RUSTIC MEANDERING
The term rustic is pretty broad, but many different design styles can actually fall into it. In it's most basic definition, rustic describes a design that's natural, rough, aged, and casual, so there are many styles each drastically different from the other that can be rustic. Some include Tuscan, coastal, cottage, or what you might traditionally think of as rustic lodge. One of the defining characteristics of a rustic home, whether it's cottage or coastal, is the use of natural materials. That means lots of wood and stone for both in furniture and on ceilings/walls, and fabrics like burlap and canvas. Design is simple, natural, and has an earthy feel about it. Raw materials are also common, so rather than finding a sleek, glossy burl wood, you'll find more reclaimed and unfinished woods and stones.
Rustic theme having a moment right now, where earthy elements of the rustic style are combined with a clean-lined modern design for a fresh, light, and grounded aesthetic. Rustic decor in and of itself tends to be heavier, darker, and less sparse, so the amalgamation of the two styles produces something light and open, but still very natural. In keeping with the natural theme, rustic furniture is handmade. It's generally simple in design and shape, letting the materials stand out instead. Furniture is usually oversized and is designed to feel cozy, easy, and comfortable. Heavy wood furniture, made from raw logs, boards, and stone is common.
Rustic furniture and fabrics have a bit of a roughness to them. The design is never perfect, as much of it is made from raw woods and stone, so it feels a bit undone. A variety of shapes, textures, and colors from the natural materials ensures that pieces are unique and not cookie-cutter. You want to feel as though your materials have been roughened up a bit by the elements, so you'll often find reclaimed wood or driftwood. As for textiles, you'll never find anything with sheen, but rather, more raw fabrics such as jute or animal hide.
The color palette swings heavily towards neutral, but there is room for bold, so long as it keeps to earthy tones. Greens, browns, and grays are common, and it favors warmth, so it doesn't feel too cold and stark. Just as with the warm color palette, the design seeks to create an atmosphere that's comfortable and inviting. An oversized fireplace will often be the center of a living room, and even though everything is a bit raw, the warm colors, texture in the form of woven baskets or rugs, and natural textiles make it feel particularly homey. But you don't have to go full rustic to get that cozy vibe. The best designs are those with an element of surprise. Rustic elements can be incorporated into any design style, as long as it’s calculated and well-measured.
Start off with neutral tones to compliment rustic wall decor. From there, add color and vibrancy as beginning with a neutral color palette will allow you to make the features of your room stand out. Whitewashed walls look outstanding paired with natural wood features; the white allows the wood to speak for itself and become a focal point of your room, whereas bright wall decor would fall short. When you’re applying neutral shades around wooden elements, ensure they aren’t too close in color allow them to enhance one another, not blend in together and get lost; ensure they contrast enough against one another.
Don’t worry about your rustic wall decor being too dull color will come in with rustic home furnishings; from upholstered furnishings to furniture and accessories to bring a room together. Jewel tones work particularly well in a rustic house. They add a bold and bright touch of unexpected color, as well as a feel of luxury – think pinks, reds, purples, greens, and blues – the deeper the tone, the better.
wOOD
Embrace wood as one of the main natural materials in your rustic living room, rustic bedroom or any room you are giving a rustic revamp. Pick out some reclaimed wood flooring for the perfect rustic inspired design (if that’s out of your price range, choose a reclaimed wood effect laminate instead, as an alternative rustic decor hack).
Wood paneling will also provide a hint of luxury, or, if you opt for a light colored wood, you’ll feel as if you’re in a log cabin in the woods. If you have beams in your home – don’t hesitate to embrace them in your design and highlight them.
Straight lines don’t have a place in rustic home decor. Embrace organic and abstract imperfections for a unique take on rustic interior design. Allow natural flaws to be highlighted – whether its knots in wood uneven grain, or notches and scratches in your furniture.
A timeworn piece of furniture won’t be out of place when considering rustic decor (in fact, it will add to the feel), which is great if you are seeking rustic interior design on a budget as you can source secondhand finds for next to nothing and they also make for perfect rustic bedroom furniture. Think wonky shelving and uneven flooring as this look is all about character. Natural materials don’t always conform – embrace the organic imperfections in your approach to rustic home decor.
AVOID STRAIGHT LINE
Rustic decor is often about curating an eclectic mix of items, which look as if they’ve been thrown together in a room at random, each with a function and purpose. Mismatched dining chairs situated around a well-loved dining table if often a great look to go for.
You want furnishings to look as if they’ve been collected over time to form a beautifully realized, friendly space. Think outside the box and create a charming side table out of a stack of old books or use an old trunk as a coffee table as a central feature in any room. Having your room layout centered around a focal point (such as a fireplace, TV or coffee table) will give the space a purposeful feel and bring everything together.
MISMATCHED FURNITURE
You’ve probably noticed that with rustic interior design, everything has a purpose; all the items have a reason for being there. This isn’t to say you can’t lovingly accessorize, but keep rooms practical and functional. If you over accessorize with pieces that don’t evoke the functions of a room, you’re certain to create a confusing rustic decor feel.
Decor ideas for living rooms often include playful accessories, art and trinkets, and rustic decorating ideas for living rooms should also include plenty of places to sit and blankets keep cozy. Rustic rooms have everything you need in them, but they don’t have unnecessary clutter and there aren’t items without a purpose in the room.
PRACTICALITY AND PURPOSE
