Decorate with Rustic Home Decor by Tom Selwick

Some people believe that a rustic home decor is only appropriate for a lodge or cabin setting. Fortunately, this is not so!

This type of style is appropriate for any environment. Don’t be afraid to try rustic decor, it adds an quaint charm to any setting.

There are some basic elements of rustic home decor that need to be handled correctly, or the room will be overwhelmed. The basic categories are theme, fabric, accessories, color, furniture and functionality.

Theme: When deciding a theme for decorating a home, it can be helpful to also have a sub-theme. Make sure that if rustic is not the overarching theme, the main theme of the room is compatible with it.
For example, instead of trying to combine modern with a rustic look, try going with vintage theme.

Also, if rustic is the overarching theme, some incredible sub-themes include hunting and nature. Hunting would require a focus on more animal-themed furniture, while nature would require more flowers and trees as well as wildlife.

Whatever theme you choose, however, make sure that it is one you will be happy with.

Fabric: Obviously the fabric will be chosen according to what type of theme is present in the room. There are, however, some pretty basic choices for fabric that emote that charming woodsy vibe.
For instance, instead of dull drab throw pillows, try going for pillows that have some texture to them. A favorite texture for this style are long furred pillows, which are incredibly chic, not to mention comfy!

Similarly, some of the best blankets are ones that are thick and luxuriously warm. Cuddling up to a fire with a blanket wrapped around you is one of the most satisfying experiences in the world.
Throw some of these blankets around (in strategic locations) or keep them in a charming cedar chest.

Another great element of a rustic room is the texture of the rugs. Go for the soft, shorter, fuzzy fur-like rugs, or go simple with rugs that have an authentic feel to them.

When decorating, it is essential that the room isn’t too overwhelming. If a couch is buried in long furred throw pillows, it would be far to much!
So while some lighter pieces can have great rich texture (like pillows and blankets and rugs) make sure to both include simpler pieces as well and to only choose one or two of the lighter pieces as focus points (to balance out the space).

Accessories: A great way to add woodsy charm to any room is through some simple accessories. Pillows on coaches, blankets across beds, and an assortments of nick knacks can make any room rustic.
A great (and sometimes under-appreciated) element of decorating are clocks. Adding the right kinds of clocks to a room can add some quaint beauty to any room.

Unique bowls or cookie jars can also add just a touch of rustic attitude without overwhelming a room. Place some apples (real or plastic) in the bowls and this simple change can add a sense of rustic comfort to a room.

Color: Some people choose too many colors and combine them in one space, which makes it difficult on the eyes. Instead of trying to combine a great mess of colors, try to only pick three (one as the focal color, two as accent colors) and incorporate them into a room.
The furniture, paint, and accessories all should be compatible to the colors chosen. For a rustic scene, try to include deeper, richer, natural colors, like browns, reds, oranges, golds, and if your feeling adventurous, greens.

Furniture: The furniture that should be included in this type of style is over-sized, wooden, and in the case of couches and beds, plush. Just because this style is woodsy doesn’t mean it can’t be luxurious as well!
There are some really original pieces of rustic furniture out there, from couches and beds to tables and chairs. Make sure that most (to be safe all) of your larger furniture is related to your overarching theme.
Rustic furniture with a few stray vintage accessories can be incredibly beautiful, but having a vintage couch with a rustic coffee table can took mismatched and out of place.

Functionality: There is no need to sacrifice functionality when trying to go for an authentically rustic look. By adding vintage pots and pans to a kitchen (along with some other accessories) can accomplish the look without disturbing the chrome on the refrigerator or the sterling silver sink.

About the Author
Tom Selwick is an avid rustic home decor enthusiast and has written hundreds of articles relating to rustic home decor.
Contact information: http://www.blackfacedsheep.com