So, you’ve decided on a rustic style for your home. Good choice! Every aspect of a rustic design, from the carefully-crafted furniture all the way down to the rustic rugs, plays a big role in setting up the ideal living space. We’re here to help walk you through it.
Antèks Home Furnishings certainly has an affinity for western and rustic design. It’s been our specialty for more than 30 years. You see, a rustic motif stands the test of time because at the heart of it is natural beauty. It utilizes elements of nature to create an atmosphere of comfort and simple elegance.
What Color Palettes Should Be Used?
While home décor certainly comes down to what speaks to you, the general goal of rustic design is to bring the outdoors inside. If you want to picture a scene in your head, imagine relaxing in a cozy yet stylish log cabin in the woods.
When it comes to color, it’s best to center your designs around earth tones such as beiges, browns, and muted greys and blacks. Whitewashed finishes are also acceptable. This isn’t to say you should neglect to use splashes of color. In fact, deep hues of purples, reds, greens, and blues can make appearances in accessories like throw pillows and rustic rugs. As an example, Native American patterns work well against dark leather rustic couches and armchairs.
Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to have a lot of exposed wood in your home, choose neutral colors that accentuate it. If the colors of your furniture and paint are too similar to your wood elements, the space will lose some of its allure.
How Do I Capture Rustic Charm?
A rustic design embraces the “distressed” or “imperfect” aspects of woods, stones, and natural metals. For instance, uneven wood grains, rough edges, and worn finishes all add to a charming ambiance. It’s a good idea to avoid hard, straight lines and other non-organic features that scream “industrial” or “manufactured”; it’ll take the warm and inviting feeling right out of the rustic style.
Also, your visitors should feel like your home is filled with cherished items you’ve collected over time. As such, feel free to employ a diverse mix of accessories and décor. Here are some pieces you can incorporate into your rustic setup:
- Naturally-shed animal antlers (wall hangings and lamps)
- Handwoven, rustic rugs
- Native American throw blankets
- Animal sculptures and lamps
- Leather and cowhide furniture
- Wood furniture
There is one crucial tip to remember: Don’t fill a space with too many items. Pieces should complement each other, not drown each other out.
Where Should I Use A Rustic Theme?
We mean it when we say anywhere. That’s the main advantage of a rustic style. It’s incredibly versatile so it works well for every area of the house.
Really, at the crux of an effective living space is style, comfort, and functionality; when done correctly, a rustic theme gives you all three. When contemplating your design, we suggest choosing a focal point and expanding from there. Several items can serve as the “star”:
- Artwork
- Fireplace
- Furniture
- Rustic rugs
- Mirrors
- Architectural elements such as windows or built-in shelving
Essentially, your focal point should not only draw the eye but also establish the mood of a room. It gives you an idea of what accessories and décor will help you achieve the look you want.
Does Lighting Matter?
Absolutely. Lighting dictates how a space “feels”. The brightness and positioning of light can affect a person’s perception of space and comfort. An area that’s hit with loads of glaring light can seem too stiff, sterile, and cold.
Generally speaking, a rustic style requires warm lighting because of the neutral color palette. Softer lights lend well to earth tones, which creates an inviting mood. This applies to both the indoor and outdoor lighting you plan to use.
Of course, sunlight shouldn’t be discounted here. After all, rustic design is an homage to the outdoors. You can maximize natural lighting (and style) by hanging rustic mirrors across from windows. In addition to bringing in the perfect amount of light, it helps make an area seem larger than it actually is.
Can I Do It On My Own?
Certainly. Again, it comes down to what makes you happy. But, if you want to save time by enlisting the help of a trained eye who understands rustic design, it’s best to seek a specialist like Antèks. For decades, we’ve been a go-to source for rustic and western home furnishings and design.
Are you on the hunt for rustic rugs? How about a custom leather couch? Or, maybe you need assistance with decorating an entire home? This is what we do! We have a wide variety of unique rustic and western accessories along with an inventory of customizable furniture. And, our design experts have extensive experience working on both residential and commercial projects.
If you’d like more information about Antèks, give us a call. Or, come visit our Dallas showroom at 1135 Dragon Street!