Rustic Style: Naturally Enjoyable Decorating

November 13th, 2007

Posted in Bedroom Decorating, Budget Decorating, Dining Room Decorating, Living Room Decorating, Master Bedroom, Wall Decorating

Most of us have fond memories of childhood camping trips near mountains, woodlands, and lakes. We remember the sweet scent of pine, lazy days fishing at the lake, and the joy of horseback rides through tree-lined paths. These places are etched on our minds because it was there, surrounded by the homey atmosphere of warm natural wood, campfires, and crisp mountain air we told ghost stories, had adventures, and roasted marshmallows around blazing campfires. Mornings were spent sipping hot chocolate from speckled metal camping mugs.

Now, a new trend in decorating seeks to bring this taste of the rustic life home. Rustic style is the art of bringing the outdoors inside—but not in the way your husband or children would with muddy footprints and slimy, freshly caught pet frogs.

Adorning your interiors with rustic style is simple. And while the term “rustic” can be broken down into several subcategories (log cabin/lodge, country, western, farmhouse, and prairie) each adhere to the following general rules: aged or earthen accessories, colors that are subtle and natural, and a clear preference for rich texture.

Accessorizing your home with a rustic approach typically means turning the old into something new and fresh. There’s no need to refurbish antiques in the rustic style. Rust is a good thing! Antiques with a weathered and worn appearance work well in a rustic setting. No shiny metals here: metal with a good patina is the name of the game.

In selecting carpets, throw pillows, comforters, window dressings and other décor for a rustic style dwelling you must remember to colors that colors that occur in nature. Save brilliant, busy, and ultramodern textiles or colors for another time and place if you plan to go rustic. A rustic interior is all about earthen beauty. Rich burnt umbers, deep forest and evergreen, midnight blues, and other muted tones are the heart of this down-to-earth appeal to rooms built on rustic style.

The textures of walls and furniture also play a role in setting the rustic style stage indoors. Rough, hand plastered, natural wood, or stone make excellent choices for the walls of your rustic style quarters. Knotty, natural wood furnishings make an outstanding choice to complete the effect.

Finally, for an additional touch, a few scented candles or homey jars of potpourri can really bring home those bygone camping trips. Surrounded by the sights, textures, and scents of the great outdoors you will swear you have gone back in time.