“Rustic” is a buzzword that gets thrown around everywhere these days. It’s used in describing restaurants, simple vacation homes, or almost any kind of home decoration.
However, it begs to question: what is it exactly? Does it mean stripping everything down and living in a remote cabin in the woods?
If that’s what came to mind, then you’re not far off—but there’s more to the rustic theme than just appearing woodsy and bare. It’s a beautiful design element that can take your home from a harsh industrial space to a more natural and organic environment. The woods are a key element of this design, with real wood pieces making appearances in rustic-themed homes’ furniture.
If you’re intrigued by this design concept and would like to incorporate it into your home, here are some key elements of rustic design and furniture to guide you.
All about the rustic design
Rustic design and decorations fall into a general category that emphasizes natural, organic, and aged looks. It isn’t limited to the look of the temperate woods; it’s also inspired by coastal or countryside concepts.
The general atmosphere that rustic decorations should exude is laid back and welcoming. Color palettes usually follow neutral-warms and neutral-cools depending on the climate and atmosphere you’re drawing inspiration from. While everything is laid back, rustic is sometimes a little rugged, making for a beautifully calming experience that roots back to nature.
What are the elements of rustic decorations?
When putting a rustic design together, one can keep in mind that it’s all about bringing in pieces from the earth, so materials such as wood, brick, cotton, burlap, and canvas all come together to create this atmosphere. There are certain elements that come together to create a quintessentially rustic look in any space.
Here are the key features of rustic decor:
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Natural wood
The first idea that comes to mind when one thinks of rustic is probably real wood. This is the most heavily featured aspect of rustic designs, from singular pieces to floors, ceilings, and tables.
While polished wood looks gorgeous, it doesn’t fit quite well in a rustic home as more textured and weathered pieces will. Getting pieces that are a bit lived in and aged will suit a rustic style much better!
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Simplicity
Rustic pieces are hardly ever elaborate, mainly since the focus is on simplicity. Simple shapes with imperfect edges are the characteristics of a rustic themed space. This draws the inhabitant’s focus to the material rather than its shape.
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Texture
Instead of smooth and polished, rustic decoration thrives on rough and grainy. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything glossy and shiny. This extends beyond the wood furniture and applies to stone fixtures and cloth elements, such as fireplaces and rugs.
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Heavy and hefty
Modern minimalist design focuses on light and streamlined characteristics, while rustic decorations emphasize heavy and chunky elements. Imagine a hefty plush sofa by the hearth and a stout farmer’s table in the dining area.
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Handmade pieces
This kind of style prizes handmade pieces over mass-manufactured furniture items. However, not everybody has access to a woodworker. As such, when shopping for your furniture, it’s all about finding something that fits the unique interior of your home, preferably something with a little bit of character.
Conclusion
Rustic spaces are all the rage these days—and for a good reason. It somehow reminds everybody that they can be a bit closer to nature and simplicity with the kind of decoration and furniture they have in their home. It’s a reflection of the kind of lifestyle you may want to live in this fast-paced racing world: relaxed and down to earth.
Are you looking for more information about furniture trends in North Carolina? At North Carolina Furniture, we have all the information you need to find the best pieces that fit your home’s style and aesthetic. Connect with us today to find out even more tips and tricks about buying furniture in North Carolina.
