Rustic Decor

Rustic decor - How is it defined and what's the "look?"

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 decorating 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. rustic home decor 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. Simple design and lifestyle with understated elegance and modern comforts that allow us to enjoy our rustic lifestyle to the fullest and have time for the things that are really important.

And while you may enjoy creating pieces of your own rustic decor, 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).

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