Tag: Rustic

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Add Country Charm without Breaking the Bank: 10 Affordable Rustic Design Ideas

Cheap Country home decorating ideas

Do you want to add a touch of country home decorating to your home without breaking the bank? Look no further! Rustic design ideas are a great way to give your home a charming, cozy atmosphere at a fraction of the cost. We’ll be providing you with 10 affordable rustic design ideas that will help you create a beautiful country home without having to spend a fortune. Keep reading to learn more about our budget-friendly country home decorating tips!

1) Repurpose Old Items for New Decor

If you’re looking for affordable ways to add country charm to your home, consider repurposing old items for new decor. With a little creativity, you can give old pieces a new lease on life and create a rustic, farmhouse feel in your home.
One great way to add a farmhouse, rustic theme to your home is through wall signs. You can make your own with reclaimed wood or find affordable options at a home goods store. A vintage-looking sign with a quote or phrase can add a charming touch to any room in your house.
Another great repurposing idea is to take an old cutting board and give it a shabby chic look. By simply sanding and repainting the board, you can create a unique piece of decor that is both practical and stylish. Hang it in your kitchen or use it as a tray for displaying candles or other decorative items.
A Rustic Wood Basket is a versatile piece of decor that can be used in a variety of ways. Use it to store firewood on your porch or to hold towels in your bathroom. This basket is inspired by rustic measuring baskets from a bygone era and can add a touch of history and charm to your home.
When it comes to farmhouse decorating, repurposing old items is a great way to save money while adding character and personality to your home. So get creative and start exploring new ways to give your old items a new purpose in your home.

2) Incorporate Natural Elements

Incorporating natural elements into your home decor is a great way to bring some rustic design flair without breaking the bank. There are plenty of affordable and sustainable options that can easily elevate the look and feel of your space.
Start by incorporating some greenery into your home. Not only does it add a pop of color, but plants also help purify the air and provide a sense of relaxation. Look for low-maintenance plants like succulents or herbs, which can be grown indoors with minimal upkeep.
You can also add natural wood elements to your decor. Whether it’s a DIY project like a reclaimed wood shelf or a simple driftwood vase, wooden accents can bring a touch of warmth and texture to your space.
In addition to wood, incorporating stone or ceramic pieces can also add to your rustic design aesthetic. Look for handcrafted pottery or natural stone coasters to display on your coffee table or shelves.
Another way to bring the outdoors inside is by incorporating natural textiles. Consider using a jute rug or woven basket to bring texture to your floors or storage spaces. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton can also be used for pillows, curtains, and tablecloths to add some cozy and rustic vibes.
Overall, incorporating natural elements into your home decor can add a rustic design charm without costing you a fortune. Try some of these affordable ideas to bring a little bit of nature into your space and elevate your home decor.

3) Use Vintage or Antique Finds

Another way to add country charm to your home without spending a fortune is by incorporating vintage or antique finds into your decor. Not only do these items add character and history to your space, but they can also serve as unique conversation starters for your guests.
When it comes to farmhouse decorating, vintage pieces are key. Look for old milk cans, crocks, or metal signs to display on a shelf or mantel. Vintage frames can also be repurposed as wall art by adding a printed or handwritten quote or saying.
Antique furniture pieces can also add a touch of charm to your space. Look for a rustic wooden chair or a distressed dresser that you can repurpose as a bathroom vanity. Vintage suitcases can also be stacked to create a unique side table or nightstand.
Thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops are great places to search for these one-of-a-kind finds. Don’t be afraid to haggle with the seller or look for items that need a little TLC, as these can often be purchased at a lower price point.
When incorporating vintage or antique finds into your decor, be sure to mix and match with other styles and textures for a balanced and eclectic look. Remember, the goal is to create a cozy and inviting space that reflects your personal style and love for farmhouse decorating.

