Decorating
These Rustic Accents Will Warm Up Any Home
Get in on the rustic trend to give your home a touch of invitingly earthy appeal
One of the main issues I frequently hear from decorating-advice seekers (especially those who have recently moved into a new house) is that their space just doesn’t feel like home. Modern and contemporary spaces often make for beautiful pictures, but can sometimes lack an inviting character that makes them feel like yours.
One of the best ways to introduce a little human touch is with an element of rustic charm. The casual, unfussy elegance of woodsy cabins and seaside retreats brings a sense of peace and whimsy to a space that might otherwise be too perfect. Here are some of my favourite ways to bring a little rustic soul to a space of any style.
One of the best ways to introduce a little human touch is with an element of rustic charm. The casual, unfussy elegance of woodsy cabins and seaside retreats brings a sense of peace and whimsy to a space that might otherwise be too perfect. Here are some of my favourite ways to bring a little rustic soul to a space of any style.
Bathroom
Quirky ladders
A rustic wooden ladder may not be the best kind to use when you’re cleaning your gutters, but it does a great job of holding a few towels and adding a relaxed atmosphere to a sleek contemporary bathroom.
For a fun twist, lean one (gently) against a window like this to add an extra sense of privacy and character.
10 reasons to repurpose old ladders
A rustic wooden ladder may not be the best kind to use when you’re cleaning your gutters, but it does a great job of holding a few towels and adding a relaxed atmosphere to a sleek contemporary bathroom.
For a fun twist, lean one (gently) against a window like this to add an extra sense of privacy and character.
10 reasons to repurpose old ladders
A short ladder or step stool can also be used in the bedroom as a bedside table or as a place to drop your bag as you enter, with a perfect rugged little step for tying your shoe or slipping it off.
Kitchen runners
Kitchen runner rugs keep feet warm in chilly climates and can balance too-sterile-feeling colour schemes.
But the best part is that rugs only get better with time, as the wear and tear break the rug in, adding personality and character.
Kitchen runner rugs keep feet warm in chilly climates and can balance too-sterile-feeling colour schemes.
But the best part is that rugs only get better with time, as the wear and tear break the rug in, adding personality and character.
Table islands
Rather than a weighty fixed island, a rustic wood dining table used as both a prep station and serving space acts as the perfect foil to clean, crisp white cabinetry.
Bringing back the kitchen table
Rather than a weighty fixed island, a rustic wood dining table used as both a prep station and serving space acts as the perfect foil to clean, crisp white cabinetry.
Bringing back the kitchen table
Exposed cookware
Hanging pots and pans are a frequent sight in a rustic cottage kitchen, and they can be very practical too. Frequent chefs will appreciate having the needed pan at hand, and the character of each reveals the story of years of good meals.
Use a pan rack hanging over an island, or make a feature wall with a dark grey background and some floating shelves for spices.
Hanging pots and pans are a frequent sight in a rustic cottage kitchen, and they can be very practical too. Frequent chefs will appreciate having the needed pan at hand, and the character of each reveals the story of years of good meals.
Use a pan rack hanging over an island, or make a feature wall with a dark grey background and some floating shelves for spices.
Soft rustic paint
Faded pastel paint colours are lively and approachable, whether they come on a piece of vintage country furniture or a fun DIY project like this multi-colour staircase.
Look for colours in a similar tone (generally the same position on a paint chip) to tie them together, and use a matt finish to really capture the rustic feel. Surround your project with white or grey to keep the look contemporary but playful.
Faded pastel paint colours are lively and approachable, whether they come on a piece of vintage country furniture or a fun DIY project like this multi-colour staircase.
Look for colours in a similar tone (generally the same position on a paint chip) to tie them together, and use a matt finish to really capture the rustic feel. Surround your project with white or grey to keep the look contemporary but playful.
Driftwood
Driftwood, with unique, natural shapes, calls to mind the serenity of seaside cottages. Mixed into a contemporary home, this humble material becomes an evocative feature, especially when playing against cool greys that bring out the wood’s character.
Using just a little driftwood contrasted against sleek modernist furnishings creates a beautiful mix, so try adding a driftwood mirror frame, lamp base or single piece perched on a coffee table book if a room feels a little too crisp.
Driftwood, with unique, natural shapes, calls to mind the serenity of seaside cottages. Mixed into a contemporary home, this humble material becomes an evocative feature, especially when playing against cool greys that bring out the wood’s character.
Using just a little driftwood contrasted against sleek modernist furnishings creates a beautiful mix, so try adding a driftwood mirror frame, lamp base or single piece perched on a coffee table book if a room feels a little too crisp.
