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The Rustic Fall Look for 2018

Tuesday, September 25th, 2018

 

The Canadel Dining Room Wooden Seat Bench BEN8903-18 has the perfect vibe for fall.

It’s Fall. You definitely should have traded the summer decorative items for fall stuff by now. There are now hard rules when it comes to fall décor and you simply have to follow the cues that go with the season. Just look all around you – the leaves are turning orange and red, the browns are becoming more intense, and the air is filled with anticipation.

It is said that the best time to hang and set up your fall décor is late August up until October. Of course, you would not want to confuse the look with the upcoming Christmas vibe. This season, as you know, offers a different spectrum of color palette.

One of the best styles that you can have this fall is a rustic look. It is timeless yet, at the same time, parallel to the looks that fall evokes. Rustic design is basic, even raw, but it is always strikingly lovely.

If you’re embracing this look for fall, then you have to understand the philosophy behind it. It is organic and is supposed to invoke warm and comfortable feelings. Here are some of the basic design elements that you can work with –

Rustic Textures

Wood is the leading element in any rustic habitat. Even reclaimed wood is a good choice for your walls, flooring and furniture materials.

Wood effortlessly provides the natural look that is needed in rustic design. The wood beams also typically support the ceilings and these are often made of alder, pine, cherry or hickory. There are many other choices of woods to choose from.

The second most-used element in rustic design is metal. Metals, especially wrought-iron, can be seen on elements such as pots, pans, even the staircase posts.

The right accessories need to complement the look that you’re trying to set up. For instance, having metal doorknobs means you need to pair them with wood and distressed bathroom accessories so the rustic vibe is achieved.

Apart from wood and metals, there is a third element that is also typically seen in rustic interiors and these are stones. Stone is used in balancing the other elements.

Rustic Color Palette

You will need a natural color palette to make the design work. So, think of oranges, browns, beiges, taupes, and cream. This base color is also often joined by shades of red, green, and blue. What’s important is that you tie up all these colors so that they are able to present an earthy and warm aesthetic.

Don’t be limited by just the basic shades, though. Remember that you can use different shades of the same color in layering. Doing this will add to the depth of your surroundings.

Don’t paint the wider surfaces such as the walls and the floors. The wooden surfaces become even more exciting and rustic if they look natural, raw, and unpainted. If you’re still having difficulty choosing the right colors for your rustic home this fall, then you can never go wrong with white. Plus, you can carry on this palette to the winter season.

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Ikat Rug 3261RS Flame

Rustic Patterns

Because rustic style is refined unrefined, you need to create interest by adding patterns. Buffalo check, calico, Ikat, and patchworks are all traditionally rustic. These patterns can be used on the floor rugs, the pillow cases, and other accessories.

Enhance your home further by adding quilt or by hanging an interesting carpet on one wall.

Rustic Furniture

Find furniture pieces that are traditional looking and have a comfortable and authentic feel. The materials must be raw wood or, at the very least, handmade. Each piece must evoke minimalism. Cap the look by accessorizing with twigs, branches, driftwood, and acorns.

 

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Rustically Impromptu

Tuesday, March 6th, 2018

Featured piece is the Hooker Furniture Dining Room Crafted Counter Stool.

A lot of homeowners love the comfortable and worn-in look that rustic interiors offer. This is understandable as it is the epitome of the beauty amidst wear and tear. It is the effortless charm that comes with a lot of history.

Getting this effortless look is not always easy, though. There are ways to make it doable. Creating the rustic look may prove to be an arduous process but it is one that’s worth every hour that you spend setting up the look.

Whether you are setting up a farmhouse with a lovely porch or a simple log cabin, or you might even be thinking of a timber lodge, it will always be the details that will truly define whether your home is rustic or not.

But what are the four basic style of this interior design?

The Quintessential Cabin

The cabin comes with a dark-stained outer wall and a fieldstone chimney. These materials are found, traditionally, from surrounding lands and some even come from the surplus pieces that litter industrial spaces.

