When it comes to interior design, we love nothing more than that rustic, homestead feel. It’s warm, cosy, traditional and full of character. Forget the cookie cutter, modern kitchens, it’s time to look at shabby chic! The rustic look is a tricky one to get right. You’ve got to find that authentic, worn look, yet still make the house a home. We suggest you hit the flea markets and keep your eye open for great items! If the rustic homestead look is what you’re after, we’ve got all the secrets you need. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Exposed materials – Rustic interiors are all about exposed building materials. You should see the brickwork making its way into your living room. The kitchen should be filled with exposed woodwork and beams. It ought to have a haphazard feel and you should feel the building around you. We really like to run a wooden beam alongside a flat steel bar in the rafters. It gives the contrast between wood and metal and lets you see the building in place.
Cosy it up – These exposed materials can often give the home a cold, hard interior. The real trick is softening this up and balancing it out. Now you’ve got the wood and brick giving a sense of character, it’s time to add the soft furnishings. Rustic homes are all about rugs, cushions and dense curtains. When the building work is heavy and cold, you’ve got to find the opposite in the soft furnishings. Layer it up with blankets over chairs and big chunky carpets. Soften up those harsh edges and find the contrast between them. Get it right, and it will feel like your very own weekend retreat.
Mismatched items – Truly rustic homes were traditionally kitted out without much thought. The old homesteads would use any items they could get their hands on. It led to a home full of mismatched tools, utensils and decorations. Everything was handed down over generations or shared between friends. You won’t find any ten-piece crockery sets here! Our top tip here is to get yourself down to your local flea market. Pick up little bits of junk and antique items. Find yourself a collection big enough and your home will have that mismatched look too.
Soft, pastel colours – One other way to break up the harsh lines and materials is with colour. Traditional, rustic homes would often have painted woodwork in the kitchens and on the walls. But, over time, the colours would fade to a soft, pastel colour. You can mimic this effect by opting for soft, pastel blues and greens in the right places. Don’t go too heavy, remember, you want the exposed building to take center stage. However, a touch of faded colour in the right places will work wonders. It gives a hint of sweetness to the home.
Character, character, character – The key to a rustic home is a unique character. This can’t be described or picked out. It comes through the unique way you furnish the property and your interior design choices. It will take a delicate touch to balance out each of these elements!
A rustic homestead feel is totally within your reach! Find the balance between hard, cold building work and unique, rustic furnishings. Follow the advice here and you’ll have your own cosy homestead in no time!
