Hot Trend: Rustic Comfort

Need a break from modernism? Bring in organic and natural materials for a touch of coziness.

We all love a modern room, as recent feature spaces like this Okanagan home and this sleek kitchen prove. But sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from those clean lines and cool palettes in favour of something warm and rugged. It’s why we’re loving the “rustic comfort” trend…and we’re not the only ones. We caught up with designer Calgary designer Connie Young in Calgary, and she touched on the trend and shared her favourite way to incorporate a hit of nature and coziness into your home.Her secret to mastering the rustic comfort look? “Don’t match!” Young says. “Be eclectic and ensure a lived-in look.” Choose materials that are natural and organic, and mix old and new pieces to help the space pop—including more modern styles. “It just creates a more interesting aesthetic to mix rustic with modern,” the designer explains.

Connie Young’s Pick: Custom Wood Stump Side Table

This custom wood stump from Soulworks in Calgary, made from a stripped fir log, works “as an organic accessary that serves at once as a side table and an extra stool,” says Young. “It looks great in any environment.”

Our Rustic Modern Picks

Cooper Hair-On-Hide OttomanIt doesn’t get much more natural than this Cooper Hair-On-Hide ottoman from Restoration Hardware (from $695), upholstered in un-dyed hides that leave each ottoman with unique colouring and texture.Hand-Loomed Linen ThrowFor an added touch of texture on your living room sofa, layer on this hand-loomed linen throw ($240) from Old Faithful Shop. An enzyme wash leaves it soft with a muted colour and raw edge that is appealing for the rustic style—perfect for curling up for family movie night.Olive Wood Mortar and PestleWhether you use it functionally or purely for decoration, the olive wood mortar and pestle ($39) from West Elm is the perfect touch of warmth to a cool, all-white kitchen. The natural wood grains make each piece unique.Jumbo PoufThis hand-knit, pure cotton jumbo pouf  ($269) from CB2 makes a stylish ottoman, to be sure, but in a pinch, it doubles as a spare seat—perfect for when your cocktail party attracts one too many guests. (And the clean ivory palette will still please your minimalistic instincts.)Adrift Floor LampEach Adrift floor lamp base ($349) from Urban Barn, made from driftwood, is a unique composition—think of it as a natural sculpture.Waffle Knit Throw PillowFor an extra pop of texture in your rustic living room, grab the Waffle Knit throw pillow ($45) from Bed Bath and Beyond.