Rustic Country Home Decor:  Simplistic Elegance For Your Home

The rustic country home look is derived from the concepts of country homes, Western ranches and log cabins. This style of decor is known for being elegant, simple and warm. Rustic country home fixtures are generally rich in texture while offering a minimalist backdrop.

If you are considering a rustic country look for your home, try these simple tips to achieve that simplistic elegance.

Colors

Always go for warm colors if you want to achieve a rustic country mood. Use shades of yellow, orange, red and brown. You may also mix and match them with neutral colors like white and cream.

Just a reminder, when looking at a paint card and choosing a color for your walls, visualize the "perfect" color in your mind and then find a shade lighter. This is because the colors in the paint cards will usually appear brighter and stronger for lighter shades and deeper for darker shades.

Also consider the lighting of the room. If the room does not get much natural light, use paint of a lighter tone. Rooms that are well-lit, especially by natural light may use colors with darker tones. Keep in mind that you can accentuate the or liven up the walls with curtains and other decorations.

Furniture

The rustic country style is characterized by "age-old" pieces. You can use materials made of wood, copper, wrought iron or combinations of the three. Oak is most widely-used wood in this concept.

Look for materials which has an antique feel. Always remember that the rustic country style is also about simplicity and elegance. So avoid pieces with too much curves, carvings and accents.

Rustic country home decor materials are rich in texture, so too many pieces in one room will make it look contrived or congested. A few pieces in a room with ample breathing space works best.

When using wooden chairs, give it a warm and cozy feeling by adding cushions in colors two or three shades lighter than that of the chair.

Decorations

Decorations add life to this minimalist theme. Small, yet unique items are recommended as decorations. Decorative items should be of light and comfortable texture and color. This is to offset the rich-textured furnitures that dominate the rooms of a rustic country designed home.

Drapes and other Fabrics

You should consider the color scheme of the walls, floors and furnitures and purchase or make sets of curtains and linens that complements the theme. Since the motiff of a rustic country home are warm colors, the fabrics should be of light colors, like white, cream, khaki, light yellow or light orange. Avoid using very big prints. Small floral prints work best. Quilts can also be used for bed linens.

Floors

The floors should be of a wooden finish. You can find a vintage rug that complements the color of the floor in order to accentuate its simplicity.

Windows

Windows with a lattice work style is highly recommended with the rustic country home concept. This can be complemented by willowy curtains. Plants may also be used to liven up the windows.

Rooms

The rooms do not need to be very spacious. One can always consider altering the lighting as well as the color of the walls in order to make a small room look a little bit bigger. When dealing with furniture, always make sure to leave ample space in between pieces.

The Exteriors

Do not forget to decorate outside the house, too! You may use benches, trellis pieces, arbors and chairs to decorate your porches and yards. Plants may also serve as a complement to these pieces and adds more warmth and life to outdoor spaces.

Do-it-Yourself Rustic Country Item

Here is a guide to creating a rustic country item that can be placed in the living room or the kitchen. You may also get inspiration from this and make your very own unique rustic country home decor!

Waxed Leaves

Materials Needed:

- Leaves
- Candle Wax
- Stove
- Waxed Paper

Procedure:

- Choose leaves with nice shapes. Use only complete leaves. They need not be dry.
- Break the candle wax into pieces and set them in a double boiler to melt the wax.
- Dip the leaves into the wax. Set them on top of the waxed paper to dry.

Overall, the rustic country look is achieved with minimal yet texture-rich pieces. The entire look is very regal. The heavy furniture pieces blends well with a simple backdrop. The finish is warm, lively and cheerful. This is the theme which is elegant, but it does not compromise the coziness of home.