4) Create DIY Wall Art

Wall art can be a great way to add some character and charm to your country home. And the best part? You can easily create it yourself! DIY wall art can be a fun and inexpensive way to personalize your rustic decor and make it unique to your style.
There are many options for DIY wall art when it comes to rustic decor. You could make your own wooden signs by painting on quotes or phrases that inspire you. You could also create your own collage of vintage postcards or pictures. These could be photos of your family, your pets, or even nature shots that remind you of your country home.
Another option is to use natural elements like twigs, branches, or stones to create your own art pieces. You could arrange them in a unique pattern or shape on a canvas or frame. You could even add some paint or other decorative elements to make them stand out even more.
The key to creating DIY wall art for rustic decor is to keep it simple and natural. Don’t be afraid to let imperfections show through, as this will only add to the rustic charm. And remember, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on fancy supplies to create something beautiful. Sometimes the best materials can be found right in your own backyard!

5) Mix and Match Patterns and Textures

One of the easiest and most effective ways to add a cozy and welcoming vibe to your country home decor is to mix and match different patterns and textures. The key to achieving this style is to find patterns and textures that complement each other, without overwhelming the space.
Start by choosing a color palette that works well with your existing decor. Then, mix in patterns such as plaids, florals, stripes, and gingham in small doses throughout your space. Don’t be afraid to layer different textures, such as burlap, wool, and cotton, for added interest and depth.
One tip to keep in mind when mixing and matching patterns and textures is to vary the scale. Pairing a small floral pattern with a large plaid or stripe can create a dynamic and interesting look. Additionally, consider incorporating natural materials like wood and stone to balance out the patterns and add a rustic touch.
Overall, mixing and matching patterns and textures is an affordable way to update your country home decor while creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect balance for your space.

6) Add Cozy Textiles

Nothing says cozy country home decor like adding soft, plush textiles. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to achieve a warm and inviting atmosphere is to layer your space with blankets, throws, and pillows in various textures and patterns.
A simple cotton throw draped over a couch or chair can instantly add a touch of coziness. Try incorporating chunky knit or faux fur pillows for an extra snuggly feel. If you have old wool blankets or vintage quilts lying around, don’t hesitate to incorporate them into your design. You can drape them over the back of a sofa or use them as a statement piece on your bed.
For the ultimate rustic feel, consider adding a cowhide rug or a woven jute rug to your living space. These natural materials are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Plus, they add a warm and organic feel to any room.
When it comes to window treatments, consider using linen or burlap curtains for a rustic and charming look. These fabrics have a timeless quality and add an earthy feel to any space.
By incorporating cozy textiles into your country home decor, you can create a warm and inviting space that is perfect for snuggling up with a good book or entertaining guests. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to break the bank!

7) Hang Curtains for a Cozy Look

Curtains are an easy and affordable way to add a touch of warmth and comfort to any room. And when it comes to country style decor, plaid curtains are a perfect fit. Plaid curtains add a rustic and traditional look that fits perfectly with the farmhouse vibe.
Choose curtains in classic red or green plaid for a cozy winter feel or choose a muted plaid in beige or gray for a more neutral look that can work all year round. To enhance the country feel, opt for curtains with a ruffle or fringe trim.
For a layered look, add sheer white or cream curtains behind your plaid curtains. The sheer curtains will add depth to the room while still allowing light to filter through. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures – plaid curtains look great paired with floral prints or gingham patterns.
To really make your plaid curtains stand out, hang them from a wooden or wrought iron curtain rod. Add some rustic metal or wooden tiebacks to complete the look. With just a few simple touches, your country home will be warm, cozy, and inviting.

