Rustic furniture is popular because of its timeless beauty. Rustic designs never go out of style and can compliment any architectural style. Most people associate rustic-style furniture with farmhouses or log homes. However, rustic furnishings can bring an interesting element to any style home.
Origins of the Style
The origins of rustic furniture go back to the 19th century. Rustic furniture is a style people associate with the Depression-era or the Appalachian region. However, wealthy homeowners in the Adirondacks of New York furnished their elaborate summer homes with rustic furnishings. Types of wood commonly in use to create rustic furniture were:
- Birch
- Mountain laurel
- Cedar
- Hickory
- Willow
- Teak
Rustic Furniture is Versatile and Durable
Today, rustic-style furniture is more popular than ever before. Homeowners furnish their vacation homes with rustic furniture because it compliments any style of architecture and is durable enough to last for years. However, rustic styles are increasing in popularity for year-round homes. One of the best features of today’s rustic furniture is that you can use interesting combinations of rustic and other styles within a room to create a unique look. Rustic furnishings are versatile. The furniture may enhance a contemporary, traditional, farmhouse, prairie, or chalet-style home, and create a warm atmosphere.
Blending Rustic and Other Styles
For example, a futon-style sofa using oak or hickory rather than metal for the frame is a great addition to a den or guest room. Add a touch of elegance to the master suite with a rustic-style cedar bed and carved headboard. If you prefer a simpler look, reclaimed beams can be the framework of a king or queen bed for the master bedroom or bunk beds for a child’s room. Combine rustic and contemporary styles to be aesthetically pleasing, and keep your design simple. You should paint the walls in cool or neutral colors such a white or light hues of grey or blue.
Choosing Accessories
We talked with Hat Creek Interiors about choosing accessories, and they said, “To accentuate one area, use a flocked wallpaper on one wall. Rustic furniture contrasts nicely. Oak or pine rustic furnishings and accessories in warm colors such as earthy browns, gold, and orange are good choices for throw pillows and lampshades. Complete the look with pieces of modern artwork for a coffee table or shelving.”
Furnishing a Vacation Retreat
Rustic furniture and accessories can compliment a vacation home in the mountains. Dark, wood framed windows accent cream walls nicely. Add Southwestern-style comforters in warm, earthy prints and accent pillows to create a stylish guest room.
Comfortable Great Room
Rustic and classic styles can provide an appealing look to a large great room with a floor to ceiling, flagstone fireplace. Seating may use a combination of rustic overstuffed chairs with traditional sofas. A large area rug in the seating area in front of the fireplace and accent pillows on the easy chairs creates a Native American theme as seen here.
Kitchen and Dining Rooms
Transform a bland looking kitchen or dining room with rustic furniture. Create a cozy space in your kitchen with a rustic breakfast nook, which is especially effective in a window corner. A kitchen island with built-in wine rack makes items you need easily accessible. Your dining area can be a charming space to entertain guests when you add a rectangular trestle table or an extension table. Complete the look with a rustic sideboard or buffet.
