How to Create a Rustic Feel to Your Home
*This is a sponsored post, but regardless opinions are 100% my own.
When it comes to home decorating, the “rustic look” is in big time these days. If you’re not completely sure what this means, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The rustic style has a cozy, earthy, organic vibe. Basically, anything that looks like it might fit in with the outdoors or in a cabin. The rustic look works well with open floor plans, and natural elements. This style is simple, natural, informal, comfortable, and really focuses on bringing the outside, inside. While this style is certainly not for everyone, if you can do it right, you will be rewarded with a place that is cozy and makes everyone feel right at home.
So just how do you get that rustic feel in your home? When it comes to decorating with this style, there are certain elements that are key. You’ll tend to see a lot of repurposed wood, metal accents, and maybe even some hand-woven blankets or animal rugs. This style is also dominated by natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal. Here are some tips to create a rustic feel in your own home:
Neutral/natural colors
As we mentioned already, a rustic style is all about bringing the outdoors, in. So, there is really no color scheme that makes more sense than a natural one. Think browns, greys, lighter shades of blue, beige, cream, red. You get the picture! While brightly painted walls are great, they just don’t fit with this theme. A white color on the walls would be extremely appropriate and also make it easy to use any other colors throughout the room.
Animal rugs/handcrafted piece
If you want your home to look outdoorsy, comfortable, old, and nostalgic then you need to add some items that will bring these thoughts forward. An animal rug can be a great centerpiece item for a living room. Finding handcrafted accents will not only make your home look incredibly rustic, these pieces are also likely to be wonderful conversation starters!
Repurposed Objects
If you’ve ever heard the saying “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure” then you’ll know what we’re referring to here. Find objects around your house that you may have been ready to throw away and think of another purpose for them. Turn an old bucket into a sink. Convert an old comforter into new curtains. Be creative making do with what you have. Doing this will not only give you an excellent rustic vibe, it will also save you money when it comes to buying new objects that you don’t really need anyway.
Weathered Materials
When you think of rustic, new and shiny are two words that would never come to mind. Instead, you’ll think of materials that are old, have been around the block and have some history to them. Think distressed. Think tarnished. Think aged. Whatever materials you choose for your home, this is the message you want them to give off.
Non-painted wood
Using wood that’s unfinished or unpainted will give your home that outdoorsy feel that is what rustic decorating is all about. Non-painted wood is simple, and looks exactly like it belongs in the country or somewhere outside. Therefore, it’s a perfect fit with your rustic décor. Your floor is a great place to start with this non-painted wood look!
Natural/solid fabrics and colors
The best fabrics for a home in a rustic style are unprinted and textural. Linen, wool, burlap, and canvas are obvious (and great!) choices. Any accent pieces that you purchase should be simple and as always, should mimic nature. You can carry this theme through to all of your upholstery, linens, rugs, etc.
Emphasis on Texture
Rough-looking textures look great in a rustic-style home. Mixing and matching different textures around each room will look spectacular and it will also be fun finding the perfect matches.
Fireplace
There are few things that make us feel more cozy and comfortable than a nice fire in the fireplace. And, there are few things that will add that final finishing rustic touch to your home than this as well.
What other tips do you have create a rustic feel to your home?
Laura J Harrison says
The fixer upper farmhouse we bought last year is almost 100 years old and we can only afford to fix major things right now, it certainly is the appropriate canvas for the rustic look.
Alyssa E. says
These are all great ideas! I really like the idea of using repurposed items because I find it so fun to and look for things in thrift shops as well as things I already have.
Sherry Keef says
I have a bar/counter made of repurposed wood.
Thank you for sharing these ideas with us.
Carla W. says
I love love LOVE this!! I want one now.
Kelly Kimmell says
I like the idea of using repurposed items. These are all wonderful tips.
Michelle S says
These are some great ideas! I love repurposed items. It’s fun to see objects get a new life.
Ruth McIver says
I love the idea of un-painted wood. I see plenty at certain flea markets and garage sales. I guess it’s a matter of being brave and putting some things together. In a way, with natural wood, fabrics and tones; you aren’t so consumed with following color schemes.
Debbie Welchert says
Such a lot of great ideas. I love the repurpose idea. I have a several things I was thinking of getting rid of and now I can remake them into something else.
Judy Cox says
I love the rustic look. I have a good friend whose entire house is almost all rustic. I love checking her rooms out for the new ideas and items she adds!!
Natalie says
Adding a fireplace to a home makes for a rustic, cozy feel. I love a warm fire 🙂
DealinDiva says
Thank you for all these tips I love how it all came out.
Julie Waldron says
These are some great ideas! Hopefully someday I can use them.
Heather Cahill says
I love the rustic style! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Kee says
I love this post!!!! I can’t wait till we move in February. My plan is to make my home a very rustic, colorful homey feel! I am super excited! I am loving this Home decor you have! It’s so simple and lovely! I seriously am super excited to decorate our new home!
Tiffany Marie Cutcliff says
I love this post! What great ideas to simplify what to bring in the home if wanting a rustic look. We love the look!
Bites for Foodies says
I absolutely LOVE rustic decor, but I also love a touch of modernism in there too…I think it’s a great combination. These are awesome tips, thanks!
Marissa Zurfluh says
This is all my house. Farmlife and country roads. I have the wooden crates and old window panes as decor.
Victoria says
These are great tips. I love rustic looks for the fall months. I will have to make sure to bookmark this post or Pin it so I can reference it when it’s time to prepare for the fall season.
Censie Sawyer says
Great tips. I do love the rustic feel but not sure it fits our home or family. I really love my good friends home because of the rustic decor she does it so well. thanks for the great ideas.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I love a good rustic decor in the home. I have tried to incorporate some rustic elements in my space over the years. I love the tips you have provided here. Using weathered materials is key. I also agree with the importance of texture.
Tiara Wilson says
I am a really big fan of rustic and farmhouse. I try to tend to have a POP of color in my home though also, because the whites and browns can get tiring too. However, it’s so hard because rustic is just so damn cute!
Paula Schuck says
What great ideas. The rustic trend is really going strong. Everyone wants rustic right now and who can blame them? It’s adorable.
Alison Rost says
I always like walking into places that have a rustic feel .. but have never thought about creating it at home. I like all of the suggestions .. that way someone can try out some ideas before they committed all the way!
Melanie says
Texture and non-painted wood are my favorite tips! I like the look and feel of different textures. I also like the rustic farm house look. Once the kids are older and I can decorate a little more, I plan to go with that decorating scheme.
Amy Malone says
I love this and I’m going to try to make it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Jessica W. says
I love the earthy, rustic look. I’d like to bring some of these elements to my kitchen.
Rachael DeBates says
thanks for the ideas!