It is typical to find firewood door as well as a breezeway roof. You can recreate this look by using new materials yet setting up a traditional look. Notched logs were originally stacked to create beautiful log homes. You don’t have to shape and chink the wood gaps anymore.

The Romantic Cottage

Just like any home style, there are also different variations of the cottage. The small ones are often viewed to be the most romantic. To recreate this look in your home, have some worn cedar shakes with siding made of white clapboard.

Be sure to incorporate a lot of natural light indoors. Your rooms must be bright and airy. Another classic characteristic of the cottage is its painted wood. This is seen almost everywhere from the ceilings, floors, the walls, even on the furnishings. It is also typical to see all-white interiors, especially in beach cottages.

The Rural Farmhouse

More than any of the styles featured as a rustic style, this is the type that is most deeply linked to lands. Its most common elements include huge porches, pitched rooflines, and basic siding. This is a home that is built without fuss or luxury because it was traditionally built using materials that are readily available such as fieldstones, rough-hewn beams, and wide planks for the flooring.

The Industrial Lodge

This style is massive compared to the others because it comes with big timber trusses, oversized fireplaces, high ceilings, and equally massive chimneys. More often than not, the roofing is made of slate shingle or thick cedar.

Having a lodge is all about having a good view so the windows need to be huge. The exteriors are built with different materials such as timber posts, vertical boards, board and batten, to name a few. The trim around the windows and doors are also significant because they are wide and noticeable.

Walking into a lodge almost always means walking into a living room with the fireplace situated in the middle. Thick pillars and timbers are also seen as the basic framework of the home.

The Homely Rustic Style in a Nutshell

  • Barn door
  • Dried flowers (seen almost everywhere)
  • Copper and cast iron pots and pans hanging in the kitchen
  • Tree stump as a side or coffee table
  • Sepia-toned pictures that are framed and displayed on the walls
  • Iron chandelier
  • Sheepskin as a couch or bench cover
  • Quilted items
  • Paneled walls
  • Deer or moose heads as trophies
  • Beamed ceilings
  • Neutral palette
  • Chunky wooden pieces
  • White and other neutral hues
  • Solid fabrics

 

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The All-American Hill Country Experience – Making Country Look More Modern

Friday, June 16th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Pinta Trail Strong Box Cocktail Table

Who wouldn’t love the country style? But since we’re in a world where everything has to keep up with the times, then a good way to catch up or update the look of your country style home is to go modern. Modern country style is the interesting marriage of traditional, rustic appeal with Scandinavian modernism.

The modern country style look is eclectic and so you will surely get the update that you have long been waiting for. You will see more of stripped wood, clean painted walls, and other rustic touches throughout this design scheme. Expect to see these as well – old-fashioned wooden flooring, barn doors, stone fireplaces, and the open space layout.

Modern country, these days, has veered away from the nostalgic look. Instead, it has embraced a more global appeal, one that could include artisan pieces such as Eastern rugs, Asian features, Scandinavian furniture, woven baskets, South American and African accents, and more.

If these haven’t interested you yet, then find out what other elements you should learn about in this hill country look that’s a must-have –

Contemporary and Vintage

The rooms in your home could display the most interesting fusion of styles, in this case, contemporary items with old doors, heirloom accessories, paintings, and such. A stainless steel water container could easily become a repurposed sink.

How about having a bright green cabinet in a sea of light grays?

Mix various flooring materials gracefully. Combine stone with wood and contrast contemporary with vintage or vintage-looking replicas.

Wood Is a Must

Modern country style will always require the use of wood somewhere. This can be seen on furnishings, architecture, or decorative elements. The most-used elements include unfinished wood in its natural form, exposed wooden rafters, and wooden cabinets. These contrast well with rustic stone walls.

Accentuate with Stone

Stone is also a staple piece in a farmhouse. It will evoke a more industrial contemporary vibe. A notable example is when you have a stone fireplace set up in a mainly wooden interior. Imagine having the exposed plumbing and beams overhead. It’s unique and definitely attention-grabbing.

Stone features can also be used on walls whether that’s in the bedroom, kitchen, living room and just about any living space in your home.

Spindle Dining Arm Chair has a dependable and luscious hue for the traditional theme lovers. 

