Compass Greater NY, LLC
Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES, Compass Greater NY, LLCPhone: (917) 623-0624
Email: [email protected]

Quick ways to create a rustic and modern living room

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 10/22/2023

A living room with a modern rustic design is one with sleek lines and low profiles of modern design and combines comforting textures of rustic design. In a living room, modern rustic may remind you of a more defined version of eclectic. We'll give you some easy tips to give the space a cozy vibe without compromising on style. 

Starting from scratch

Here are a few key things to keep in mind before you select new pieces for the room or start rearranging furniture:

The room: If the room was stripped of everything in it, would it be more modern or more rustic? Rustic spaces are full of natural materials like wood and stone, while modern spaces are typically bright and airy. 

Home: Do you want the modern design of the living room to stand out from the other rooms in the home or will you want it to seamlessly blend as part of a cohesive approach?

Layout: Modern rustic living rooms are designed for communication. Consider how changing the configuration will change the functionality of the room. For instance, will you need to move the sofa so everyone can easily move about and get comfortable while enjoying a cup of coffee together?

These basic questions can make it easier to determine how much needs to change in the room, and if these changes can serve as a starting point for any other design changes you might make the in the rest of the home. 

Decide how you'll incorporate accent pieces 

Some people will take a modern design room and fill it with rustic furniture or vice versa. More often, you'll see people select one or two statement pieces in a single design, then add contrasting elements. 

For instance, you can surround a stone fireplace and a rustic wooden coffee table with hand-blown glass vases on either side. Or you can furnish the room with an overstuffed sofa and pair it with a modern leather armchair.

Some people may choose all rustic materials and then swap out the traditional light fixtures for industrial ones. If you're choosing modern lighting, colors like matte black and brass tend to go well with rustic designs. 

Don't be afraid to experiment 

When you highlight the best of two amazing design styles, you have to be willing to test out many different pieces and textures. Anything from reclaimed wood to microfiber can be an option to give the living room more contrast. Try layering pillows, art, blankets and rugs in different styles to give the living room more personality and panache.

About the Author
Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.