8) Display Mason Jars and Candles

Another way to add a touch of rustic charm to your county home is by incorporating mason jars and candles. Mason jars can be used as vases for fresh or dried flowers, as well as for holding tea lights or pillar candles. Candle holders can be made out of old wooden blocks or scrap metal for a more unique and personalized touch.
Not only do candles provide a warm and cozy ambiance, but they also make for a budget-friendly decorative element. You can find affordable candles at your local dollar store or even make your own with beeswax or soy wax. The scents of the candles can also add to the rustic feel, with popular options being vanilla, cinnamon, and apple pie.
For a more elevated look, try grouping several mason jars together on a wooden tray or shelf, along with some sprigs of greenery or pinecones. You can also wrap twine or burlap around the jars to add an extra touch of texture and charm. With a little creativity and some simple materials, you can easily create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your country home with mason jars and candles.

9) Incorporate Farmhouse Style Accessories

When it comes to creating a cozy country bedroom, adding the right accessories can make all the difference. To achieve a farmhouse style, essential layers for your bed should include sheets, duvet, duvet cover, bed skirts, and quilt or blanket. When selecting these items, opt for natural textiles and play with different textures to create a seamless contrast.
For a cohesive look, choose colors that match the overall theme of the bedroom. For example, white cotton sheets would be a great choice for brown wooden or bricked walls. The color palette for a rustic look should feature neutral tones, earthy brown, beige, or a subtle touch of red with black.
Quilts offer a country feel and should be a color that contrasts with the sheets. Duvets, on the other hand, should be light colors such as grays, tans, whites, and creams. Farmhouse bedding sets come in various patterns such as light, printed, floral, plaids, and stripes. You can pair patterns such as stripe and floral options, or keep it simple with white pillows, white comforter, and white sheets.
When it comes to throw pillows, select stripes, lace, and solid options of neutral hues. Make sure to pair them with the rest of the bedding for a cohesive look. By incorporating these farmhouse style accessories, you can create a cozy, rustic vibe in your bedroom without breaking the bank.

10) Rearrange Furniture for a Fresh Look

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your country home decor is to simply rearrange your furniture. This can create a whole new vibe and atmosphere in your space without having to spend any money. Consider moving your couch to a new wall, or swapping out chairs from one room to another. Play around with different configurations until you find one that feels just right for your space.
When rearranging your furniture, keep in mind the principles of rustic decor. You want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that incorporates natural elements and rustic touches. Try placing your sofa facing a fireplace or large window to highlight these elements. Or, consider grouping together furniture pieces to create a more intimate and cozy seating area.
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. Rustic decor is all about embracing imperfections and creating a comfortable and welcoming environment. By rearranging your furniture, you can transform your space into a fresh new look that reflects your unique personality and style. So get creative, and have fun with it!

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9 Space-Saving Solutions for Small Apartments

9 Space-Saving Solutions for Small Apartments

Buying a house can be very expensive, and it can take years of planning before you’ve saved up enough for a down payment. For this reason, many people choose to live in apartments instead.

Apartment life has several benefits that can help your finances and freedom to move around. It also allows you to live in bigger cities where houses may not even be available.

However, with all these great ups, there are also some downs. Perhaps the biggest downfall is the lack of space available in small apartments. The good news is that with proper space-saving solutions, your apartment doesn’t have to feel cramped and cluttered.

Did we grab your interest? Keep reading to discover 9 space-saving solutions for small apartments.

1. Find Furniture that Collapses or Fits Together

Big, bulky furniture can be one of the biggest things standing in your way to an open apartment.

One of the best ways to free up space in a small apartment is by choosing the right furniture. Ideally, you should look for furniture that collapses when you don’t need it.

A great example would be a kitchen table that folds down against the wall when not in use. If you have a little extra room to play with, long tables that can be made shorter when needed is another great way to save space.

Beds, ironing boards, and end tables that fold up into the wall are also great options to include in your small apartment.

Another space saving idea is to find furniture that is specially designed to fit together. There are kitchen sets where the chairs can be pushed perfectly in between the table legs. Just a few inches can be a lifesaver when maneuvering around a cramped kitchen.

2. Opt for Furniture with More Than One Purpose

Another idea for how to make more space in your small apartment is to opt for multi-purpose furniture.

