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Rustic Decorating? What does that even mean?

By: Elly Kendall

What is Rustic Decorating?

Rustic as a style is more natural, and less contemporary than modern decor. Rustic litterally means "of the country, simple, rugged" according to Webster's Dictionary. So, ultimately it is decorating in the style of the country, with items that are more rugged less sleek, and often simpler in design and composition.
Why would you want to decorate with a “rustic” or "country" style?

Things change quickly as technology grows. Our modern world moves rapidly hence conforms to sleek lines and man made materials out of neccessity. The connection to nature we all feel slips away almost unnoticed.

Those that feel nature and simplicity are important find this unacceptable. Many, sick of a world full of faxes and phones and computers, yearn for a simpler time and choose to reinforce this with rustic decor.
Rustic decorating can be uncomplicated. It uses simple designs, simple furnishings, and simple natural decorations to enhance the style of a room. Steal and linoleum are replaced with stone and wood. Generally, natural materials are the mainstay building blocks of rustic décor.

So how does one go about decorating with a rustic décor?

The first thing to do is downplay any modern or contemporary items. Electronics are the direct opposite of rustic design. But who wants to live without them, not me. Simply conceal them in wooden or whicker cabinets with doors. Wooden CD holders are available at many stores and they blend the CD’s into your rustic scheme more easily.

Many sofas will fit easily into a rustic décor, but beware of couches with wild or strange artistic designs. Remember, rustic means simple. Tables made from steal simple need something like a wood sculpture to soften it's look.

Rustic is often cozy. Thick carpets or area rugs are a good way to cover linoleum flooring. Better yet, replace that old flooring with ceramic or stone tile.
There is something about a fireplace that adds warmth, heart of home and romance to a room. The smell of wood burning remind us, subconsciously, of simpler days.

Using natural materials from gardens or woods also adds to a rustic feel. Something as simple as fresh picked flowers or fruit bring color and fragrance to a room. (Hint: try to entice all the senses when decorating.) Wood and rock formations found in the woods can add tremendous interest to a room. These make excellent coversation pieces, if you take the proper time to clean and prepare them. Always check anything you bring indoors for bugs, and mold.

Rustic decorating is a way to bring nature indoors. While less sleek then modern and contemporary styles its simplicity and connection to the real world make it a wonderful choice when deciding how to decorate your cabin home or office.

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