Nothing beats the warming, cosy embraces of the rustic look. The trend’s comforting, lived-in feel brings a homeliness that works well whether you live in a city apartment or a rural country home, which makes this type of design a versatile, timeless addition. So, if you’re loving the style, here’s a few how-to tips to help you nail the rustic look.
Keep it Rustic
The rustic ethos is all about creating a unique, cosy atmosphere that takes advantage of not-so-perfect pieces and celebrates the rugged appeal of well-loved furniture. Upcycling – the process of taking old furniture and renewing it – is becoming more and more popular, allowing homeowners to achieve the shabby-chic, rustic vibe and breathe new life into existing décor.
Make Use of Reclaimed Furniture
If you don’t trust your ability to upcycle then a great alternative is to invest in reclaimed furniture. Often taken from multiple sources, reclaimed wood provides a great way to bring a more rustic feel to your interior design. You’ll find that every piece is unique and carries its own nuggets of charm, whether that’s a knotted appearance or distressing from the wood’s previous life.
Nature in the Home
As you may expect, nature should be the key element in all your design decisions. Take a trip to your local woodland for inspiration, taking note of the different materials and textures you find among the natural surroundings. Wood deserves its own space in the home, so we’d recommend looking at some wooden dining tables, bedsteads and coffee tables – each of these items usually take centre stage in their given spaces within the home.
Bonus tip: Try adding a touch of greenery to your home; plants, flowers and vases can go a long way to helping you achieve the rustic look.
Colour & Lighting
The most common colours in rustic settings are natural browns, beiges and creams: these will bring a neutral tranquillity to your interior design and open up the space for punchy accessories – yes, your new rustic-inspired space can pull these off. Bolder pops of colour are great for showing off your personality and mimic the pockets of flowers you’d usually find in nature.
Steer clear of bright, white lighting, however; it’s too harsh and can instil a cold, clinical atmosphere that’s not befitting of the design you’re trying to achieve. Opt for warm, adjustable lighting and textured shades for the cost, natural look.
Be Proud of Your Home’s Features
Your home’s natural features can often be the focal point for your rustic-inspired endeavours. Period features such as fireplaces and bare walls can be highlighted or accented by the use of furniture and accessories. Decorate your mantelpiece with natural elements or wood-carved ornaments, or try implementing a log stand nearby to really draw the eye to your room’s natural features.
Bare walls, wood panels and exposed piping work brilliantly when combined with reclaimed materials and furniture – but the point is to embrace these homely staples, they’re unique and add plenty of character to the space.
Adding Texture
The most cost-effective way to add a rustic spin on your existing interior design is to add texture. We’re talking woven textiles, textured patterns and natural materials; throws, cushions and rugs are examples of each of these and will quickly change the dynamic within a room for minimal outlay.
Animal hide rugs, whether synthetic or real, are a great way to aid or inspire the rustic feel in a living space, as are woven throws and natural materials elsewhere in the room.
So, there you have it: our how-to guide on bringing the rustic trend to your home. Want to show off your rustic interior design? Pop us an email or message us on Facebook and we’ll feature you on the page.