It’s a good thing rustic is such a strong word, because it has a lot of different connotations to shoulder and expectations to live up to.
When you hear the word rustic, your brain probably goes to work automatically, painting portraits of woodgrain and wood frames and large wooden doors. While that isn’t far off from the truest essence of the word, it’s also selling this broadly encompassing style short and imposing limits on what you may be able to achieve in a rustic space.
What is Rustic Architecture and Style
Creating a space to live in 1800s America was difficult but simple. Families on the move brought next to nothing with them as far as furniture is concerned, as the space and weight something so large would take up was considered better used transporting other items. Thanks to this sudden need to furnish any home that members of these massive migrations chose to make once they decided to settle, local materials were used to quickly address needs.
Rustic styles use these natural, locally sourced elements to create basic but welcoming interior items that often feature raw, unfinished stone and wood. This lets the natural beauty and craftsmanship shine through, celebrating the character of each unique piece.
At-home rustic inspiration can come from looks seen at a lodge or cottage, but modern takes on the style are also drawing from traditional Tuscan design, as well as the relaxing sun-soaked wooden aesthetic of coastal lifestyles. Rustic certainly proves it’s possible to adhere to tradition while simultaneously enjoying the positive aspects of change.
Key Characteristics of Rustic Architecture
Previously discussed materials like wood and stone go a long way towards establishing a rustic approach, but the incorporation of other organic elements, such as leaves, is encouraged where possible. The endgame is a space that’s as natural as it can possibly be, devoid of the clean lines and color palettes of modern architecture.
That isn’t to say modernity is lost on those who decorate with the rustic style. Metal is being used inrustic displays for door hardware, like the door handle on barn doors, but also in more prominent roles, like support for tables or braces for a home’s support beams. Two of the most common metals used in rustic design are irons: wrought iron and cast iron.
How to Incorporate Metal
Wrought iron is large and chunky, matching the rustic profile perfectly. It can also contain its fair share of texture, giving off a grainy look that pairs well with wood. Cast Iron is a cleaner, darker metal, but that doesn’t mean it’s too modern for the rustic look—picture a rough-looking camping skillet and you’ve got the perfect idea of rustic cast iron.
One of the best ways to incorporate metal accents into a rustic style home is through interior and exterior doors. If you’re in the market for a metal door knob, they can be reclaimed or purchased anew. Same goes for door pulls or other door hardware, such as large, decorative hinge straps or rivet-like clavos. Additionally, the use of a decorative door could be a great way to introduce metal—and a touch of elegance—to a rustic dwelling.
In keeping with the spirit, some may suggest metal used in rustic decoration remains as-is, rust and all. If you’re going to leave rust for aesthetic effect, be sure to take precautions—especially if you have children in your home.
How to Incorporate Accent Pieces
The goal of rustic design is to appear or invoke a natural existence. It’s comfortable, so use a lot of handmade rugs and blankets, along with recycled or reclaimed deer racks, furs, or other naturally sourced decorations. It’s warm, so accent those wooden browns and off whites with muted versions of yellow, gray, red, green, and blue.
Items are up to snuff for your rustic look if they feature imperfect lines but are still inviting—if you aren’t feeling that sense of inviting personality that comes with handmade imperfection, the item may just be unusably incorrect.
How to Incorporate Decor
The rustic look may present as simple, but that’s achieved with a precise attention to detail that breathes a personal touch into every inch of a space. Accenting fireplaces, furniture, and doors with the right combination of reclaimed decorations, comfy throws and metal accents dials up the rustic charm.
For many homeowners, their interior design is reflected to the outside world through their main entryways, and exterior doors are a great way to add rustic curb appeal to a home. Wood is the look of choice here, but it’s possible to outfit your home with that wooden rustic look while still taking advantage of modern advancements in entry doors.
Achieving the Perfect Rustic Look with Plastpro
While they aren’t wood, fiberglass doors can be molded and treated to resemble a number of different stains and finishes—all while providing the same perks that put fiberglass over wood as the preferred door material. Plastpro’s fiberglass doors, including the our rustic series, are more durable, last longer and provide better energy efficiency than their wooden counterparts while still lending an inviting, natural look to any entryway.
Options to enhance that rustic look include door size customization and additional accessories, like speakeasies. To discuss available options, find a Plastpro dealer near you who will help turn your current exterior door into a tone setter for the rest of your rustic-themed dwelling!
