Decorating rustic is about more than slapping some chippy-paint on a dresser. It’s a whole vibe, one that is easy to achieve if you know how!
Rustic interiors are sometimes unfairly associated with faux-distressed furniture and mass-manufactured “handmade” items. But if you like farmhouse, country, coastal or cottage style interior spaces, then you like rustic decor – whether you know it or not! Each of these decor styles have rustic elements, but you can also incorporate rustic items into any home style. Even modern! (In fact, one of my absolute favourite interior styles and the one I use most in my own home is modern rustic.)
Interested in getting that lived in, organic feel that comes with a home filled with things that are a little rough around the ages? Here are five tips for decorating rustic in any room in your home.
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Incorporate Natural Materials and Textures
The most simple and subtle way to bring a rustic vibe into your home is to use natural materials and textures. Finishes, furniture and decor made from wood, stone and other plant-based materials are easy to find and can add just a touch of rusticity to any interior space. Things like reclaimed wood beams, worn stone floors and a vintage wool rug make a space feel welcoming and cozy.
And while metal is still a manmade material, the fact that it’s derived from natural elements lends itself to a rustic feeling – particularly if it has a weathered or antique patina. Handmade metal art furniture can add an old-world touch, while things like simple matte black light fixtures help balance out the rustic items and steer the space more towards the aforementioned modern rustic design style.
Embrace Vintage and Antique Items
I love everything about rustic interior design, but if I had to choose a favourite part, then it would have to be incorporating vintage and antique items. I can wax poetic about old things for hours, but I’ll get straight to the point. Items with a history give your home history. Even if you live in a brand-new build, bring in a vintage rug or an antique painting and suddenly there’s a story there.
And I’m not talking about those new items with a “vintage look.” In my humble opinion, things that are new, but made to look old, have no more personality than something brand new off the shelf. And I totally get that new things with a vintage vibe are easy to find and often very affordable. But I promise that you can find super affordable (even cheap) vintage and antique pieces in thrift stores and antique malls, at garage sales and on online buy and sells. You just have to look with an open mind.
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Choose a Warm and Earthy Colour Palette
While pretty much any colour can work in a rustic space, there are definitely shades that compliment a rustic home more than others. For example, burnt orange or dusty red are muted and rich. Forest green and navy blue are moody and nature-inspired. Meanwhile, creams, beiges and browns are grounding and minimalistic.
And I’m not just talking about wall colours here. From the shade of your sofa to the accents on your area rug to the hues in your artwork. Warm and earthy colours can be layered into a rustic home to create a harmonious and overall feeling of peace and relaxation. That being said, if you love hot pink or fire engine red go for it. You can still achieve a rustic vibe using brighter colours paired with natural and well-worn materials.
Keep Things Cozy and Comfy with Textiles and Accessories
I’ve mentioned a few times already that a rustic space has a cozy, live in feeling to it, but that mood doesn’t just happen by accident. the first reason a rustic home feels cozy is that it’s not overly precious. Couches are meant to be sat on, accessories are meant to be handled and admired. The other thing that makes a rustic space inviting is the textiles – throw pillows, blankets, curtains, rugs and so on.
By layering all of these elements a space goes from sparse and a little uninviting to warm and welcoming. How can you resist an armchair with a chunky wool blanket draped over it? How do you not sink into a sofa with multiple throw pillows? Other ideas for adding texture to a room is floor-length linen curtains, a wall tapestry and rough-hewn handmade pottery that just begs to be touched.
Top It All Off With Touches of Nature
You know how I said vintage and antique items are my favourite aspect of rustic decor? Well, to be honest it’s a tie because I just can’t image a rustic home if it isn’t accessorized with items from nature. I’m talking shed antlers, driftwood, river rocks, seashells, dried herbs, twigs, cut flowers, living plants and pretty much any other treasure you find in the great outdoors.
Our house is filled with these small natural elements. And they really are rather small, which helps it not to feel cluttered or overdone. In our bathroom I have a sand dollar from the first time I visited the ocean. On our fireplace mantel I have a shed antler my husband found on our land. In our kitchen I have a small piece of driftwood from some lake or river I visited over the years. And the fact that all of these pieces from nature have a story attached to them make them even more special.
And there you have it! Decorating rustic made easy. If you need help determining if this is the interior style for you, sign up for a free online consultation. Ready to get started right now? Purchase one of my e-design packages and let me help you choose beautiful and sustainable furniture and decor for your home.
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Posted on September 18, 2024
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
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