Rustic Modern is a method of interior design that refers to the use of historical period room installations or furniture within a more modern overall room design.
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Use of the term "Rustic Modern" in the 20th century
Perhaps the first use of the term "Rustic Modern" in popular culture came in the press following the burial of movie star Marilyn Monroe. On August 8 of 1962 United Press International published a release out of West Los Angeles regarding the services for the actress that stated, "thousands of spectators were expected to throng the area around the small 'rustic modern' chapel and mausoleum where the 36-year-old-actress will be entombed." In 2000 author Ali Hanan released a book entitled Modern Rustic: Natural Ideas for a Contemporary Lifestyle on the subject of the method of interior design in which he wrote that "creating the rustic modern look is an organic process that takes time and commitment. Some decorative touches ... may take some effort tracking down, but the end result is timeless".
Reception in the 21st century
The concept of Rustic Modern interior design received increased attention after 2000, especially in the State of California. This incarnation of the design method includes design elements alternatively known as "kitsch" that represent eras of design in the 20th century such as chalkboards or twig racks alongside modern conveniences like reduced energy lighting and other state-of-the-art design elements. Between 2011 and 2012 the trend has taken off particularly in the San Diego area, where many commercial establishments such as bars and restaurants have opted to redesign their properties according to the design style. This particular incarnation has been described by Kitchens Magazine as composed of "earth tones and light weight and/or sustainably harvested woods" that imbue the idea that home owners do not "take themselves too seriously". The style trend began to spread outside of the California region and into the rest of the United States during the 2011-12 period, a movement most closely linked to the San Diego design firm Jackson Design & Remodeling--who won a 2011 American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Award for its work within the design method. The design method is used for both the creation of room design in new homes and the restoration of older homes in an effort to keep their original charm while updating their utility for modern families.