With it getting hotter out there and summer on its way, we inevitably think about the upcoming vacation and travel season, which makes us think about seeing new hotels. And of course — the fun and pretty inspiration one can get from hotels that are done well.

I had the pleasure of recently visiting a great destination hotel and spa in Austin called Travaasa (I confess: they graciously comped me a night). I was there to explore the gorgeous Texas hill country and take in some fun outdoor activities (namely yoga, swimming, hiking and an outdoor challenge course), but I found myself drawn to the remodel of the rooms and meeting halls.

The style I spotted around Travaasa was a simple yet effective mix of modern and rustic — the sort of style that works well for people who like their interiors to have a nature-inspired appearance but in a clean and modern way. I pinpointed five ways in which Travaasa created an interior style that reflected the natural landscape but kept it comfortable and accessible for those who prefer a modern versus log cabin look. It could be good inspiration for bringing a little rustic charm to your home while keeping things simple and modern, too.

1) Keep walls neutral and warm Beiges, creams, whites and greens work really well when looking for a base to kick off your rustic modern style.
2) Incorporate patterns that reflect nature We like seeing patterns that have a natural feel to them, whether because of a nice thick texture or because they reflect elements seen in nature.
3) Simple, organic textiles That being said about patterns, the large majority of textiles should sport a solid, simple, fresh look.
4) Rough woods and rich finishes You don't have to invest only in lamps made out of old tree trunks, but incorporating a few items with a rough wood finish and/or seeing that the finishes you do have in your space are dark or rich will help cement a rustic modern look.
5) Oversized side items and accessories To avoid a cluttered look, mix in some intentionally oversized pieces to bring in interest. They'll take up a lot of visual space without having to fill a room with lots of unneccessary accessories.

What do you think about the idea of a rustic yet modern style? Do you have ideas on how to achieve this style yourself? Let us know!

Images: Adrienne Breaux