Rustic Country Decor: A Refuge From City Life

Did you ever wonder whether you can actually create a rustic country-themed home atmosphere inside the hustle-and-bustle of city life? To most, it would sound like mixing water and oil together! But possible it most definitely is, and worth effort if you crave the simpler life but wouldn't want to compromise being away from your urbanite creature comforts.

Rustic country decor is described as having furnishings that come from the bounty of nature. Wood, animal materials, and thick unsophisticated metals (usually iron) dominate the genre. Inspired by nature, rustic country décor emphasize times past where life was much simpler, and more laid back. People who usually want country decor feel like they want to slow down as soon as they hit the porch at home. Where modern decor sometimes is cold, stainless, and shiny, rustic country decor is warm, homey and inviting. You get the feeling that bread is baking in the kitchen by grandma.

For the urban professional, this is a very good way to unwind. Hang your job at work, make your home a place you look forward to go home to. And you don’t even have to break the bank for this!

Here are some steps to bestow your urban hideaway with that rustic country look:

1. Decide on the mood, look and feel. Before you even think of getting expert advice, you must decide on what makes you comfortable with the genre. The expert you consult will only be as good as your knowing what you want. Don't be bothered by the fact that you are not familiar, your next steps will concretize the way you want it to be. For now, you must visualize how it will turn out, then put it on paper!

2. Surf the web. Now that you have an idea on what you want, the Web will be a godsend. If you have no time yet to go to the country, you could bring the country into your living room through the Internet. There are a lot of manufacturers of rustic country decor who market their products on their own domains or even on virtual markets like eBay. Just use Google (or your fave search engine) to look for the right one. Mostly likely you'll come across scores of hits for your browsing pleasure. Once you know what you want, you can then be more specific on your searches.

3. Bed and breakfast. For your next vacation, consider taking a romp to the country. If you grew up in the country, then this wouldn't be a big problem for you. For all you city folk out there, you may know what you want but may have no idea what it exactly is. Visit some nice country homes for bed and breakfast. Ask around, talk to people who had lived the country life all their lives. Mostly likely you'll eventually have an insight or two on what passes for good country taste. You might even make friends who know this cabinet-maker or woodsmith, who does decor and furniture the old way.

4. Consult the interior decorator. Now I know I said you wouldn't be breaking the bank, but having an expert on your team to consult with will save you from making mistakes in the long run. A lot of planning and wrangling goes into home improvement. He'll save you a lot of time and effort on what passes for realistic rustic country decor without overdoing it. A proven expert's guiding touch will help keep you "in the zone" of acceptability and not out with the chickens!

5. Choose your materials wisely. If you're going for a good look and feel, you must have that relatively authentic look that suspends belief the moment people walk through your doorstep. If you’re on a budget, it's time to get creative and think out of the box. You can save money by going where old stuff can be bought and repaired. Don't be shy about garage sales, eBay postings, auctions for charity, etc. Keep your eyes and ears on the lookout for great bargains. If you can, bring your designer with you, or bring him pictures so he can create the symphony you are willing to look and feel with without mothballing your wallet.

6.  Garnish with foliage. Putting plants indoors at strategic places is not exactly rustic country decor per se, but having plants inside will give a better impression of abundance and comfort. Again this is where asking your interior designer friend can come in handy. He is worth every penny.

7. Throw a party! A new chapter of your life has just opened. Start it off with a good friendly housewarming welcome - surely the rustic country decor will exude the warmth and atmosphere you seek for such an occasion. Invite the neighbors, bring in your friends, start a potluck, or a weekly poker game! Enjoy the fruits of your labor, you most definitely deserve it.