How To Create A Rustic Look In Your Home

I recently had the opportunity to attend a beautiful baby shower inside a home that had the ideal blend of a contemporary and a rustic look. There was plenty of storage and modern steel appliances in the kitchen, but the striking hardwood floors and huge stone fireplace made the home feel like a cabin tucked away in the woods.

Even if you live in the middle of a bustling town, you too can achieve that classic design befitting a rustic lodge. It is not as difficult as you may think!

The first place to begin is with the walls. This does not actually require an extensive renovation. After taking thorough measurements of your target room(s), visit your local home improvement store and purchase broad pine planks.

Pine is a relatively inexpensive wood, and it can be installed easily after the first few boards have been leveled. Plus, because the wood is very light in hue, you can stain it almost any color you can think of. But staining is much like painting the walls, so be sure to take measures to protect your floor and ceiling before you get started.

If you enjoy this look, you may want to extend it to the ceiling, especially since many cabins have wooden planks. Again, stain these boards whatever color you wish.

While hardwood flooring may be the ideal choice to create the rustic look, laminate or vinyl designs that mimic the look of real wood are acceptable options as well if you are operating on a limited budget. Just be aware that lower quality flooring often needs to be resurfaced and is more subject to dents and scuffs.

No matter which you choose, be sure to find a pattern that is a different color than your floor and ceiling.

Nothing says "hunting lodge," like antlers. If you aren't much of a hunter and/or cannot afford to spend the extra cash on authentic deer horns, imitations are perfectly acceptable. Perhaps one of the most impressive decorations is an antler-based chandelier. Just try not to overdo it.

If you already have a stone fireplace, consider yourself lucky. But there is no need to entirely replace it if not. Instead, changing up the fireplace mantel may add just the right tough to give a rugged feel, especially to a den, great room, or living room.

Don't overlook the details. Light fixtures, ceiling fans, and end tables can all be used to add to your ideal rustic design.

As you can see, there is no need to live in a secluded lodge to enjoy that atmosphere every time you come home!