The rustic aesthetic is inspired by nature and simple log cottages. Incorporating patterns and hues found in nature into your interior design is the goal. Rustic design is associated with weathered wood, muted tones (think beige, brown, and grey), substantial stone, and natural fibres like jute and burlap.
The rustic aesthetic is sometimes described as “rough around the edges” yet warm and inviting nevertheless. Few design movements seem more like an oxymoron than the “modern rustic” movement.
The enormously popular rustic design is so accessible and attractive because of the paradoxical combination of sophisticated touches with less polished parts. It’s modern without being too polished, creating a stylish atmosphere without being stuffy.
As a rule, a house decorated in a modern rustic design will have many of its original fixtures and fittings. Characteristics of this style include the exposure of brick or stone walls and the display of exposed ceiling beams. These finishing touches give a space a warm, homey, and nostalgic vibe that pairs well with sleeker, more contemporary touches.
Rustic design: Things to consider
- Choose genuine wood over faux when decorating a rustic home. The primary focus of many elements of rustic decor is on the material used to create them, such as in wide-plank wood flooring or reclaimed wood farmhouse tables.
- Choose carefully from a wide range of textures. Rustic design often features rough materials with an evident grain pattern, such as wooden furniture, jute or animal skin carpets, and raw stone fireplaces.
- Unique and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted rustic décor items are the way to go.
- Rustic design, in contrast to more lightweight trends like contemporary and mid-century, is sometimes regarded as hefty.
- As the emphasis of rustic furniture should be on the material rather than the design, many of the pieces are quite basic. Tables and chairs that have been slimmed down visually draw less attention to their form and more to the substance they are made of.
- Exposed beams are a signature of rural farmhouses and Tuscan villas on the shore.
Best rustic design ideas for your home
Here is a list of top ideas for incorporating rustic design in your home décor.
Add large glass panes for natural light
To get the open, airy feel that is characteristic of this design style, excessive draperies should be avoided. Choose breezy window coverings instead.
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Distressed wood coffee table for a natural vibe
Wood that has been aged or weathered gives off an unpolished, natural vibe that works well in a country or industrial setting. Choose a coffee table or end table with distressing for an aged appearance. The weathered look of the distressed wood is perfect for the rustic theme. Incorporate little touches of the same wood tone into the room’s other furnishings.
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Install quirky furniture to make a statement
The metal lighting fixtures from an industrial shop may make a bold statement without competing with the rest of the room’s rustic decor. A metal chandelier or floor lights not only provide illumination but also serve to diversify the room’s aesthetic by introducing new material.
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Decorate with plaid accessories in earth tones
Accessories in plaid are ubiquitous in the world of rustic and cabin style. Colourful plaid accessories are a great way to inject some life into a room with a rustic colour scheme centred on earth tones.
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Add exposed brick walls for texture
Exposed brick walls, whether genuine or imitation, are a great way to add texture and an unfinished aesthetic to a space with a more rustic vibe. You may either let the wall serve as decoration or hang artwork depicting scenes from the woods, such as mountain sceneries or paintings of deer.
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Put up animal figures for wilderness feel
Get that outdoorsy, wooded vibe by decorating with animal figurines and wall hangings. Try hanging some antlers on the wall, or purchasing some animal-print cushions or rugs.
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Get weathered wood furniture for a timeworn look
Adding weatherized hardware to your home is a simple, cheap, and effective way to add a rustic touch. Matte black hardware looks great on weathered wood furniture. Cabinets with weatherized pulls add to the rustic, timeworn appearance you’re going for.
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Play with textures for added aesthetics
Highlighting different textures in a space is a great way to add aesthetic appeal. Consider the contrast between glazed ceramics and rougher materials such as jute, sisal, or seagrass carpets, or between soft leather furniture and thick sheepskin rugs.
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Go all out with wood
Incorporating reclaimed wood on walls or installing wood flooring with a distressed or hand-scraped style can instantly give rustic charm and warmth to your area. Doorways may be given a new lease of life with the addition of sliding barn doors made from salvaged wood to create a striking contrast with white walls.
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Experiment with colours
Although earthy tones make up the majority of the colour scheme, bolder hues are welcome. As a result of the prevalence of warm colours like greens, browns, and greys, the overall design isn’t overly chilly or harsh.
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Distressed wooden panels for a warm and cosy feel
If you’re looking to add a touch of warmth and cosiness to your rustic living space, consider incorporating distressed wooden wall panels into your decor. These panels feature a weathered, worn look that creates a sense of history and character in the room. Plus, the natural wood tones and textures complement other rustic design elements such as exposed brick and natural stone.
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Antique signs and vintage prints for a rustic touch
Antique signs and vintage prints are an excellent way to add a touch of rustic charm to any room. These pieces of art often feature nostalgic designs and muted colours, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Vintage advertisements, old-timey maps, and classic farm signs are just a few examples of the types of prints and signs that work well in a rustic design scheme. Display them on a distressed wooden shelf or hang them on a brick or stone wall for maximum impact.
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FAQs
What exactly is the rustic aesthetic?
Designing in a rustic country style means going for an aged and natural look by using materials like worn wood or metal, earthy tones, and other items that evoke a connection to the outdoors.
How would you define a contemporary rustic style?
Whites, soft neutrals, and earth tones predominate in today's rustic decor. Natural textures are emphasised, and simple colours are preferred over patterns when selecting fabrics.
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