Gingham
Simple patterns tend to be more approachable than fussy ones, and classic picnic check in particular can lend any space the homeyness of a lakeside cabin. In navy, this pattern especially adds some casual rustic charm while fitting a colourful contemporary space with almost any palette.
Layer checked fabrics in with bedding, use one as a timeless window dressing or, of course, you can always toss on a checked tablecloth (particularly in a large scale) for a look that says ‘summer garden party’ any time of year.
Simple patterns tend to be more approachable than fussy ones, and classic picnic check in particular can lend any space the homeyness of a lakeside cabin. In navy, this pattern especially adds some casual rustic charm while fitting a colourful contemporary space with almost any palette.
Layer checked fabrics in with bedding, use one as a timeless window dressing or, of course, you can always toss on a checked tablecloth (particularly in a large scale) for a look that says ‘summer garden party’ any time of year.
Wide planks
Wood or laminate planks are a common flooring in contemporary homes, but for a rustic twist with a little more character, opt for wide planks inspired by the hefty boards in log cabins.
If possible, use salvaged planks for authentic historic character, but you can also choose a new wood with knots and plenty of colour variation (often findable at a lower price than more ‘perfect’ varieties) to create a similarly warm and inviting atmosphere.
Wood or laminate planks are a common flooring in contemporary homes, but for a rustic twist with a little more character, opt for wide planks inspired by the hefty boards in log cabins.
If possible, use salvaged planks for authentic historic character, but you can also choose a new wood with knots and plenty of colour variation (often findable at a lower price than more ‘perfect’ varieties) to create a similarly warm and inviting atmosphere.
Worn-in chairs
A vintage chair with flaking paint can be a great piece for a DIY refinishing project – or it can be left as is for a rustic look that’s beautiful without all the effort. Grab one with a real worn-in patina (often findable at vintage or salvage shops) and add it to your bedside, foyer or bathroom as a place to toss your clothes or coats, making it functional and decorative.
A vintage chair with flaking paint can be a great piece for a DIY refinishing project – or it can be left as is for a rustic look that’s beautiful without all the effort. Grab one with a real worn-in patina (often findable at vintage or salvage shops) and add it to your bedside, foyer or bathroom as a place to toss your clothes or coats, making it functional and decorative.
Quilts
As I’ve written about before, I’m very much in favour of classic white bedding. However, a beautiful colourful quilt – a true rustic staple – is a perfect way to introduce some colour and a sense of history into a breezy white bedroom.
If you want to change up the look, you can fold the quilt down, tuck it on a nearby shelf, spread it out on a sofa or drape it casually over a chair as a throw blanket. Invest in a great one (or sew one yourself, if you’re crafty) and it’ll last for generations, living beyond the current trends.
Get addicted to kantha quilts
As I’ve written about before, I’m very much in favour of classic white bedding. However, a beautiful colourful quilt – a true rustic staple – is a perfect way to introduce some colour and a sense of history into a breezy white bedroom.
If you want to change up the look, you can fold the quilt down, tuck it on a nearby shelf, spread it out on a sofa or drape it casually over a chair as a throw blanket. Invest in a great one (or sew one yourself, if you’re crafty) and it’ll last for generations, living beyond the current trends.
Get addicted to kantha quilts
Unexpected furniture
Vintage furniture pieces can enhance any room, but they are especially stunning in a bathroom or kitchen, where they feel a little unexpected. In a stark white space, a wood sideboard in a warm tone is a showstopper, connecting your pristine palette to nature and giving you a sense of history every time you wash your face or set the table.
TELL US
How have you incorporated rustic style into your home’s decor? Tell us your tips or share photos of your space in the Comments below.
MORE
USA Houzz: A Rustic Cabin With Exquisite Views
The Hedonist’s Guide to Rustic Bathtubs
Stickybeak of the Week: Rustic City Living Room Big on Upcycled Finds
Vintage furniture pieces can enhance any room, but they are especially stunning in a bathroom or kitchen, where they feel a little unexpected. In a stark white space, a wood sideboard in a warm tone is a showstopper, connecting your pristine palette to nature and giving you a sense of history every time you wash your face or set the table.
TELL US
How have you incorporated rustic style into your home’s decor? Tell us your tips or share photos of your space in the Comments below.
MORE
USA Houzz: A Rustic Cabin With Exquisite Views
The Hedonist’s Guide to Rustic Bathtubs
Stickybeak of the Week: Rustic City Living Room Big on Upcycled Finds
Woven and wicker baskets are a popular choice for laundry rooms, but they have many other uses and can give a relaxed rustic twist to any space. Tuck one next to a sofa to hold throw blankets or stray toys (for kids or for pets).
In the bathroom, a basket makes a great place to stash fresh towels or toilet rolls within easy reach.