Decoding the Rustic
(why the half finished wood charm is working so well for
today’s modern homes)
Rustic /rʌstɪk/
adjective
1.
Of
or relating to the countryside; rural. Having a simplicity and charm that is
considered typical of the countryside.
2.
Made
in a plain and simple fashion, in particular: made of untrimmed branches or
rough timber; having a rough-hewn or roughened surface or deeply sunk joints.
The idea of rustic brings with itself a unique connection to
our past which is difficult to overlook. With the lightning fast pace at which
we live today, there is an increasing trend to separate the home from the
not-home by bringing in an element of nature and organic living. Rustic décor
serves exactly that purpose.
You might not be ready to put a barn log on the ceiling yet, but there are
several things you can do to give your home that cosy Arcadian look.
The rustic appeals to some because of the homespun, country feeling it gives;
while to others it creates the ideas of open spaces and cabin lodges. How well
either of the effects work depends upon the objects in the room, the lighting
used, and the spaces surrounding them.
Why the rustic trend?
What makes a simple unpolished piece of furniture more
appealing than finely carved mahogany? To be fair, not all rustic furniture
gives the desired look, but when combined well with its surroundings, rustic
works its magic.
The rustic embraces nature, and in nature we feel at
peace. It incorporates wood finishes, floral
designs and organic patterns, which help to bring a bit of the outdoors;
indoor. Within nature, we tend to escape our cubicled worklives and the rush of
the 21st century, which is the perfect retreat you want your home to
be. Rusticity - Traditional Handmade Modern
Rustic decor is practical in its utility, but apart from that, it also awakens
our appreciation of human genius and resourcefulness. An item of daily use
created with minimalistic ingredients and recyclable materials speaks of how
human intelligence can create and nurture while keeping nature in the loop.
Unlike mass-produced items, rustic decor items are traditionally handmade by
artisans, thereby giving them a distinctive quality such that no two products
look the same. Every item speaks singularly of natural, freeform art.
Rustic is bold and gutsy, while at the same time, warm and inviting. It isn’t
covered and controlled by do’s and don’ts, and reminds us of the effortless
beauty we see in nature. With collaborative designs which blend in across a
variety of architectural structures, the trend of rustic decor as a home set-up
idea is here to stay for a long time.
Defining Elements of a
Modern Rustic Home
It isn’t hard to understand why the rustic look is popular,
if one looks carefully enough. Rustic blends in with ease, and doesn’t require
any high-end finish. It can be paired up with all sorts of accessories,
upholsteries, etc. to give an instant makeover to a room. There is zero need
for uniformity, and mismatch works greatly in rustic which creates a more
unique experience altogether.
Key features that mark the rustic trend include:
● Seemingly incongruent items blended
in an easy manner — like antiques, country accessories, etc.
● Mixing the classic with the
contemporary.
● Rough wooden beams for ceilings,
plank tables, log decor.
● Featuring a maximum of natural elements,
like dried up flowers, pinecones, etc.
● Including natural fabrics like jute,
cotton, etc. for furniture, curtains, etc.
● A subdued yellow light, hanging
ceiling bulbs and lit candles for the added nature’s touch.
● Solid, neutral colours yet warm and
inviting.
● Repurposed furniture, barn materials,
copper pots and yard-sale items.
The rustic helps us transform the old into the new and modern
and enviably beautiful with great ease, and perhaps that is why rustic decor is
the style doing rounds right now.