The best part with this is that there are so many options, and they are easy to find! If you need to free up bedroom space, you can find bedframes with built-in drawers and headboards with built-in bookshelves.

In the living room, choose a coffee table that has a lift-up top revealing storage inside the table. Sofa beds are a great option for when you want to be able to host guests on rare occasions but just don’t have the room for a second bed.

Challenge yourself to find at least 2 multi-purpose pieces of furniture to free up room in your small apartment.

3. Always Go Vertical

When it comes to apartment storage solutions, vertical storage is almost always better than horizontal. Replace any long dressers or shelving units with tall ones instead.

You may get the same amount of storage space, but the vertical orientation will free up floor room and make your apartment feel less crowded.

The same goes for hanging shelves on your wall. Instead of trying to hang one long shelf, look for areas where you can hang shorter shelves on top of each other. It will open up wall space and make the room look so much bigger.

If you’re looking for a unique way to incorporate verticle storage into your kitchen, baskets can be used to store fresh fruit without taking up table space.

4. Use Every Nook and Cranny

When you’re living in a small apartment, every little piece of space counts. You may think that there’s no spot big enough to utilize, but you’d be surprised how much can be done in a minuscule area.

If you’re lucky enough to have a nice indented window seat, consider hanging small shelves along the sides. Not only will this give you some extra storage space, but it can turn your little window seat into an adorable reading nook.

Do you have access to the area under the stars? Some shelving units can be a great way to maximize the storage space in there too.

The back of a walk-in closet can be a great place to hang jewelry or a mirror. If you don’t have a walk-in closet, that’s fine! The proper closet organization can free up loads of space in even the smallest closet.

5. Use Bins in Your Closet

You may think that there’s no way you can fit anything else in your storage closet, but you’d be surprised what proper organization can do. The best storage solution for small closets is to use clear bins and stack them on top of each other.

The clear plastic will allow you to get an idea of what’s in each bin. Stuff the bins full of related items for better organization. You can line the walls and stack them vertically to leave a little pathway for yourself.

But this tip doesn’t just apply to storage closets. Bins and baskets can be used in your clothes closet to organize socks, shoes, and underwear.

Instead of wasting an entire drawer for your socks and underwear, utilize some unused (or poorly used) space on your closet floor. You can get stackable cubes, hanging organizers, and shoe racks to take full advantage of your closet space.

6. Hide Your Litter Box or Pet Beds

Having pets in a small apartment opens up its own unique set of challenges. However, there are some handy space-saving solutions that can help.

Do you have an end table with an open area underneath it? Use it by turning it into a DIY litter box cover or pet bed.

If you don’t like the idea of your cat’s litter box being in plain sight (or if your pet likes a dark place to sleep) then you can attach curtains or bits of fabric around the inner perimeter of the table. Just don’t forget to cut a slit on one side so your pet can have easy access!

Not only will you save up space by utilizing a small, unused area, but you will be hiding that unsightly litter box!

Don’t have pets? Placing a cute basket under an end table can be used to store blankets and more.

7. Hide Your Jewelry

If you hate dealing with knots in your necklaces, you probably have decided to hang them on the wall instead of stuffing them away in a drawer somewhere. While this works great to keep your jewelry organized, it can take up a large portion of your wall space.

If you have artwork that is fighting with your jewelry for wall space, you can actually use them to hide your jewelry!

By constructing a special jewelry holder with small sides, you can attach your favorite picture to the front with some hinges. When it’s time to pick out your jewelry, all you’ll have to do is open the painting like a door, and voila!

If you’re not the handy-type, then a canvas painting can be an easier alternative. Hang a flat jewelry holder on the wall and place your canvas painting over it. All you’ll have to do is take the painting off the wall to reveal the jewelry hiding behind it.

8. Find Unique Ways To Store Mugs and Wine Glasses

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of wine after a long day of work (or organizing)?

Instead of trying to shove all your mugs, tea cups, glasses, and wine glasses into the same cabinet, open up some space by hanging them upside down under your cabinet.

