Table of Contents
When we think of rustic design, the image that we have in our heads would be either a log cabin beside the lake or a cottage in the middle of the woods that would require no electricity. Rustic styles encompass a wide range of design elements, but should possess the following qualities: rough, aged/vintage or casual and would almost always draw from natural inspiration such as wood and stone.
It’s easy to see why most people would relate rustic design themes to waterside vacation homes or places where you are expected to rough it out. But there is no need to look for a far-out property somewhere to justify opting for a rustic theme in your own home. You only need to be willing to embrace the use of natural materials.
This can be both a challenge and an adventure as you go about designing your home. It can be a challenge because unlike opting for more polished design themes such as Victorian or Modern, going down the rustic route would mean choosing uneven wood panels, stones that are not exact in shapes and colors, and doing away with synthetic materials such as plastic and metals. Remember: rustic is equated with natural, which means your color palette would also veer towards neutral tones of brown, gray, green and a splash of yellow and orange.
This doesn’t mean though that you must opt for uncomfortable chairs and odd-shaped tables. Contemporary rustic designs have recently blended in elements of modern design to make the overall look more clean, light and open. While most rustic furniture is still handmade in keeping up with the required natural element, they tend to be oversized for a cozier experience. The fabrics used for cushions would also likely be cotton, linen, wool or animal hide and not sheen or synthetic.
Decorating your home is always a major undertaking and opting for a rustic style requires a bit more patience and resourcefulness than usual. Coming up with just the right mix of eclectic and modern while still emphasizing a natural vibe can be tricky, and not having the right resources can lead to unpleasant results. Luckily, Fully Booked has on its shelves the latest design books which will give you complete and cohesive guidance on how to go about achieving your dream rustic home.
Abode: Thoughtful Living with Less
Serena Mitnik Miller and Mason St. Peter
As the co-owner of General Store based primarily in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Serena Mitnik-Miller and her husband Mason St. Peter is aware of the developing trend of people opting for fewer things to focus on creating an effortlessly cool look and vibe inside the home. In Abode: Thoughtful Living with Less, these visionary entrepreneurs give tips and time-tested methods in recreating their signature aesthetic: embracing elemental materials, curation of handcrafted objects and choosing furnishings that are manifestations of the craftsmanship of the highest kind.
Think Vintage
Piet Swimberghe and Jan Verlinde
‘Vintage’ is one of the key themes explored in rustic designs, but the term is broad and can mean so many things to different peoples and cultures. In Think Vintage, art historian Piet Simberghe and photographer Jan Verlinde created an amalgamation of the most beautiful vintage interiors through a unique mix of resource people: art collectors, designers, architects and antique dealers who have perfected combining the old and new. If rustic vintage is your vibe, then this book is for you.
Living in Wood
Chris Van Uffelen
Dutch-German art historian and author Chris Van Uffelen is a recognized expert on medieval architecture, classical modernity, and contemporary construction. In this book, he explores one of the most popular ways to achieve a rustic look: wooden facades. Featuring the most beautiful timber houses, Living in Wood will take you through the many reasons why wood, a sustainable resource, is driving the development of contemporary design and steadily gaining global popularity.
Canadian Contemporary: The Northern Home
Edited by Hannah Jenkins, Foreword by Dr. Avi Friedman
This outstanding compilation mirrors Canadian architecture as it currently stands focused on adaptable spaces and savvy design solutions. Featuring the design of some of Canada’s most talented contemporary architects, it includes informative descriptions and detailed floor plans of projects that are clear manifestations of a Canadian living and modern residential design.
Safari Style Africa
Annemarie Meintjies and Laurian Brown; photos by Dook
The Safari aesthetic is probably one of the styles that are most associated with rustic designs and is deeply rooted in African craft. In this book, the global appeal of Safari Design Aesthetic is wonderfully explored through a selection of lodges that perfectly fuse together the elements of this African-inspired theme: high-end design, courageous and soulful architecture and the wild beauty of its setting. VISI Magazine Deputy Editor Annemarie Meintjies thoughtfully curated the book, with additional text by Laurian Brown and featuring photos by Dook.
These book suggestions are available in Fully Booked, and you can visit any of their branches or place your orders online. Make sure you are updated on new and upcoming books and promotions by following their accounts at Facebook (facebook.com/fullybooked), Instagram (_fullybooked), and Twitter (_fullybooked).
