What is it & how to create it?
For the last couple of years there has been a powerful trend in people wanting to get back to a more natural lifestyle and being more in tune with nature. Sometimes referred to as a Boho Lifestyle, this has also been reflected in home decor. The many lockdowns in 2020, have caused people to increasingly focus on their home environment and this trend is stronger now than ever. Rustic decor reflects all sentiments of being decluttered and being surrounded by natural materials that evoke the emotions of relaxation and calm. With all the chaos and uncertainty in the world today, there has never been a better time to strip back, appreciate and celebrate the environmental beauty around us.
What does Rustic Décor mean?
At the heart of Rustic Style Décor is the use of materials to emphasize natural beauty, simplicity and ruggedness. A bringing of the outside inside with nature-inspired textures and organic warmth. Whilst traditional rustic décor involved many heavy darker pieces, the modern rustic style emphasizes the concepts of light and space whilst using natural materials to create a sanctuary of calm away from the outside world. The key features of this style include:
Use of Natural Materials
A key component of any rustic styled room is the materials that are used in its construction and furnishings. Exposed wooden beams or raw wide planked floors are features commonly considered by architects when creating the foundation for a rustic living space. Wood is probably the most common material used in rustic style rooms and for good reason.
The feeling of bringing the ‘outside in’ is literally achieved when using wood in key components of a room. However, in a rustic style the wood is often unfinished and unpolished to expose the true beauty of its myriad of colors and rugged textures. Whether it is part of the room construction or as a key furniture or decoration piece, it instantly brings that feeling of ‘cozy calmness’ to any space.
Natural metals such as brass and copper are also great materials to create earthy tones in a rustic styled room. The metals are brushed (not shiny) and are great for use in key features such as light fittings, table tops or door handles. The tarnished effect adds depth of color tone to the piece much in the same way as exposed wood. Adding a brushed copper finish to the front vertical of a kitchen island creates a great feature out of a functional space.
Natural stone floors, in addition to being a durable and practical floor surface also add a natural charm to a room. Being a neutral shade, they will complement the furniture in the room whilst offering texture and interest themselves. Stone can also be used to create exposed feature walls or fireplaces which compliments the contemporary back to basics feel. Increasingly exposed brick work is also being used to create a similar effect.
A Natural Color Palette
A key feature of the contemporary rustic style is to keep neutral tones on the walls to create the light and space that is such a key part of this look. Whitewashed walls enhance the colors of natural woods and metals and allows them be the standout feature in a room. That’s not to say that your room will lack color! The addition of earthy toned textiles and furnishings will add that little burst of color whilst letting the natural woods sing!
Textiles
Faux fur rugs, chunky knit blankets and woven throws all add texture and warmth to your room whilst keeping the rustic feel. These could be in neutral colors or in a slightly deeper earthy tone to add a little contrast. Layer on the texture! Using different textures from leather to wool, seagrass to linen, the combination results in a great look.
Furniture
Forget purchasing furniture sets, mismatched items of furniture are the way to go – the more eclectic the better! For example, having a dining table with matching chairs adds formality and structure to a room which contrasts to the relaxed organic feel of rustic décor. A well-loved dining table, complete with imperfections together with non-matching chairs that have been collected over the years instantly creates an informal dining area perfect for a family home.
How do I give my house the Modern Rustic look?
As far as styling is concerned, creating a rustic style room is one of the easiest trends to go for. If you keep in mind natural materials, wood and soft neutral tones you won’t go far wrong! However, we have included our top tips below to point you in the right direction:
- Style with wood – as this is at the core of rustic style including some wooden pieces into your room is an easy first step. Whether that is exposed floorboards, bases of lamps or wooden artwork they will bring warmth, texture and subtle color variation.
- Add something quirky! – due to the mismatched nature of the furnishings, including a statement piece of wall décor or furniture can add that wow factor to your room. E.g. adding a rustic farm animal chalkboard to a farmhouse style kitchen, or a coffee table made with a real tree trunk base will certainly get visitors admiring your style! Remember they should also offer practicality of purpose, to fit with the decluttered style.
- Make a feature of the imperfect – distressed wood is a great fit with rustic chic. So if you have a ‘hand me down’ or yard sale piece that is not at it’s polished best, then this could fit in perfectly! If you have old wood furniture with knots and imperfections, then don’t hide it away, make a feature out of them!
- Turn up the heat – there is nothing more inviting than sitting in front of a fire on a cold winter’s evening. An open wood fire is the perfect center piece to any contemporary rustic living room and instantly creates a warm and cozy ambiance.
- Love the Curves! – As rustic décor is about natural tones, textures, and imperfections. Having pieces that emphasize straight lines will be out of place. Natural shapes and flaws are perfect.
- Use natural fabrics – jute, hessian, leather, and wool add the finishing touches to a rustic room. Fabric styles of burlap and buffalo plaid are also a natural fit for any dining table decoration.
- Set up for conversation – at the heart of any rustic style is a place to detox from the pressures of modern life, get away from technology and a desire to get back in touch with nature; so organize furniture to promote human social interaction. Place sofas opposite each other so that conversations can naturally flow and over-sized dining tables so that there is room for everyone. A great way to subtly encourage turning off cell phones & TV, so you can re-engage with family and friends.