By installing some simple wooden beams or slides under your cabinet bottom, you can have the perfect place to hang your wine glasses.

Teacups and mugs can also be particularly difficult to store, but a rustic wall rack can be a great storage solution.

9. Hang Cute Baskets on Your Wall for Storage

We talked a lot about hanging shelves on your wall and in your closet for a great space-saving solution. However, the occasional hanging baskets can store more than shelves and they’ll look adorable!

Simply hang hooks onto the wall and hook your basket handles onto them for one of the most stylish DIY space saving ideas. We suggest opting for dark, wicker baskets to give the room a more rustic look.

While these hanging baskets are great for storage, we suggest only using them in rooms where you have a lot of open wall space. Otherwise, they may cause the room to look a bit cramped.

The Best Space-Saving Solutions for Small Apartments

If you’re living in a small apartment, you might be frustrated at how cramped and overcrowded it feels.

But, don’t worry! With some simple space-saving solutions, you can free up space in your small apartment to make it look bigger and more open!

Finding collapsible or multi-purpose furniture is a great start. Then, the ultimate DIY space-saving solutions are to hang vertical shelves (or baskets) on your wall, utilize every small space, and organize your closets.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out our blog for more great posts like this.

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8 Farmhouse Decor Ideas for a Rustic Porch

So, you’ve finally found a home that has the wraparound porch of your dreams. You can’t wait to spend half of the summer lounging around on it, watching the world go by.

The only problem?

You have absolutely no idea the best way to decorate it.

Don’t worry — this post is here to help you to figure it all out.

Read on to access our favorite farmhouse decor ideas that are perfect for your rustic front porch. We can’t wait to help you to turn your house into a home.

1. Accent With A Wall Sign

One of the first farmhouse decor ideas that you need to consider when thinking about how to improve the look of your porch?

Think about what you want the art that you choose to place on the walls of your home’s exterior to communicate. Remember, just because you don’t have four walls, doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the one you do have.

There are lots of different materials that you can choose from when you’re in the market for the perfect wall sign.

If you want to continue with your farmhouse, rustic theme?

We especially love the look of wooden whitewashed and distressed signs. You can even have them painted with the perfect saying!

This is one way to ensure that everyone always feels welcome in your home.

You can also look for a wall art that’s made to look like an old cutting board that’s been repainted, especially if you’re interested in the shabby chic look.

2. Get A Bin

Especially during the summer months, there are few things more enjoyable than sitting out on your front porch with a cool drink.

Whether you’re sipping on a mint julep or a bottle of your favorite juice, you need decor that looks good while also helping to keep your drinks cold!

That’s why we love the idea of picking up a large canister that will hold not just your favorite beverage, but also enough ice to keep things cool.

The rope handles of this beautiful tin canister make it incredibly easy to both fill and carry. So go ahead — spend the entire summer afternoon out on your porch!

3. Let There Be Light

Are you looking to add a little extra illumination to your front porch — but want to ensure that your choice still matches with your farmhouse decor ideas?

If so, then we think that an elegant and rustic candle holder is the perfect way to pull it off. Especially if you’re interested in a country look, we strongly suggest going with a lantern-like candle holder.

Not only will this make it easier to see exactly who is coming and going (and from where!) when you’re out on the porch. It will also help to elevate the overall look of your decor.

We especially love the look of this white railway lantern. It looks perfect hanging from a nail on your porch, or simply sitting on top of an outdoor side table!

Plus, the glass bulb surrounding the candle means that it will always be protected from the elements. Consider buying several of these candleholders, and creating an elegant cluster of candles on the steps leading up to your home, as well.

4. Combine Storage And Decor

Of course, no list of the top farmhouse decor ideas would be complete without giving you a place to store your firewood.

A roaring fireplace is the staple of any country home — but we know that finding a way to elegantly store your firewood can sometimes be a challenge.

The solution?

Use one of our stunning Rustic Wood Baskets to do the trick!