Neutral Palette

Yet another hill country look staple is a neutral palette. Use only the elegant and restrained colors such as taupes, dark and light grays, earth hues, and whites. It is easier to achieve warmth with these tones than any other color.

Contrast the probable blandness with beautiful stones, wood, and exposed architectural elements. Make all these complement each other for an aesthetically pleasing home.

Of course, a great way to make your modern farmhouse look appear more interesting is to add a pop of color somewhere. While the base color is mainly neutral, go for something saturated elsewhere. Create an accent wall of blue or green. A colorful artwork could also be the defining piece to top your hill country look.

Minimalism

The hill country look is also all about minimalist living. Whether you get artisan pieces or not, this is a style that should evoke the rustic elegance of farmhouse living.

Remember these traits when you want to succeed in creating a minimalist environment –

  • Achieve depth within the basics. Emphasize on functionality rather than the complexities of the design. Focus the viewer’s attention onto specific elements of your hill country design.
  • Attain balance. Since there are very few elements in a rustic farmhouse, you need to organize and define the layouts. Everything must be visually balanced.
  • Learn contrast. Achieving a minimalist country farmhouse means energizing a few areas and creating laidback spaces elsewhere.

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The Rustic Bedroom – Why It’s In This Summer

Saturday, June 10th, 2017

RayLen Collection: The Sleigh Cal King Bed

It is not difficult to see why rustic interiors are seen as a place of comfort and hominess. This is a style that can also be taken to the bedroom because of its nature. The rustic bedroom is often inviting, cozy and warm. Learning how to create this kind of environment is not a walk-through the park, though.

Tons of Wood

So what are the best elements that you can use in your rustic bedroom? You must always begin with wood. The best one to use is wood in its natural form. In fact, this should be the leading source of your bedroom materials whether we’re talking about architecture or the interior design itself.

You can use wooden logs up on your ceilings. They can also be effectively used as side tables, nightstands or bedframes.

The raw type of wood is what you should think of using in your bedroom design especially if you want it to look authentically rustic. As much as you can, refrain from painting the wood. You can use varnish, though, so you can just show the wood’s natural beauty while still sealing it from dirt and harmful elements.

One other way to infuse wood in your bedroom is through the use of paneled walls. This kind of design can make a room appear more comfy and relaxing.

Natural Textiles

You must soften the décor as well as the ambience inside your rustic bedroom. You can incorporate natural fabrics such as wool, linen, and burlap. These are the most wonderful options that you can use. Woven textiles are also not a bad idea.

There are many ways that you can use textiles in the bedroom. For instance, the rug can add your personality in the room. Other choices include bedding, long drapes and throw blankets.

Experiment with Textures

Think of nature-inspired textures, these must put an emphasis on natural beauty and the ruggedness of nature. Use a lot of earthy colors, organic elements and unpretentious stuff.

Rustic appears dark and heavy traditionally but today’s contemporary style has emerged with both real, fresh and light style. Rustic bedrooms are now more grounded than ever.

Wood Floors

If you absolutely need to expose the wood flooring in your bedroom, then make sure that it displays wide wooden planks, preferably solid, hardwood flooring.

Wood flooring is a lot easier to clean, it offers a more stylish look, it also has a more straightforward type of rustic style, it is durable and it is a wonderful long-term investment.

Wooden floors also have an ageless appeal that is difficult to match.

A Rustic Fireplace

Okay, not all fireplaces are welcome if you want to set up a rustic bedroom. Set up the type that makes use of natural stones. No rustic bedroom should go without this design element as it is the automatic focal point in the decoration.

Chunky Furnishings

The rustic bedroom will never feature delicate and sleek furniture. All the furniture there from the bed, to the armoire, to the chest of drawers, down to the vanity must have robust frames of either metal or wood.

Say no to fresh and airy as these are not your goals at the moment.

Rustic Lighting

So what’s the perfect rustic bedroom lighting?

Remember that the lighting will play one of the most important roles in your interior design. In your rustic bedroom’s case, it must be warm and soft-toned. As for the lighting fixtures, you can pick a traditional-looking chandelier that’s made of metal and crystals or wood. When you absolutely have to use metal, make sure that you don’t use the shiny ones.

