Rustic decor for your country home
When it comes to rustic decor, the look, like the lifestyle, is relaxed.
Originally created out of necessity when people were limited to whatever materials were at hand, when pretty much everything was homemade, homespun, recycled or re-purposed, the style can be defined as natural, charmingly simple, unfussy, and yet warm and welcoming.
Rustic country style decor uses natural materials - for example willow wreaths, antlers, birch bark, woods, aged surfaces, and rough finishes.
It requires an imaginative touch (just as it did when settlers created and decorated their homesteads), and it can be whimsical and fun.
The log cabin fits into the definition of rustic. In a log cabin home the exposed logs and wooden beams are important to the rustic feel, both inside and outside the home.
Lodge style is essentially a refined log cabin and in the past was often seen in resort or hotel getaways but is becoming more popular for vacation or second homes.
Not all rustic homes are log. You can achieve the rustic look and feel with a building constructed of natural materials such as timber, shingles, and stone.
Elements you will find in the rustic interior include
- Leather, suede, or fur (or faux fur if you prefer!)
- Pewter, wrought iron, or rusted metals
- Wood or stone floors
- Wood furniture - including log furniture
- Twig furniture and accessories
- Birch bark decorations
- Natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, linen, wool, or animal hides
- Handmade quilts, handmade throws
- Punched tin
- Stoneware pots, plain glazed earthenware, and glass jars
- Copper, steel, or cast iron cookware
- Found items from outdoors (stones, feathers, flowers, pine cones, etc.)
Log cabins and lodges typically feature earth-toned colors and animal, hunting, or fishing motifs. And, don’t forget the large, welcoming fireplace or the classic wood stove.
Outdoor and Garden
Outdoor living is a big part of the cabin or lodge lifestyle. Again, the focus is on natural. I prefer grounds that are not manicured (low maintenance and less impact on the environment) but that's a personal preference. I do mow areas for children to play and close to the house to control bugs.
Elements you will find in the rustic garden include
- Stone, rocks, or concrete
- Garden statues with a rustic feel
- Log, cedar, willow, and wicker furniture
- Hammocks made from natural materials
- Wildflowers and indigenous plants
Today, we can combine the best of both worlds with lodge and cabin rustic decorating ideas. Simple design and lifestyle with understated elegance and modern comforts that allow us to enjoy our rustic lifestyle to the fullest and still have time for the things that are really important.
And while you may enjoy creating your own cabin decorations, you can also shop the world from the comfort of your rocking chair!
LOG and RUSTIC Furniture Directory - Find log furniture and rustic decor companies, craftsman and retailers in the USA and Canada. The leading index of rustic & log furniture online (or off).
