Lovers of all things natural are bound to enjoy cozying up in a welcoming rustic interior. The unfussy, casual beauty of rustic interior design satisfies more than just the senses, it also soothes the soul with its comforting ambiance. Whether you’re looking to add some rustic appeal to your home or create a cabin getaway, this style has a place in any setting. To recreate the harmony and charm of a rustic interior at home, be sure to check our guide below.
What is Rustic Interior Design Style?
The relaxed look of rustic style interior design is perfect for the countryside but can work just as well in town. At its heart, rustic design is all about practicality and making what you have work to your benefit. For this reason, these homes typically feature materials local to the area, which can include anything from stone to wood to clay. As such, there is often a focus on natural materials, handmade furniture and décor, and items with a distinctly organic form.
Not sure if rustic interior design is right for you? Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to help discover your perfect style today!
Nowadays, rustic interior design has been streamlined slightly to suit modern lifestyles and aesthetic necessities. Next, we’ll explore the details of creating a soothing interior and what you can do to increase its appeal.
Rustic House Interior Do’s and Don’ts
Quite simply, a rustic home interior feels lived-in and inviting – with no exception. However casual the look may be, rustic interior design still has a few rules to abide by if you want an updated home interior. Keeping to these do’s and don’ts will set you on your way to perfecting the look.
Do add natural elements. A rustic house interior is an ode to the natural world, so bringing the outside in with natural materials is a good idea. These can include wood, clay, stone as well as living greens. An arrangement of potted herbs, for instance, is well at home in a rustic house.
Don’t rely on contemporary materials like plastics. Since a relaxed, natural air is at the core of rustic interiors, sleek and ultra-modern pieces can look out of place in a rustic setting.
Do opt for a neutral natural color scheme. Any hue found in nature is perfect – think mossy greens, olive, earthy browns, and pale blue.
Don’t incorporate contrasting colors. Too much contrast can detract from the peaceful atmosphere so characteristic of rustic interiors. Use the outdoors for inspiration and as a guide for your color palette.
Do play with oversized furniture and fabrics. A grande pillow back sofa, for instance, can make the most welcoming basis against wide-paneled wood walls or plank floors. However, keep the scale of your furniture in mind and use oversizing in moderation.
Don’t go for glossy finishes. Matte and weathered finishes are key to a rustic house interior because they speak to the core of the style, its lived-in, snug essence. Instead of nickel, mirrored, lacquer, or other shiny surfaces, choose brushed brass, wood, or iron.
Rustic Interior Design Style Elements
Every interior design style has elements that, when put together, create the unique look and feel typical to the style. And for a rustic house interior, these revolve around nature and creating a sanctuary from daily toil.
1. Natural Elements
As the primary and often defining feature of a rustic house interior, natural materials are essential and not limited to furniture. In fact, elements like stone, wood, burlap, animal hide, and canvas can form a rustic look structurally or purely decoratively. The more unrefined, the better. Besides, raw pieces bring an earthy feel into the interior even more.
2. Rustic Structure & Architectural Features
The architecture and structure of a rustic interior can play just as big a role as the furnishing and décor. For instance, wood floors with a prominent grain, paneled walls, exposed ceiling beams, stone walls, and a fireplace can all add so much character and charm. If you have any of these features, you can highlight them with lighting and strategically placed décor.
3. Earthy Color Palette
Colors in nature are perfect for a rustic house interior. Often an earthy, nature-inspired color scheme translates into neutral and subdued tones, but that’s not always the case. There can be bold pops too. The outdoors not only have greens and browns but also feature many other hues, from reds to blues. However, when in doubt, stick to a muted color to ensure a warming interior.
4. Comfy & Weathered Furniture
Furniture best suited to a rustic home interior has a little roughness to them – think raw wood frames, carved stone, textured linen pillows. There is also a great sense of reusing and repurposing in rustic interior design. As a result, worn and weathered tables and couches – those that come with a story or are beautifully ornate – are not uncommon. That said, the pieces that last are the most sturdy, practical, and easy or comfortable to use.
5. Handmade & Artisanal
Sticking to what is natural and organic, handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces are great in a rustic theme. Artisans and makers celebrate the material they specialize in, which makes these items all the more fitting. Moreover, clay pots, gnarly ironwork, mirror frames, and soft furnishings can add an organic touch to any design style.
Rustic Home Interior Style Mixes
As the source of many soothing hybrid styles, rustic interior design can also add a natural look and feel to other established designs – from contemporary to Victorian. Our four favorite styles emphasize comfort and raw aesthetic above all.
Rustic Industrial Interior Design
Industrial and rustic interiors have two things in common, namely exposed building materials and repurposed furniture. And when combined, rustic industrial interior design can be both trend-setting and comfy. These open-plan spaces have high ceilings, large windows, concrete or weathered wall finishes, a neutral palette, and warming features like leather, warm woods, and rough textiles.
Rustic Farmhouse Interior Design
Those who adore down-to-earth, casual homes will find rustic farmhouse interior design especially appealing. The fusion of old and new combined with rustic country details is sure to create a place that truly feels like home. Elements characteristic of this style include tongue and groove wood paneling, shiplap, white walls, rustic beams, open shelves, vintage furniture, barn doors, and large family-style kitchens.
Scandi Rustic Interior Design
The covetable Scandinavian style can combine with nearly every interior look to create a chic, warming, yet minimal home. For this reason, Scandi rustic interior design is becoming a familiar favorite in modern-day homes longing for a more organic but contemporary feel. Clean lines combined with timber, natural light, and greenery create a striking visual as well as a tranquil atmosphere. You’ll also find muted tones and cozy throws in these relaxing rustic and clutter-free spaces.
Rustic Italian Interior Design
Italian design is known for its touch of opulence and ability to hero architecture. And when paired with the beloved classic, rustic Italian interior design highlights the best of both worlds – old-world luxury and everyday classics. The combo also brings touches of Mediterranean design to the forefront, specifically interiors and decor influenced by sea and sky. These also feature wrought iron, arches, columns, and rattan.
Need Help with Your Rustic Interior Design?
If you’re feeling inspired to begin your home’s transformation, but are unsure where to start, schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation to learn more about your design options today!
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