Rustic Colors

The color palette for the rustic bedroom could be any of the following –

  • Browns
  • Beige
  • Black and red
  • Dark orange
  • Yellow

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Into the Woods: Rustic Theme Defined

Saturday, November 26th, 2016

Vintage Classics by FFDM

Vintage Classics by FFDM

When deciding on a getaway, you would want to find a place that’s relaxing complete with breathtaking scenery. One would think of Lake Tahoe and other such locations. Apart from the location, it is also important to find a dwelling that’s tranquil. More often than not, log cabins and cottages use the rustic theme.

Rustic Characteristics

Rustic interior design offers an eclectic look that highlights the timeworn beauty of nature. When you choose this theme, be ready to embrace distressed items, handcrafted stuff, and natural materials such as wicker and wood.

The rustic furniture family makes use of wood, stone, rattan, bamboo, nubby cotton, sisal, paper, clay and glass. Metals are also widely used because of their warm hues. This is why you would find a lot of copper and bronze elements in homes that are designed to be rustic.

The structural features of rustic homes include exposed wooden beams, an exposed column here and there, stone or hardwood flooring. Should these elements go missing in our home, then you can always install faux columns or beams.

Other rustic style basics include suede, leather, metals with patina, bark, twigs, wrought-iron, hemp, animal hides, concrete and natural garden elements.

Rustic Is Warm and Cozy

Rustic interior design is chiefly comfortable. Homeowners who are trying to achieve the rustic look should have a natural eye for warmth and elements that could provide comfort. This can be easily done by incorporating hardwood elements from wall features, visible ceiling rafters, heavy wooden cabinets, and stone countertops. Unadorned hardwood flooring is the perfect base to all the above elements.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Blakeley Ottoman's leather upholstery makes it the perfect piece for your rustic home.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Blakeley Ottoman’s leather upholstery makes it the perfect piece for your rustic home.

Country Hues

Since you are focused in keeping the warm and natural colors of the rustic theme, then you also have to consider repainting. This is especially true when your current home paint does not coincide with your new theme.

Rustic means you have to include a lot of browns, grays, tans and greens. For a more customized look, you can use patterned fabrics. This same effect can be achieved in the kitchen and the bathroom. You can also have a customized tile installation where colors are mixed and matched. Use bright, bold tones and blend them with lighter tones.

Many decades ago, the home’s comfort depended solely on the way windows were installed and how the walls were lined. Sometimes, the way the fireplace was positioned also makes a difference. These days, there are advanced varieties of these and have become major principles in rustic design.

Heating and cooling systems now make sure that the weather outside won’t leave the homeowners cold or roasted.

Rustic country design also makes use of natural fabrics like linen and cotton in manufacturing curtain and cushions. Fabrics must also come with basic patterns and hues and most have been handmade.

Here are two styles that fall under the rustic category. There are many more to choose from but it would be wise to differentiate these two basics and to see which one will look great in your home –

The Southwestern Style

This is the Native American, Mexican and Spanish influences fused to offer you that laidback style. Typical rooms here have rough surfaces, earthy colors, wrought-iron furniture, bold textiles and painted stoneware. Terra cotta is also fairly common.

Southwestern colors include greens, desert hues, clay red and yellows, oranges, as well as turquoise. Suede and leather are common in ottomans, chairs and sofas. Distressed knotty pine pieces are also useful in this kind of rustic design.

Country Style

This other style commonly features vintage textiles and more subdued colors. It also makes use of simpler furniture and accessories that are very down-to-earth. It has a more worn-out look compared to the Southwestern style.

Cottage chic is also often referred to as Country style.

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Down to Earth: How to Use Rustic Colors Effectively in Your Home

Saturday, November 12th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Box on Stand: Rustic doesn't always have to be "all brown". The distressed look, here shown, is an exceptional way to achieve the rustic look.

Hooker Furniture Living Room Sanctuary Box on Stand: Rustic doesn’t always have to be “all brown”. The distressed look, here shown, is an exceptional way to achieve the rustic look.

