Can't Decide Between Modern & Rustic? Design Expert Shares How to Combine the 2

After years and years of living in the same house, there's no question that rooms can start to feel a bit dated. Our viewer Chris definitely feels this way—as her kitchen is lacking color, with tan countertops, cabinets and walls. Interior designer Lauren Makk chimes in with her tips and tricks to update this kitchen by incorporating the rustic and modern accents that Chris has always wanted.  

Choose a vinyl flooring that's dark brown with wide planks.  

"This one nods to the traditional and the rustic with all of the veining and the ribbons. You could see that it's got some texture on it. It's just beautiful; it's very rustic, but the 90-degree angles [where each plank ends] makes it really modern and sleek. And the wide planks are a very modern look," says Lauren.  

Not only will vinyl flooring look great, but it's also extremely durable, water-resistant and great for high-traffic areas in a house like kitchens.  

Add a little pop of color in your cabinets—Lauren opts for navy blue.  

"Navy blue is a very traditional color, but going for a flat panel cabinet door is very modern and sophisticated. So, bringing in some of these elements and marrying the two is a great way to get a little bit of both out of your design," Lauren explains.  

Try out butcher block on your countertops.  

We know how much Rach loves her butcher block countertops. "It's so durable, it's so warm, it's so inviting, it's that rustic vibe that Chris is looking for. But if she's scared to invest in the entire counter of the kitchen, you can even bring in elements of this natural wood on open shelving and things like that," says Lauren.  

Don't forget to add a little personality, which Lauren does through patterned tile.  

"A fun pop of color on your tile is just something that adds some pizzaz and fun, that just really sets the whole mood," she says.  

Now, this sounds like a kitchen we want to cook in.   

Lauren also helps another viewer with the accent wall in her bedroom.