If you’re not a fan of the white kitchen and steel appliances that dominated homes in the last decade, here’s some good news. You can still see all-white kitchens but they’re slowly losing out to newer styles. White kitchens look good but many people feel they’re too sterile. Not to mention white spaces are much harder to keep clean than others. So what’s the latest trend in interior design? You guessed it: it’s rustic.
Rustic design is cozy and often evokes a country feel. You don’t actually have to live in the country to experience nature! Depending on how you set up the room, rustic design can look elegant, comforting or even edgy. It’s very flexible as well, so you don’t have to adhere to certain rules to make the room yours.
Here’s how you can create rustic spaces in your own home:
Wooden accents
One thing you cannot miss with rustic design is wooden accents. There are lots of ways to incorporate wooden accents in any room but it’s probably easier in the kitchen. After all, cabinets take up the bulk of visual space there. Choose cabinets in natural wood veneers for the quickest way to create a rustic look. For the bathroom, opt for a farmhouse design that incorporates natural elements for the perfect cozy vibe.
Think it’s too much wood? Then consider using it more selectively. For example, highlight the kitchen island with wooden barstools. Or use wooden bath trays or baskets in the bathroom. You can also hand decor pieces made of natural or reclaimed wood on the walls.
Neutral colors
Another way to create The Rustic look is to use neutral tones throughout the house. Newton doesn’t mean you are just restricted to earth tones. Any nature-inspired color or finish will work in a rustic home. For example, you can use brushed gold towel rods or cabinet hardware in the bath. Go with copper faucets in the kitchen. The options are endless.
Neutral colors create a relaxing atmosphere. You can always add pops of color with rugs, throws, and pillows. Think of a neutral color as the foundation on which you can always layer and add bolder accent colors. Bored of the existing colors? All you have to do is replace the pillows for an instant upgrade!
Statement accent walls
They say opposites attract and it’s true of design elements as well. Contrasting colors, textures, and finishes draw your attention. Use this to your advantage when creating rustic spaces. Think about using decor items in contrasting colors on one wall of the room. Or you can simply paint one wall a solid complementary color for a bold statement.
You can also balance design elements in other ways. For instance, rustic design works wonders with antique pieces. Now is the time to showcase all the amazing finds from your travels, flea markets or auction buys. You can balance this out with more modern appliances or wall art in the room.
Bring nature inside
Perhaps it goes without saying that rustic design means bringing nature inside. One of the key elements in any rustic space is to combine the outdoors and indoors. It is up to you to decide how you want to achieve this.
The easiest and quickest way to do this would be to add a few plants throughout the room. Bring some potted herbs into the kitchen or large plants into the living room. You can also scatter some succulents in the bathroom or bedrooms. What if you don’t have a green thumb or the time to take care of plants? Faux greenery is easy on the eyes and wallet too!
Use natural materials
You won’t be surprised to find natural materials in a rustic home. Whether it is exposed beams, wooden cabinets or a stone fireplace, these are often commonly used in rustic design. But you are not limited to just wood and stone. You have a multitude of options when it comes to using natural materials in your home.
Before you think about using a material, just ask if it is sourced from nature. If it is, you can safely add it to the room. You can use natural hardwood floors to bring in warmth. Or use stone tiles around the kitchen for that rustic feel. A paneled wood ceiling can also work well in a living or dining room. The goal here is to merge the comfort of natural materials to the clean lines of modern design.
