Modern dining rooms are increasingly being relegated to a small, designated corner of the kitchen or living area. The age of the expansive and lavish dining room is definitely behind us. Today?s dining rooms seem to place efficiency ahead of flowery aesthetics and it is simplicity that trumps extravagance. The advent of the social kitchen along with a greater urge to turn the open living area into a gathering space for family and friends has seen dining space take a turn towards rustic and natural decorating choices.Rustic and farmhouse elements ushered into the modern kitchenFrom modern farmhouse dining spaces to ones with understated rustic charm and a dash of wooden warmth, homeowners no longer want just a polished, contemporary dining area. It is all about giving the room a distinct character even while allowing it to blend in with the larger theme of the open plan living. With that in mind, here are 15 inspirations that bring home cozy rustic effervescence even while staying true to modern functionality. Some more modern than others, there is something here for everyone!Fabulous Modern Farmhouse Style!If there is one style that epitomizes a blend of modernity and inimitable rustic elements along with ageless beauty of wood, then it is modern farmhouse. As the name suggests, you can blend in modern and farmhouse style design elements in here while varying the proportions of each to get a desired look of your choice. If you happen to be someone who loves the classic, far...