Not only are the stunning wicker baskets sturdy enough to handle even the heaviest loads of firewood, they also come complete with handles to make transportation easy.

Plus, their design is actually inspired by rustic measuring baskets from a bygone era. If you love the look of hand-woven baskets, but need to combine form and function?

We think these offer you the perfect porch decor.

5. Get Organized

Looking for farmhouse decor ideas that are just as practical as they are beautiful?

If so, then we strongly suggest putting this Marielle Wood Wall Shelf right by your front door on your porch.

Especially if you have pets that frequently require a trip outside, this wall organizer will perfectly hold bags, leashes, and even rolled up dog sweaters and jackets.

If you have a larger family, it also works as an excellent mail organizer. You can even use it to stash a few of your children’s favorite toys.

We think that the tin and grey look of this organizer makes it the perfect accent for your front porch — one that will make it incredibly easy to find what you need.

Which Of These Farmhouse Decor Ideas Will You Try?

We hope that this post has inspired you to bring a little country chic to your home’s porch.

When it comes to rustic farmhouse decor ideas, it’s easy to combine form and function.

Plus, the farmhouse look is a classic design scheme that will never go out of style! Why not try using tin organizers, lantern candle holders, and firewood baskets to elevate the look of your porch?

Of course, the quality of the decor that your purchase makes all the difference.

Browse through our wide selection of stunning products. Don’t forget to keep checking back with our blog for even more design inspiration!

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Top 10 Rustic Design Tips for 2022

Park Designs - Rustic Retreat Mixing Bowl Set 493-689

Top 10 Rustic Design Tips for 2022

July 28, 2022|Decor, Decorating Tips, Rustic

When you think of rustic design, chances are visions of natural, warm elements fill your mind. It’s a thought as cozy as wrapping yourself in a blanket with your favorite hot beverage.

And for that reason, rustic design is a popular style with people from all walks of life. They’re drawn to the charming, homey feel it emits. It creates a space that people want to gather and relax in.

The best thing about it is, rustic elements can be blended into about any design scheme. So if you like to incorporate simple touches of it or want a complete room overhaul, there are rustic features that are right for you.

But where should you start? Right here is a good place! Let’s talk about the top 10 tips to help you bring rustic design into your own home.

1. Exposed Wooden Beams

Nothing quite brings character to a room like exposed wooden beams do. This architectural feature is coveted by many homeowners today and can increase the value of your house.

There are many different wooden beams to choose from these days, from reclaimed historic beams to the much more wallet-friendly faux beams. The faux beams have come a long way, giving an extremely realistic appearance, it’s lightweight, and affordable (I figured that deserved mentioning again).

Adding exposed wooden beams actually give the feeling of space in a small room or will bring the size of a vaulted ceiling down to a more cozy level.

2. Sliding Barn Door

Dress up any doorway with a sliding barn door. Once a staple feature in barns and warehouses, barn doors bring a fun, rustic feature into any home today.

Due to their popularity, barn doors can be completely customized to fit any d?cor or door size. With the combination of metal hardware features and wooden door, everyone will love it’s natural, industrialized look.

3. Shiplap

Thanks to HGTV’s Joanna Gaines, shiplap has become a popular word in interior design. Once used to keep historical buildings water-tight, the wood planks are now commonly used to decoratively clad interior walls.

This farmhouse feature can be painted or left unfinished, used on one wall as an accent or used throughout an entire room. Whatever your design needs call for!

One thing is for sure, however… it’s sure to bring rustic texture and aesthetic interest to any home.

4. Mixture of Natural Textures

Nothing says cozy like a room filled with natural fabrics and textures. And luckily rustic design is all about bringing the outdoors in.

You can blend things like linen curtains with leather furniture. Layer jute rugs under a wood and metal accented coffee table. Fill a rope basket with fluffy cotton blankets or pillows. Or pile up the blankets and pillows on a wrought-iron bed.

