Rustic Furniture Information

Rustic Style Made Warm

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The lodge look -- that rustic, warm and comfy style made popular by woodsy vacation spots -- has become a much loved way to decorate our primary homes. And why not? The rustic look is relaxed, comforting, and natural, the antithesis of life in an office.

As enticing as the rustic look may be, it can become cliche. Make the rustic look your own by blending weathered pieces with your favorites. Toss a botanical-theme comforter atop a bed made with green stripe bed linens. Drape a wool Indian blanket over the headboard. Add plants and flowers to suggest mountain meadows. When you mix this look with things you love, it's a perfect backdrop for a life that moves from blue jeans to evening wear and back again, without apology.

Here are other tips for creating a rustic country decor:

Furniture includes rough-hewn pieces of wood, twig, and weathered iron.
Textiles are high-touch flannels and wools in plaids, ticking stripes, florals. The secret is to choose patterns and colors that are full-bodied enough to balance the weighty, rustic furniture.
On the floor, rag, wool, and sisal rugs soften wood floors in medium and dark stains.
Window treatments are textured fabrics, often layered for a warm look.
Accessories reflect nature and an outdoorsy way of life: metal, leather, wood picture frames, birdhouses, sap buckets, and baskets.