See how it can be both tasteful and authentic, polished and easy-going.
If you love the grounded charm of farmhouse, country-chic design but don't yearn to live in a barn, allow us to introduce you to rustic decor. Taking bits and pieces of both old-school and modern styles but with a strong emphasis on the imperfect beauty of the natural world, rustic design is at once sophisticated, unpretentious, and deeply connected with the natural environment. From city bungalows to mountain chalets, the designer spaces ahead will show you how to apply rustic decorating in your own home.
How do you make a cabin feel both intimate and spacious, rustic and upscale? The designer behind this Montana ski home, Kylee Shintaffer, has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. "There are small spots that could be for one or two people curled up in a chair—or the living room, where the opposing sectionals are sixteen feet long," she explains. She took advantage of cozy landing space and corners by turning them into intimate bonus rooms (oh, and here's proof blues can actually work well in rustic spaces, too).
If you've got a lot of wood textures going on (like a wood ceiling/beams), add an unexpected and contemporary touch with a fresh coat of paint. Leanne Ford used white for everything but the base of the fireplace, where the black grounds the room. The mix of neutrals brings in plenty of richness.
In this bedroom designed by Hecker Guthrie, the dark, long, and lean wooden panels bring grit and polish while the luxe red armchair and plush cream carpet create warmth. For a similar effect, consider mimicking the wood-paneled walls.
A rustic cellar in a Boston rowhouse designed by Jae Joo gets a sleek upgrade with polished dark gray and black dining chairs and floral vases atop a nondescript table. Rather than fighting with the rustic bones, like the exposed stone, the light gray painted floors and bricks complement them beautifully.
A copper tub will always steal the spotlight in a bathroom, and this one in a space by Darryl Carter is no exception. The weathered look of the tub and exposed beams is juxtaposed with the more elegant marble step and striking white paint.
Start setting the tone in the entryway by bringing high ceilings and open floor plans down to a human scale with proportional artwork and lighting, plus plenty of soft materials and a warm accent color. Designer Kylee Shintaffer blanketed the entire space in warm woods for a fully rustic feel.
In this powder room designed by Heidi Caillier, the mossy green paint manages to look both upbeat and soothing, moody and soft. With brass fixtures and vintage accents, like an industrial lantern, there's just enough rustic personality.
The exposed beams and weathered hardwood floor set the rustic scene while the fresh coat of white paint, abstract wall art, and modern but retro-inspired floor candelabras create a unique, contemporary dining room. Design firm Nune also paid careful attention to details, like swapping out hardware and covering the radiator.
This is how you get your kids to share a room and not complain about it. To be honest, we'd trade in our beds for some sweet digs like this space by Erin Gates Design.
The dining room in Elizabeth Georgantas's gorgeous Nantucket home steals the show—except it isn't even really in the home. She transformed the backyard shed (a venue that naturally lends itself nicely to rustic design) into a dining space.
Rustic decorating is perhaps best-suited for indoor/outdoor living spaces like screen-in porches. In this one designed by Darryl Carter, the crisp white painted surfaces are grounded by the raw wood tables and fireplace. The cream antler-motif chairs marry the two aesthetics perfectly.
Here's another lovely screened-in porch, that, though rustic at its core, features a much springier ambiance. Designer James Carter painted the dining furniture, floors, and door a pale moss green hue for a preppy twist to the rustic foundations of the space, proving the versatility of rustic decorating.
With clean and organic architectural curves and just the bare essentials (aside from a few nature-inspired accents), this bathroom makes a strong case for keeping things simple.
Designed by NICOLEHOLLIS, this cozy reading nook by the fireplace is all dressed up and ready for winter. The anchoring materials create the perfect rustic backdrop, while the antlers on the mantle and the furry throw cushion take it to the next level.
Equal parts industrial grit and contemporary elegance with grounded foundations, this living room is rustic design done right. The blue carpet and throw pillows soften things up while the worn leather accents, like the trunks and armchairs, bring just a touch of warmth and help bring the large space down to a human scale.
This rustic breakfast nook has a French country spin with colorful textiles, ladder back chairs, and an eclectic collection of wall art.
Though wood beams, cabinets, and floors establish an undone, easy-going mood in this kitchen, a more contemporary marble island dresses it up a bit. It's elegant, but still relaxed and approachable.
The contrast between the rustic stonework and streamlined stainless steel appliances give this French-inspired kitchen a serious wow factor. To maximize entertaining space, add a trestle table with stools.
Romanek Design Studio honored this home's Malibu backdrop with modern staples and industrial elements while also designing an ode to the rustic, natural beauty of the locale. This is all thanks to the neutral color palette and organic lines.
Contemporary and rustic: Two of our favorite decor styles combined, and we aren't mad about it. This dining room could just as easily be in a mountain retreat as it could in a chic L.A. house. See more at Tamara Magel Interiors.
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