1. ADD RECLAIMED CLADDING
Rustic timber cladding will fast-track all the country feels and can be used in any room to add texture and warmth. Interior designer Tracey Hatch harnessed the power of rustic timber in the master bedroom of this former stable block conversion. Note how she has focused use above the bed so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
2. BRING IN PERSONALITY WITH A CHALK WALL
A blackboard wall is both practical and pretty cool and is another easy win if you’re embracing a rustic aesthetic, especially when paired with a wooden pegboard and woven accessories.
3. LAYER UP ALL THE TEXTURES
Explore material contrasts to ramp up the drama in a rustic-themed room. This coastguard’s cottage, done in interior architect Marta Nowicka’s signature ‘minimalist with rustic charm’ style, is a great example of how to get the look. The timeworn timber cuts a strong contrast against a backdrop of smooth, milky-white walls.
4. CHOOSE COZY COLORS
Bust out the cozy colors and go ‘full drip’ to create a cocooning sanctuary that’s filled with rustic warmth. You can’t go wrong with nature-inspired shades, like this earthy Sage Green Light by Sherwin-Williams. ‘Sage is the perfect color for a quiet and cozy space. Your blood pressure begins to drop considerably the further you move into this room,’ enthuses Connie Vernich, of Vernich Interiors.
5. WEAVE IN WOVEN MOMENTS
You will often find woven baskets and accessories in seagrass, wicker or jute scattered throughout rustic homes. ‘They are great for bringing a touch of rustic charm to balance out a space that might otherwise be too cold or harsh. When done correctly, you don't have to sacrifice the luxe feel of a space to gain the comfort and character these rustic elements provide,’ says interior designer Brad Ramsey.
6. EMBRACE HANDMADE TILES
Handmade tiles are big interior design trend, thanks to their unique and organic patterns and colors that can provide a home-spun feature with artisanal appeal. Look for tiles with imperfect edges and undulating glazes for extra rustic points, and don’t be too matchy-matchy with your pattern arrangements or fussy about precise installation. They should appear as if they’ve been in situ for centuries.
7. HIT UP THE SALVAGE YARDS
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and if you want to introduce some rustic moments in your home, pop a trip to your local salvage yard on your calendar. Try to think outside the box when salvage hunting – an old door could be repurposed as a headboard or paneling, for example. Anything with a sense of history, the more rough and ready the better, is prime rustic fodder.
8. ADD INDUSTRIAL TOUCHES
Rustic homes often include industrial style accents, which help to keep the overall vibe modern and fresh. Think funky loft apartment, not Davey Crockett’s log cabin! For this project in Utah, dubbed the ‘Rustic Speakeasy’, Jennifer Chipman mixed factory-style light fittings and industrial duct pipe extraction against exposed brickwork and reclaimed timber with dramatic results.
9. GO FOR GINGHAM
If you are wondering which pattern works best in a rustic home, the answer is always gingham, without doubt. You cannot go wrong with checkered prints, or plaids for that matter. Use them on walls, cushions, curtains, and tablecloths – anywhere you need a nod to rural living.
10. EXPOSE ORIGINAL FEATURES
Create the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary design by exposing rustic architectural details such as original beams, flagstone floors and stonework.