These natural fibers and materials work in any combination to give a room the natural, relaxed feeling your family will want to hang out in.

5. Farmhouse Sink

And we can’t forget about the kitchen! What’s a rustic home without a homey kitchen to cook in?

Farmhouse sinks, or apron sinks as they’re sometimes called, are popular and for good reason. Originally found in historic rural homes, these sinks are usually large and deep, with an “apron” front that was designed for comfort since it didn’t require the front countertop to get in the way.

Today these sinks come in a variety of materials and sizes to fit into any kitchen d?cor.

6. Wide-Plank Wood Floors

Historic homes are known for their wide-planked floor. Back when large, old trees were plenty, wide planked floors were a common feature.

You can bring the look of that rustic history into your own home by installing wooden wide plank flooring. Usually available in an engineered wood material, they come in a variety of colors and textures for any home. Or if you’re wanting the real deal, reclaimed flooring from an old building would be the way to go.

7. Distressed Furniture Accents

Another way to bring character into your home is with distressed furniture. These can come in the form of antiques or furniture you distress yourself.

Consider using a large farmhouse table or rustic cupboard in your dining room. Or maybe a distressed headboard and night tables in your bedroom.

Bringing distressed pieces into your home can give it the feeling of history and lived-in warmth you’ve been after.

8. Rustic Lighting

Rustic lighting can be fun to play and experiment with, and it doesn’t have to be expensive either.

Try hanging lanterns as wall sconces or sitting lanterns out filled with candles. Mason jars with Edison light bulbs make for unique hanging fixtures. Or even make centerpieces crafted with small logs with candles placed inside.

Anything that brings the outdoors in can be a lovely addition to your rustic decor.

9. Open Shelving

Believe it or not, before the 1920’s, closed shelving in kitchens weren’t very common. Open shelving was designed for ease of use, practicality, and for open space.

Today we use it more as decorative than practicality, but open shelving brings character into a rustic kitchen where regular cabinets can miss the mark.

Stacked vintage dinnerware, mason jars, or displays of wildflowers on wooden shelves bring the homey feeling into your kitchen.

10. Rustic Signs

An easy design element to add to any room is rustic sign wall hangings. Usually made out of wood or metal, these come in all shapes and sizes.

Kitchen signs that say “Supermarket” or “Grocery” are always fun. Or hang a big wooden “Laundry” sign in the laundry room.

Really the sky is the limit here. You can find all types of rustic signs in flea markets, craft stores, and specialty shops.

These Rustic Design Features Are Sure to Compliment Any Home

No matter what your existing home decor is, adding rustic touches can compliment any room and bring the warm, cozy feeling into your home.

Have questions about our products? Feel free to contact us today! And be sure to read more design tips on our blog.

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How to Incorporate Rustic Furniture into Your Home Decor

Just from the words below, you’ll know if this article is for you.

Rustic furniture. Pallet. Rehabbed. Distressed. Antique. HOMEMADE CHALK PAINT.

If you’re still with me, it’s because you’re a lover of all things rustic. There is such a warmth and comfort that comes with rustic decor, but it can be tricky to pull off. It sounds easy, but it’s more than picking an old chair off the curb and giving it a throw pillow.

This article will provide you with the foundation to get started. WARNING: It’s addictive and you may never want to leave your house.

You’ve been warned. Now grab an ice tea in a mason jar and download Pinterest, because we’re going into the farmhouse.

Rustic Furniture Can Make Your House a Home

First-hand experience has taught me that the most dated, ugly piece of furniture can have a second shot of life. As long as it has “good bones” (aka, no press board dressers), you’re ready to get started.

Let’s start with distressing, which is the act of making a piece of furniture look older and worn. Here’s a secret that you should know – it’s not super difficult to distress a piece of furniture. DIY distressed, rustic furniture is fun and completely transformative. In short, with some sanding paper, paint brushes, paint (chalk paint works GREAT), and furniture wax, you can finish a small to medium sized piece in one day.

