Rustic is a word often used in the world of interior design. It speaks warmth and smells like roasted marshmallows on a campfire. It reminds you of your grandparents’ cabin you used to spend summers when you were a child. Rustic means country and you can achieve it even if you’re living in the bustling metropolis.
Colors
It all starts with the paint and with this style, you can never go wrong with deep red colors. Red will be your benchmark palette and any color you will choose from here on should be complimenting or neutral.
You can also go with earth tones such as deep brown, dark green, and gray. Gold and copper are also common choices by interior designers. If you want more warmth, then dark yellow and red with an orange undertone are also okay.
Other colors that you can choose from are:
- Cream
- Black
- Old Rose
- Dark Blue
- Brick
- Dark Teal
- White
- Army Green
Wood Beams
Wood beams are accents that almost all country house and cabin has. If your home doesn’t have wood beams, you can have some installed or custom-made for you. However, redecorating doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many budget-friendly DIY ideas on the internet that you can follow.
For starters, you can use lightweight white wood boards. These inexpensive alternatives can be easily installed with just nails and wood glue. They may not look rustic in the beginning but with staining, they will easily look like reclaimed wood.
Natural Elements
You will need plants to properly achieve that farmhouse effect. Many homes in the city have front lawns and gardens that add to this vibe but if you are living in an apartment or condominium, small indoor plants are the best option for you.
There are many low-maintenance plants that don’t require too much outdoor sunlight. Some also serve as air purifiers so you will be hitting two birds with one stone. Below are a few indoor plants that you can choose from:
- Snake Plant – Snake plants absorb CO2 and harmful toxins that are as known cancer-causing pollutants
- Pothos Plant – pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants that can purify the air. It can filter carbon monoxide and ease eye irritation from prolonged exposure to blue light. Pothos thrives on low light and doesn’t need frequent watering.
- Dracaena – dracaena plant increases air humidity. By placing several of these in your home, you will lessen the risk of illnesses caused by polluted air. Dracaena is also known to help in improving mood, calmness, and relaxation.
- Spider Plant – Aside from easy being low maintenance and easy to grow, spider plant also proves to be extremely helpful in clearing the air from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide
Add a Fireplace
A fireplace reminds you of your camping days as a kid and could easily make a room cozy and warm. When deciding to buy or have one built, choose materials like brick, stone, or rock to achieve that perfect farmhouse look.
Many being sold on the market today are a bit expensive. So you also need to make sure that aside from the aesthetic, the fireplace should also be heat-efficient. Bear in mind when choosing that you only need a fireplace that can heat an entire room instead of the whole house because it will save you in heating costs.
Make an Accent Wall
If your home already has barnwood interior walls then you’re more than halfway in achieving that country look. But if you have concrete walls and the budget is a bit tight, then you can just make an accent wall.
Accent walls don’t have to be expensive and if you’re going for rustic, all you have to do is give the wall a base color like deep red, dark brown, blue, or just plain white. Next thing is to add details and with these, wooden decorations are the best choice. You can also hang a checkered drape fabric or faux fur for a country vibe.
Put Conversational Pieces
Woven baskets are excellent choices for rustic decor and aside from the aesthetic, they also serve as organizers. So instead of buying plastic or fabric containers, you may want to opt for wood or woven baskets. You can put a basket for your logs in the fireplace or one on the table as a centerpiece.
Hanging wooden signs are also great because they give your home some character while sending inspirational messages to your family and guests. Signs made of wood are also ideal for filling up empty spaces on your wall.
Rustic reminds us of everything that is inviting and cozy. Whether you are working from memories or simply following some tips on Pinterest, a house will always be home as long as there’s love in it.
