Tile By Style: Tiling Your Modern Rustic Kitchen

Image: Dwell

This on the rise (and aptly named) aesthetic pairs design elements from the 20th Century alongside modern fixtures and conveniences. It is a style that has only really gained momentum in the last 15 years, as we harken back more a more to design ideals of the previous century. And you don't just see it in homes, many commercial spaces have gone this route as of late. Like Rustic style, there is still much inspiration drawn from nature, but with a modern edge.

This might be a fitting style for you if your home has roots in the past but you'd like to bring in modern finishes. But of course, it can also work on the inverse; you might be residing in a more modern space but would like to apply rustic notes. The kitchen is an ideal landscape for this design approach.

Architectural Elements:
Resourcefulness is a word that come to mind when one thinks of this style. There is a sense of maintaining the existing foundations of a home and paying homage to materials of the past. Reclaimed wood is so often the star of these spaces for that very reason. You could most certainly tie sustainability to this style, which make our recycled materials well suited for it! Clean lines, exposed beams, open shelving and natural materials are often chosen elements in a Modern Rustic space.

This stunning kitchen has a modern feel, but is made rustic with the orginial exposed ceilings and gorgeous wood finishes:

Image: knstrct

The sweet kitchen below has mainly rustic finishes that were likely kept from the original house (or perhaps were sought after), but is made more modern by the bright white tile grouted with a charcoal grout:

Image: SF Girl By the Bay

Materials:
As with rustic kitchens, there is a sturdiness to the materials chosen. You see a lot of reclaimed wood, white tile, brick, modern fixtures and brass details in Modern Rustic kitchens. Because the color palette is so simple, texture plays an important roll in adding dimension to the space.

This rich wood ceiling creates a rustic feel in this charming kitchen, while the simple white island, stainless steel stools and hanging light fixtures add a modern feel (also, how amazing is that fridge?).

Image: Dwell

Rustic beams, floating shelving and wood counter tops meet modern with glossy black cabinets, brass fixtures and modern stainless steel applicances:

Image: Ms. Weatherbee

White tile is frequently seen in Modern Rustic spaces. You can try classic 3x6 subway tile like they have done above:

Tile Shown: White Wash

Color Palette:
In this style, you see a whole lot of earth tones and whites, with of course a great deal of exposed wood. A lot of kitchens that would be described as Modern Rustic have done away with upper cabinets, allowing the homeowners pots, pans, dishes and trinkets to become apart of the color story.

There is much to love about the kitchen below. The veined wood cabinets, modern stove, hanging pots and the square tiled backsplash all make for an ideal cooking space.

Image: Dwell

You could try a our 4x4 tiles in a straight set pattern in any of our white tiles for a similar effect:

Tile Shown: Sugar in 4x4

While you most often see whites and neutrals, black also lends itself to a Modern Rustic space. You can see below how black square tiles anchor this airy, wood filled kitchen.

Image: BlogLovin'

For a look like the ones above you might try:

Tile Shown: Basalt in 3x3

You can imagine how easily brick can become apart of the equation. Maybe your space doesn't have an existing exposed brick wall like the cozy kitchen below, but our textured
Glazed Thin Brick can make for the perfect accent wall or backsplash in a modern rustic space. Also, how about that tiled rug?!

Image: Decoist

Brick Shown: Cotton

You can see how wood surfaces, brick flooring and tile all work together for a modern rustic feel in the kitchen below:

Tile Shown: Cotton and Galaxy Brick flooring and Basalt and Akoya 3x6 subway tile backsplash.

While you typically see offset or straight set tile in Modern Rustic kitchens, you are not required to steer clear of other patterns and shapes. A herringbone pattern will do just fine as you can see below:

Image: Jeanne Guinn

While rectangular tile is usually the shape of choice, we think that our Picket can do the trick as well:

Tile shown: Pickets in White Wash

Love this look? Order free samples now. Need some help? Simply call, chat, or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented design consultants will get back to you shortly.