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“Rustic” means “country”. This design style is remarkable for its use of roughly treated natural materials, such as stone or wood. This is often how country houses are built, hence the style is also known as “country,” which also means… “rural.”

“Country” has a rich history, as it began to spread around the world since the Middle Ages. In every country, this style has absorbed national motifs, which designers from all over the world then happily used.

Traveling through the countries of Europe, the rustic style adopted something from the styles of ancient Spanish estates, charming French country cottages, small Alpine mountain settlements, and aristocratic Italian villas. Bringing all this together, it presented itself to modern architects as one of the most interesting and organic directions in interior design.

Rustic country allows even a novice designer to create a surprisingly picturesque interior, in which it is easy to combine centuries-old traditions, national and historical motifs, romance, and warmth. It’s no wonder that this style is currently at the peak of its popularity.

Main Features and Advantages of the Country Style

 

The essence of the “country” style lies in its strong emotional component, in stark contrast to the emotionless plastic aesthetic of high-tech. Entering a space designed in country style, one should experience a range of emotions – from memories of a serene childhood and adventure-filled youth to dreams of a peaceful retirement. The interior should evoke warm memories and bold dreams, imparting a sense of confidence and reliability.

 

Here are the key advantages of the rustic style:

• The interiors are primarily designed in dark tones but should still feel airy and spacious.
• Simplicity is a central aspect of the design.
• Use of natural materials or their high-quality imitations, often with a rough, sometimes antique-like finish.
• Simple furniture made from eco-friendly materials or older pieces in good condition, or new furniture artfully aged.
• Modern appliances should not dominate but blend in or be decoratively concealed to maintain stylistic integrity.
• Decorative elements are used sparingly – only textiles, simple flower vases, and wall decorations.

 

Choosing Construction Materials for Country Style

 

This style is often used for country houses as it’s challenging to create such interiors in apartments, though it is possible.

For the rough country look, natural materials are used. If they are too expensive, budget options like PVC panels with a wood texture or artificial stone are acceptable.

 

Walls

 

Popular wall finishing includes rough rustic plaster, which suits the rough country style well. More impactful is the use of wooden panels. Sometimes the walls are fully lined with wood, but more often, this is done on specific wall sections. Full wooden paneling requires natural wood panels or planks. Partial paneling can use PVC panels imitating wood.

Natural rough-cut stone cladding looks beautiful but can darken the interior and add unwanted cold and dampness. Thus, it’s recommended to use it sparingly, perhaps around a fireplace or hearth area. Sometimes, rustic-style ceramic tiles can be used. Wallpaper is not recommended for country style walls.

 

Floors

 

Flooring should match the walls, but the best option for a country-style floor is parquet, reminiscent of a boarded floor. Do not choose decorative versions. Natural stone tiles make an effective flooring choice. Stone and wood are often used together to differentiate zones in a room. Artificial stone tiles are a budget-friendly option but should imitate the real thing well. Ceramic tiles, laminate, or liquid floors are not ideal choices for a country-style interior.

 

Ceilings

 

One of the most challenging parts of creating a country-style interior is the ceiling, where the main task is to ‘load’ it with large wooden beams, suitable for high ceilings. For ceilings less than 3 meters high, only faux beams should be used.

Ceiling painting is allowed under the beams, but the color should be neutral and subdued, with an old whitewash effect.

 

Windows and Doors

 

Doors should be solid wood with dark metal hardware, sometimes mimicking antique styles. Ideally, windows should also be large with natural wood frames, but PVC windows with a wood-like surface are a practical alternative.

 

Color Palette

 

Country style is the simplest in terms of color choice, as the natural materials used in finishing already have their own colors, forming the base palette. Other colors should complement natural materials, so preferences are given to shades of beige, green, and brown. Grey, sandy, and blue tones supplement the overall picture.

 

Furniture Selection

 

Furniture should fully match the style, being rough and ‘countryside,’ creating a handcrafted effect. Simple geometric shapes with modest hardware, large dimensions, and prominent wood textures are ideal. Avoid glossy finishes; some roughness, carelessness, and even surface defects add a sense of antiquity and history. Such furniture is best custom-made.

Soft furniture is used sparingly, purely for its intended purpose. Leather upholstery looks great, but simple coarse fabrics or patchwork from fabric scraps are also suitable.

 

Lighting

 

All lighting fixtures in the country style are simple and unpretentious, made of wood or metal. The lighting in the room should follow these rules:

• Central lighting with a large wooden or metal chandelier on long suspensions, shaped like a circle or wheel with multiple candles.
• Additional lighting in the work area.
• Diffused lighting in the relaxation area, resembling the light from a fireplace flame.
• Decorative spot lighting at eye level or on the floor.

 

Decor

 

For rough country style, use dishes and household items as decor elements. Decorative and real fruits and vegetables in vases or hanging in bunches from walls or beams, as well as live flowers, are appropriate.

A distinctive feature of the style is the abundance of rugs, cushions, and throws.

The fireplace, real or artificial, is the focal point of the room, creating an open flame effect. Candles are also highly recommended.

Decorating your home or apartment in country style can be quite challenging, so for advice or a design project, feel free to contact me. I am designer Olesya Blashchenko, ready to help you create a truly cozy and romantic home.