Why the rustic look is always in style and how to create it in your home
Home décor trends come and go so fast; it’s hard to keep track of them all. A design you see on the cover of a magazine today might be considered old news next month. Therefore, it is always risky planning a remodel based on what’s trendy. The wiser choice is going with a design that has a timeless quality; something that feels fresh now and will feel the same in the future as well.
Above all, homeowners need to craft their décor based on what they like, especially if they plan on living in their home for a long time. One style that remains popular is the rustic look. While this can mean different things to different people, generally, the rustic design has the following characteristics.
Natural
When you step inside a rustic home, the natural elements, including wood and stone, immediately stand out. And, unlike with a more modern style, these materials aren’t necessarily smooth and glossy, but a little more raw and unfinished-looking. In addition, a rustic color palette leans toward earth tones, such as browns, grays, and greens. According to interior designer Katie Hodges, “rustic design, at its core, is the use of organic elements in their most natural state.”
Warm
When the rustic design is done right, it helps create a warm and welcoming environment. The wood and stone – which is often combined with big windows that allow a lot of light to come in – instantly provide an inviting and cozy atmosphere. And when the big fireplace in the living room comes roaring to life, you’ll be forgiven if you just want to grab a blanket and a hot beverage and curl up in front of it.
Casual
Ever been in somebody’s house that felt more like a museum than a place to live? While it may look nice (and probably expensive), a home where you’re afraid to touch something or even sit down is not very conducive to comfort. However, a rustic house is the exact opposite. As mentioned, it is intended to be a warm place where you shouldn’t be afraid to put your feet up on the coffee table.
Rustic design ideas
If you’ve decided that the rustic look is for you, the good news is that your remodel can be as big or as small as you like. You can totally revamp your home or just bring in a few new elements. Here are some ideas to consider:
Wooden floor planks
Wood is one of the essential ingredients for a rustic look, and you can start by adding it to your floors. Replacing carpet or linoleum for some aged wood planks will give your home an older appearance right away.
Exposed beams
You don’t have to tear up your ceiling to uncover your beams; large pieces of wood can be installed, which will make it look as though your beams are exposed. And while this may make a room seem unfinished, that’s kind of the point.
Retro cabinets
An easy thing you can do to add the rustic look to your kitchen is to replace the cabinet doors. Find doors made with weather wood, and then use older metal pulls or handles.
Barn doors
While barn doors may be mostly associated with farms and big red buildings housing livestock, they can also be an excellent design element for a home. A sliding barn door with an exposed track in a living room or kitchen is both fun and functional.
Exposed stone
One of the key ingredients in rustic décor is stone, and the more of it you can see, the better. This could include the kitchen backsplash, fireplace mantel, and of course, the fireplace itself. You may even want to consider having an interior stone wall built.
Furniture
To complete the look of your rustic home, you’ll need to bring in the right furniture. And of course, for chairs and tables, you will want to go with wood. Try to find items that are unique and appear a bit worn or aged. If they’ve got a little roughness to them (as if, perhaps, a craftsperson built them with tools passed down by their great-grandfather), that’s even better. For couches, consider raw fabrics like animal hide (faux or otherwise) in neutral colors.
Ready to make your home more rustic?
If you want to change your home’s décor and are interested in the rustic look, get in touch with Tandem Contracting. Our talented and skilled team of professionals will work with you to create a plan that will give you everything you’re looking for. For a quote on your project or to get additional information, you can call us at 973-864-3100 or send a message through our online contact form.
