Like Rustic Resorts? Here are 6 Design tips to make your home like one

Imagine this scenario: You are stuck in a traffic jam. The sounds of blaring horns, screechy brakes, and people yelling at each other fill the atmosphere. Finally, as you got on the highway, your tire goes flat. When you finally arrive at work, you’re told that you have to drive to a client located on the other side of town. You long to escape from all the hustle and bustle to one of those rustic mountain resort holidays where you felt peaceful and calm. If this scenario sounds familiar, you are someone who’s enjoyed the benefits of being in a rustic environment.

Close your eyes and say the word rustic and it conjures up images of rustling leaves, good wholesome food, and being one with nature. In short, it’s a calming word. Now, what if you didn’t have to travel a couple of hundred kilometres to experience this calm in your life? What if all you need to do is drive back home to find your oasis of peace? Wouldn’t that be great?

You can indeed achieve the rustic resort look for your home even in a bustling metro city like Mumbai by following these design tips.

Design tips to make your home look like a rustic resort

Here are 6 ways to make your home look like the rustic mountain resort you want to escape to.

Tip #1: Use Wood, and lots of it

It’s no surprise that wood makes the top of our tip list. Rustic design equals wood and a good bit of it. When we say wood, we don’t mean the expensive glossy maple wood kind. Remember, we are talking about old-world charm here. So, the buzzwords are distressed wood.

Now don’t get distressed (pun intended) thinking you need to scour the countryside looking for centuries-old wood. You can achieve the worn look by staining, painting, or sanding your wood. If authentic hardwood flooring is out of your budget range, there are several cheaper alternatives such as vinyl plank flooring and wood-look tiles that will serve the purpose just fine, if not better. 

 There are several ways you can incorporate wood into the home design:

• Wood floors: Use wider panels of varying lengths to accentuate the used look

• Wooden wall panelling: No need to go overboard and panel all the walls with wood. Instead, focus on one or two walls to make a statement

• Wooden ceiling: Creating a false ceiling with wood is another great way to give you that cosy, comfortable feel.

Tip #2: Use Stone

With the rustic home design, wood and stone go together like peas in a pod because of their natural and earthy look.  The stone represents stability and strength. So, what better way to make your home represent these qualities than by using it in your design? An exposed stone wall creates an impression of warmth and solidity turning your house into a home. Add to that the fact that they are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and durable and you have run out of reasons not to use it.  

A great way to do this without breaking the bank is by using faux stone panels or stone-texture wallpaper. 

Here are some design ideas involving stone:

• Have a stone backsplash in the kitchen

• Line open storage areas with stone

• Use stone for tabletops and kitchen counters

• Use stone cladding on columns

Tip #3: Use metal

First came wood, then came stone, followed by metal. We’re progressing just like ancient man did with his choice of weapons. Our third weapon of choice in turning your home into a rustic paradise is by using metal in its design. Now using metal may seem counter-intuitive to creating a warm environment because of its shiny and cold nature. The trick here is to use just the right amount that brings a touch of modernity to the proceedings, but not so much that guests feel they’ve stepped into an industrial zone. Another key is to use slightly dull metals such as tin and aluminium that hark back to the industrial era.

Here are some ways you can achieve rustic chicness:

• Use metal panels with exposed fasteners to border cabinets

• Intersperse a few metal panels with the wooden ones for the walls

• Hang antique metal plates on the wall

• Use cast iron fittings

• Repurpose an old aluminium or copper pail and turn it into a fashionable sink

Tip #4: Use Muted and natural colors

Rustic décor is all about using what is natural. Colors are no exception to this rule. When designing a rustic interior space, use subtle colors that represent nature. Classic colors like white and black, tree colors like pine green and oak brown, and warm hues like golden sand and greige (grey + beige) go well with the natural shades of wood, stone, and metal.

This is not to say that you can’t have a pop of color here and there. Just make sure the pop of color isn’t one like neon green or proton purple that will jar, rather than soothe, the senses.

Tip #5: Use fabrics and furniture that mimic nature

Textural and plain fabrics are key to extending a cohesive natural theme in a rustic setting. The best natural fabrics to use here are cotton, linen, jute, and burlap. This means saying no to those fancy silk curtains! Use accessories such as quilts and thick throw rugs to further accentuate the rustic look.

With furniture, natural does not mean uncomfortable. No need to get a rock to sit on! Get comfortable furniture in solid (no patterns please) and muted colors and accompany them with wood or metal coffee tables.

While you’re at it, why not get a nice oversized piece of wood art that can act as an inviting central element?

Tip #6: Use an open floor plan and large windows

A good rustic design should make you feel one with nature. This is why open floor plans and oversized windows are such an integral part of rustic designs. They make space feel expansive like the great outdoors itself. In a way, they bridge the gap between the outdoor world and indoor one by bringing in plenty of natural light and warmth from outside. What’s more, they work great at creating an inclusive and homely atmosphere.

Barnyard design, farm style, or rustic industrial chic. Whatever name you use for this style, they all imply the same thing; a warm and inviting space that is inspired by the beauty and ruggedness of nature.

You, too, can create a rustic space that will be a haven from the soul-crushing mayhem of the outside world. What’s more, it will make the drive home something to look forward to!

If you are looking for expert help in turning your home into a rustic abode, get in touch with Hipcouch today!