It is, indeed, a capricious process to create a rustic tone. If you’re able to achieve it, though, you will see that the payoffs are huge. There has to be a balance of materials and features whether you are setting up a home that’s a modest log cabin, a timber lodge or a farmhouse.

Basic Styles of Rustic Structures

Did you know that there are basic classes for every rustic structure? The terms such as cottage, cabin, farmhouse or lodge all refer to rustic beauty but do not mean the exact same thing. Let’s begin defining one after the other –

A cottage has many variations just like any other home style. Every style evokes a different image. For some, it is a small, romantic place while the beach cottages all belong on a different plane. One thing’s common with all these cottages, though, and that is airy interiors.

The cabin, on the other hand, has dark-stained logs for exteriors. There is also the fieldstone chimney which is a typical addition. Just like many homes in the past, a cabin is always built using materials that are found from nature. These are then utilized to make functional pieces. Just picture the rusted firewood as well as the breezeway roofs.

Houses that have been around a long time were usually modified through the years. Modifications were often done over a period of years through the addition of other structures on the asset. A connecting breezeway is quite common.

The farmhouse is a popular structure in many rural landscapes. This is the representative of all the hard work that happens in far-flung places. No matter how basic, such a structure promises comfort and safety – the two things that are common in many rustic structures.

Common architectural elements include big porches, pitched rooflines, and those simple yet pretty sidings.

Farmhouses are built minus lavishness or waste. They were historically constructed with the use of materials that are rough-hewn and hand sawn.

The lodge makes use of big timber trusses, oversized fireplaces, high ceilings and chimneys. Take note of the roofing, too, as it was always made of thick cedar or the slated shingles. Bring your imagination to Lake Tahoe and you’d know what a lodge is supposed to look like.

Having a lodge means maximizing the views. This only means that the windows must be massive. The exteriors as well as the outdoor fireplace use a blend of materials such as timber posts, vertical boards, board and batten.

Now that you have these basic descriptions for rustic homes, can you now confidently tell that your home is rustic in style? The key is to have that open floor plan, wood furniture and beautiful, exposed architectural elements.

The Modern Rustic Home

Do you ever wonder how different a rustic home is from one that is modern rustic? One of the most noticeable features of a modern rustic home is the raw wood as well as the stone features. Preserve the look that’s common in rustic style which is the exposed beams, stone fireplace, and the use of furnishings made of reclaimed or sustainable wood.

Rustic also means natural so be ready to embrace rugs, linens and upholstery that show a natural aspect. Find the simplest fabrics minus the nauseating prints and patterns. Think of linen pillows, sisal, jute, and hides for a more natural look.

Modern rustic homes also have a good view of the picturesque outdoors so make sure that big windows are present. The modern rustic home is also almost always full of light and is spacious.

Lastly, bring in the wooden furniture to cap the look.

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Remembrance of Things Past: Features of Old World Design

Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

FFDM Ancestry Collection

FFDM Ancestry Collection

Have you ever wondered what makes Old World design unique? This exceptional design has its roots in the French countryside as well as 18th century England. Old World also represents Spanish, Mediterranean, Tuscan, Italian Villa, and French Chateau. It is a design that is known for its inviting interiors and warmth. Here are other characteristics that make Old World design one-of-a-kind –

Warmth

Old World is also tantamount to having bronze accents, posh drapes, crystal chandelier, candelabra, ivory shades, wall sconces, and detailed millwork. Its color schemes come in neutral tones with rich, warm woods. Coffered ceilings and dark wood tones are common in offices.

Symmetry

Another important element of Old World design is symmetry. The furnishings must be balanced in order to create a room that induces conversation. Common accents include lots of throws, plump pillows and beautiful silk flowers.

Colors

Pick colors that are warm, rich and deep in tone. Get inspiration from nature and your immediate surroundings. Whether you’d get your creativeness from the green grass or deep golds and oranges of the fall season, it’s really up to you.

Other colors that are also often used in Old World design are cream, burgundy, woods with dark stain, navy, forest green, ocher, or sanded, aged surfaces.