Color and Finish

Choice of color and paint selection make a serious impact on furniture, especially when distressed. Here are some general color guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Using whites, creams, and greys offer a farmhouse, shabby chic look, and the finished furniture lends itself beautifully to wood floors and accents.
  • Blues and light greens offer a beachy feel.
  • Bright colors such as orange and pink make great choices for kids’ rooms and offices.
  • Matte colors should be chosen over glossy. Most people prefer chalk paint, but experimenting with different paints is part of the fun.
  • Your desired level of distressing will determine how many coats of paint you use.

Once the paint is dry, the fun begins! Professionals may use fancy sanding equipment, but your smaller piece should make it through with just a few medium to high grit sandpaper sheets.

When you sand for the first time, you’re almost guaranteed to feel a little a anxiety. It’s a good rule of thumb to start in the back and get a feel for what you’re doing. Keep in mind that the edges, sides, and around the handles and knobs should be more distressed that the rest of the piece. This makes it look naturally worn.

Decorating with Rustic Furniture

So by now you’ve done your first piece and you’re a total convert. Before you go distressing every piece of wood in your home (and you’ll want to), start thinking about how much you’ll need to change your decor, if at all.

The good news is that rustic furniture is super easy to style. As long as you’re not mixing mid-century end tables and 1980’s wicker furniture with your new distressed vanity, you should be able to start slowly.

Style #1: Natural Country

Country home decorating works beautifully for folks with an inclination towards antiques, cabins, and simplicity. This style incorporates elements such as claw-footed bathtubs, minimal wall art, and natural-fiber rugs for a relaxed, charming feel.

Rustic furniture in this category should stress the rustic part – plain works well here, as do warm shades of brown (very cabinesque).

Style #2: Shabby Chic

Arguably, shabby chic lends itself to more of the feminine side. Elements include light pinks and greens, white ruffles, small details, antique knick-knacks, and a softer feel than the natural country look. Distressed iron beds look fantastic with shabby chic decor, as do fresh flowers and light, airy window treatments.

A word of caution – too much shabby chic can easily start to overwhelm. When mixing elements of this style in with rustic furniture, make note to blend in simple pieces in cream and white.

Style #3: Mountain Man

Here, it helps to think of lumberjacks, beards, suspenders, work boots, and a deer head or two on the wall.

The mountain man look works much better in one room rather than in an entire house. Red plaid comforters, antique mirrors, and faux bear-skin rugs practically beg to be on this list.

The rustic furniture here can be mixed and matched – ornate antique pieces and rustic homemade furniture work well in this element. When decorating, think utilitarian – such as a fishing rod in the corner or a boot rack by the door. Decor should be sparse, maybe a couple old family photos and lamps. Overhead lighting should be avoided in these spaces.

Style 4: Modern-Rustic Hybrid

This rustic minimalism style is fairly common, with the furniture leaning slightly more towards the “designer chalk paint” look rather than truly rustic. Still, it’s a nice option for someone who wants the natural vibe without giving up too much of a modern feel.

Decorating here becomes easy due to theme-friendly items being sold in big box stores, such as hurricane lamps, framed maps for the walls, and a myriad of woven storage baskets. Rustic, oversized entertainment cabinets work beautifully in common living spaces in these homes.

The modern-rustic look works well on a budget, as long as the space is kept tidy and well-lit. The occasional odd trinket works well here – a gold fox statue, a globe, or mismatched picture frames add character and avoid a sterile feel.

Rustic Inspiration

There are numerous magazines, blogs, and Pinterest boards that will help you plan. Keep an open mind and be aware that your rustic furniture and new decor may have a different look than you originally thought – this is part of the fun.

Remember, also, that the charm in this look is its unplanned, time-traveled feel. Working too hard to bring everything together can turn rustic into a mockery of itself, so go with the flow and see where it takes you.

Want more great ideas? Check out Primci for inspiration, shopping, and more!