There are a number of interior design styles that one can utilize in their space. Moreover, there are infinitely many ways to blend these styles to achieve a look that’s right for you. Knowing the fundamentals of different design styles will help you identify your individual aesthetic and enable you to execute it with ease. This week, we will be exploring the category of “Rustic Design.”
“Rustic” is a broad term that encompasses many different styles. According to the dictionary, the word rustic means “relating to the countryside; rural” and “made in a plain and simple fashion.” Thus, rustic design refers to simple interior designs modeled after the beauty of nature. Home Beautiful describes it best by saying, “In its most basic definition, rustic describes a design that's natural, rough, aged, and casual, so there are many styles that can be rustic. Some include Tuscan, coastal, cottage, or what you might traditionally think of as rustic—lodge.”
A simple way to execute a rustic design is to incorporate natural elements into the space. For example, you could add a side table made of reclaimed wood, a rug made of faux animal hide, or an accent chair designed with an organic shape. Another important aspect of rustic design is that it evokes warmth and coziness. Thus, opt for oversized couches, woven blankets, and items that look well-loved.
Colors should be kept, unsurprisingly, natural. Mossy greens, oaky browns, and warm reds make an excellent color palette for rustic spaces. The goal is to choose inviting colors that make people want to sit down and relax in the space.
Because rustic design is all about emphasizing the natural, it is important to avoid items that would not typically be found in nature (e.g. metal, plastic, geometric lines, etc.). However, rules are meant to be broken, and there are many ways to seamlessly incorporate modern elements into rustic designs. You can find extremely sleek furniture pieces that bring coolness to contrast with the otherwise warm, rustic atmosphere.
Hopefully, these tips will either help you transform your space into the rustic lodge of your dreams or equip you with the tools to add a warm touch to your contemporary design.
Also read: The Basics of Feng Shui