Materials

Natural materials are a huge thing in Old World design. You may use stone, natural woods and metal works. Use heavy wooden cabinets, wrought-iron pieces and stone floors. Curtain rods are also welcome. Be sure to include materials with rich colors such as iron, copper and wrought-iron. Limestone and granite are also wonderful options.

Fabrics and Textures

If you want to depict Old World design in your home, make sure that you invest in the following –

  • Brocades
  • Leather
  • Beaded trim
  • Tassels
  • Damasks
  • Floral patterns
  • Stripes
  • Silk
  • Velvet and
  • Tapestry patterns.

Accents

The best accents for Old World design are terra cotta, wrought-iron, pottery, damask draperies and distressed finishes. Make sure to fill your home with accent pieces which represent who you are.

Architectural Detail

If you are about to gut a room that you would want to remodel, then it would be wise to build from the ground up.  Include as many Old World architectural details as possible. You have to learn to love arched doors and windows, exposed wooden beams, and heavy furniture.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Auberose King Panel Bed

Furniture

Old World furniture is free from built-in designs. This means that every piece under this design is freestanding. A kitchen island, for instance, may just be a simple butcher block or it may be a wooden piece with a marble or granite top.

Find slightly rustic or heavy furniture pieces. The chairs and couches must come with wooden frames as well as traditional cushions. The fabric and textures must be rich enough so that your guests will immediately know that it’s Old World.

Still on Old World kitchen, make sure that the cabinetry is free from complex designs. Use arches and hearth styles but say no to other ornate pieces. The cabinets in Old World kitchens often come with unique hinges as well as oversized doors. Corner edges and molding are often rounded on the edge. Large kitchen islands are the best pieces for to stain or paint. This is a good way to distinguish them from the kitchen cabinets.

Other Elements

Other ways to use Old World design is to make the room feel and look like travelers’ haven. Add woven shades, wicker furniture, bamboo pieces, and storage trunks.

It’s time to commit to this design. There is no use in being half-hearted about it. It is a wonderful style that you can be proud of since it shows the most interesting colors and textures. If these define who are you are, then Old World design it must be for your home.

 

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Rustic Is In This Fall: Why Time-Worn Style Is Fashionable Again

Friday, September 30th, 2016

FFDM Vintage Classics

FFDM Vintage Classics

Rustic interiors offer an eclectic look that zeroes in on nature. Furniture normally consists of stone, wood and reclaimed lumber, however, sisal, rattan, bamboo, paper, wool, glass and clay, even different kinds of metal can also be used to achieve the look. DIY projects, heirlooms, collections, folk arts and vintage-looking pieces will also fit in.

Metal-worked furniture pieces are also great options to use on a rustic concept this fall.

Wooden columns and beams, stone flooring and hardwood pieces are elements that you would want to add in your home. If these are not natural parts of your current home, then know that there are now faux columns and beams that can help you achieve the look.

Rustic Basics

Rustic interiors for this season will help you have a warm and welcoming vibe. Rustic is historic, rough-hewn and an Old World charm that appeals even to people who live on an era of manufactured pieces and technology.

Rustic is not tantamount to being not innovative, though. As your persist with your rustic style, you get to achieve a one-of-a-kind look that are either repurposed or set up in that way.

Weathered Woods Are Rustic

Say no to imitation lumber or machine-polished wooden pieces here. Rustic woods have to be rough around the edges and they’d have to be real lumber. Look for sturdy pieces like hickory, oak, or beech. Leave them to develop natural patina. You can also use matte paint to make them look more pastoral. Scuff and sand the edges, choose a stool or chair with bark-like backs and you’re on the right track.

BLOG 8. Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair

This Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair offers the distressed look that is perfect for your rustic setting.

Distressed Pieces Are Rustic

Think of denim blue, forest green, blood red, and khaki – these are all hues that look appropriate during the pioneer days. This does not mean that you can simply shun a lighter palette. Remember that a traditional pattern such as plaid, calico or patchwork would work best.

