Rustic homes are classic and for a good reason. Rather than trends made up by people who want to keep things fresh and new, rustic designs look to the past.
They take inspiration from what elements still look great in buildings that are hundreds of years old – even those that have been left abandoned.
Rustic is warm, it’s charming, and it can be absolutely stunning. The best part is that rustic elements can be adapted to elevate any kind of design.
Designed your entire house with minimalism in mind? Add rustic elements and see just how much warmth it can add to your space without cluttering it up.
Love the classic country home? Rustic elements go hand-in-hand. Adding rustic charm means bringing warmth and interest to any home design.
If your space is largely the opposite (contemporary or modern, for example), then those rustic elements add intrigue and act as statement pieces on their own.
If, on the other hand, your design interests drift towards the classic, those rustic designs fall right into place and really help carry the design on through.
What this means is that all homes can be renovated to add those rustic details. You may be restoring an old property and want to breathe life back into its old-world charm.
You may have a new build you want to renovate so that it feels grander and more cosy.
There are so many ways and possibilities when you add rustic décor and design to your home, so use this guide to help inspire you for your own project:
1. Use Natural Materials Throughout Your Home
The easiest way to add rustic elements to your home is to renovate it with natural materials. The best natural materials include stone, brick, wood, and even metals.
The Floor
A stone or at least a stone-like floor can do wonders towards adding that warmth and classic charm in an instant.
Choose hardwood for the living spaces and sturdier materials for the entryway, bathrooms, and kitchen.
Stunning stone or stone-effect hallway floor tiles can really add that old-world beauty to your space from the moment you step into your property.
If you love wood and want it throughout your home, swap out real wood flooring in your heavily trafficked and wet areas like that front hall or kitchen with porcelain wood planks instead.
Doors and Trimming
A great way to add those natural elements is to strip back the door or trimmings.
Having a raw wood door, especially if it’s a reclaimed piece, can add that depth that many newer or even modernised properties lack. Alternatively, you can strip back the trimmings.
This way, you can have a statement, modern door framed by natural wood.
2. Use Reclaimed Materials When Possible
For the ultimate rustic design update, try to use reclaimed or salvaged pieces.
You can swap out old doors, add rustic hardware, and even use reclaimed materials to add that warmth and sense of timeless age to your space.
As with anything vintage or reclaimed, you will need to be patient.
Yes, there are salvage yards and many online sellers, but finding those options and buying a piece you love before someone else does takes skill, good timing, and just luck.
3. Fake Exposed Beams
Exposing old beams is a great design choice for older homes. It isn’t typically an option for newer ones. The good news is that you can absolutely hack this.
By getting old planks or hiring a specialist, you can add those stunning exposed beam features to your property so you get the look and feel of the real thing but don’t have to deal with weight issues.
Exposed beams can run along your ceiling, or they can act as pillars in your home.
READ MORE: 17 Most Popular Interior Design Styles
4. Let the Outdoors In
The best part about modern rustic design is that it doesn’t force you to stick with claustrophobic, tight spaces.
Instead, it encourages openness, so open up your home’s design with large, minimalist windows that really push the focus onto the world outside.
If you live in a city, put most of that focus on your rear garden, where you can then work on building up a natural oasis and privacy.
5. Decorate with Vintage
Rustic design exists in the old, so bring the old in. Decorating with vintage furniture is a great way to draw the eye away from the rustic details built into your home and throughout each room.
For the best rustic look, try to find pre-1900s wood. These wood furniture pieces will be worn through, heavy, and unique looking against your more contemporary furniture pieces.
Try to mix and match your furniture as well to really add the rustic charm without taking your property back too far into the past.
A few key investment pieces can go a long way, especially when paired with the design tips outlined in this guide.
