary neutral palette. The thing about this look is that it offers big personality without feeling too country, so statement pieces like artwork, mirrors and objects are key.

'And for materials, wood, clay, cashmere, concrete, and metal all work. Timeless materials matched with warmth nail the look.'

See: The cottagecore trend – here's how to get the look in your home

Ana Moisin, head interior designer at OKA agrees. 'The rustic vogue trend is perfect for mixing the old and the new, where existing sentimental vintage pieces are set against modern sofas, dining sets and coffee tables,' she says. 

'For a timeless look, opt for natural or dark muted tones rather than bold patterns on large furniture such as sofas and armchairs. This will ensure a well-balanced color scheme that complements the rich architectural details. 

'To finish this look, work with a variety of textures, from luscious velvets to solid aged timbers and rattan. Make sure to focus the accent color tones and stronger patterns on the small accessories like table lamps, rugs and throws.'

'The rustic vogue trend is perfect for those who love that cosy cottage feel but want more finesse,' adds Simon Blackely, managing director at Ian Mankin. 

'Our approach is to take beautifully crafted heirloom pieces and antiques with a lived-in, homely feel and combine these with beautifully finished textiles in natural yarns such as crisp linen, cotton and smooth wools. It's not about slouchy laundered fabrics and a raw unfinished feel, it’s a sharp tailored finish. 

'This is a considered design style. It’s perfect for adding personality and color to properties where you may not want to commit to paint’s permanence.'