Another way to convey rustic beauty is to make a handmade quilt. Just throw this over a sectional or a bed; you can also hang this on the wall. Needlepoint pillows and embroidered pieces also embody rustic textile tradition.

Always go for warm, heavy metals preferably those that have been worn out. Look for pieces with a hammered finish or even a hint of rust. Say yes to pewter, bronze, copper, or iron for your bedstead, kitchen racks, lighting fixtures, side tables, and outdoor pieces. Veer away from finishes such as stainless steel and chrome.

Go Modern Rustic

This may be like conflicting terms but as a theme, this has been creating a buzz. Homeowners now love the rustic charm and beauty that come with modern amenities.

It’s impossible not to love this style especially if you are a sucker for character. The key to creating a modern rustic environment, though, is when you can embrace an open space layout, modern pieces, and large, industrial structures.

Don’t forget bringing in nature indoors, though, since the most important feature of any modern rustic dwelling is stone and raw wood. This is easy if you already live in an old home. All you have to do then is to preserve the original architectural features, show off the stone walls, and expose the beams, or light the fireplace.

Modern rustic is also about making good use of the fifth wall which is the ceiling. Homes that come with A-frames are very popular. If you don’t have cathedral ceilings, don’t worry, you can still have the look of exposed beams. Ask professional architects to help you install faux beams.

Beyond the architectural details and furnishings, rustic modern homes should also carry over the theme to linens, upholstery and rugs. The simplest accessories can make a huge difference so be sure to shop for the right fall items.

 

 

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The Beauty of Terracotta Tiles

Friday, September 30th, 2016

This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.

This Accessories Uttermost Tobia Burnt Terracotta Planter 20069 will sit beautifully on terracotta tile flooring.

If you have started kitchen renovation or remodeling, then you know how overwhelming it can be. There are kitchen fixtures to worry about, pros and cons to consider, flooring to install, and a color scheme to decide on. Today, you are going to consider one material that will make your decision-making a whole lot easier – terracotta.

The wonderful world of tiles shows a wide array of patterns, colors, finishes, styles and textures. The material that you pick for your floor tile often determines the aesthetics. Consider terracotta to fulfill not just the aesthetics part of the project but also the durability, budget and style issues.

Stone and wood flooring are popular choices but terracotta is another timeless classic that you could look into. You can even achieve the look of a Spanish Revival home by simply using these tiles.

Terracotta and Its Distinctive Features

Terracotta literally means baked earth. It is hard because it is fired, unglazed clay. What makes it standout is its reddish-brown hue which is why it is linked to styles such Southwest, rustic, Old World and Mediterranean.

Terracotta tiles have long been around. For hundreds of years, this material has provided a uniqueness that is difficult to equal. It is a homeowner favorite because it can be used in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Terracotta is made of natural materials that are quite durable. It comes in a variety of finishes from zero to high gloss. Terracotta also offers an earthy and warm feel which makes it suitable both indoors and outdoors. It is a material that’s resistant to bacteria and mold.

Terracotta is porous, it absorbs moisture quite quickly. This is also why it is susceptible to alcohol, citric acid, vinegar, and oils. Terracotta tiles must be sealed each year so that stains, cracking and discoloration can be prevented.

Installing terracotta tiles can be a bit more difficult compared to other flooring materials. It is highly recommended that professionals would do the job.

The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.

The Thomasville Dining Room Elba Round Dining Table 43622-740 is equally rustic which is why it would go well with terracotta flooring.

Terracotta Maintenance

Clean terracotta tiles with a mild dishwashing liquid, tepid water, and soft cloth. Use this for spills and stains. You can also use a damp mop, just make sure that you dry the spot immediately.

Grout is also prone to staining so you need to scrub it off as soon as possible.

Terracotta in the Bedroom

If kitchens and central courtyards have an endearing look because of terracotta tiles, then the bedroom can have the same charming look.

Terracotta tiles in the bedroom means having a relaxing and comfy sanctuary. There are reddish hues to look into and finishes to consider. Your bedroom style is never an issue with this material since it can work in just about any setting where you install it.

Terracotta in the Living Room

Finding the right terracotta tiles for your living room may not be easy – back in the day. In the last years, homeowners have been looking for a unique material to use inside their living rooms and terracotta just couldn’t be passed up.

Terracotta isn’t for everyone, though. This is just the material to use if you want to stray from the obvious styles. Use it to blend rustic and contemporary, timelessness and classic beauty.

Mediterranean and Versatile

Your home can make good use of terracotta tiles if you want the Mediterranean, farmhouse, eclectic or rustic look. Many homeowners who have used them in the past can vouch for this material’s durability, beauty and overall quality.

Just make sure that you buy your terracotta tiles from a reputable seller.  Be ready for annual care, too, in terms of yearly sealing. This is pretty small to ask for something so beautiful. These tiles are also less taxing on everyone’s feet because of its porous nature.

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Charming Living That Is Country Cottage

Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Sunset Point Display Cabinet deliciously spells country cottage.

Cottage living is seen as a simplistic and natural style. Here, it is easy to feature architectural beauties or showcase imperfections in your home that could actually turn out to be unique elements.

Typically small and challenged in terms of storage, country cottages often come with armoires and cupboards. Look for these furniture pieces if you want to stow away more stuff. It’s time to tuck linens inside the wooden trunk and the dishes placed inside a pie safe. Go ahead and hide the modern-day electronic appliances behind weathered cabinets.

The comfort that country cottage brings with it comes with age. The patina in wood speaks of generations past or simply of a properly weathered look. Find coverlets, canvas slipcovers, and other stuff in bolder greens, creamy whites, or buttery yellow.

Country Living Begins with White

Gray, oyster shell and taupe are the right hues for cottage living. When these are fused, they tend to make a space look fresh, vibrant and beautifully natural. Think of wood beams exposed high up in those vaulted ceilings. These could expand a master bedroom or any spacious retreat.

Use white paint across ceilings and walls. This is the standard look that you could default to if you don’t know how to achieve country cottage just yet.

Don’t stop with the furnishings, though. Carry that paintbrush and swipe it all across your wooden flooring. You can also achieve a nautical-inspired bedroom for kids. These floors will beautifully contrast with pine boards on your walls and the ceiling.

Sanding, Weathering and Distressing Highlighted

The key elements to the country cottage design are distressed, weathered or sanded furnishings. So go ahead and seek out these styles here –

http://www.mccreerys.com/ItemBrowser.aspx?action=attributes&ItemType=Furniture&event=reset&wcsearch=COTTAGE

That stunning piece of furniture can also be just right in front of you. At times, you can sand your existing furniture, rough up their edges a bit, and voila, you have a stylish country cottage piece in your hands. The sanding block can make pieces look old – way older – than they really are.

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70

Stanley Furniture Dining Room Arm Chair 007-21-70

Opposites Attract

This concept is applicable in interior design, too. You must always strive to achieve balance by fusing opposite pieces. This means finding joy in marrying glossy with the muted pieces or the contemporary with the distressed ones.

 Cozy Means Cottage, Cottage Means Cozy

Just as soon as you walk in a country cottage home, you should feel at home straightaway. Natural elements and neutral color palette have the power to rejuvenate the senses. A space can immediately look livable and comfortable if you use them.

Throw a slipcover onto your sofa then add a good amount of throw pillows for upped comfort. Materials that you should definitely look into are burlap, linen, and wool.

Fresh Blooms Aplenty

You will never find a country cottage home that does not feature some fresh flowers. These are natural design elements that can soften the starkness of some architectural features. You can also add some potted plants to make your home more natural.

 Make Country Cottage YOU

 Pull in all of your preferred elements to come up with a space that is solely yours. A country cottage style dining room, for instance, can be a daily or an occasional eating spot according to your preference. For the former, you can set up a casual table, a bench or two, some slipcovered chairs, and your everyday dishware. For the latter, you can add formal lighting in the form of chandeliers.

It’s Not Quaint

When people think of country cottage, they immediately think of worn out homes with old fixtures and furnishings. This is not always the case. While there are rural and simple cottages, it might surprise you that there are also state-of-the-art homes featuring country cottage décor.

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