Country Feel: How to Create a Rustic Atmosphere at Home

A variety of images pop into people’s mind when they visualize a country décor. Some people think of a landscape involving pastures, open fields and expansive gardens while others visualize a décor that includes farm animals, folk art and gingham prints. A common theme with a rustic décor is an atmosphere of coziness with a hint of nostalgia.

There are a variety of ways to create a rustic atmosphere in your home. Selecting rustic elements of design that fit your lifestyle will give your home that country feel and make your home the functional, comfortable retreat that you desire.

Doors
You can begin creating a country feel at home before you or your guest enter the house. An impressive country-style front door gives everyone a hint of what to expect on the other side of the door. Rustic hardware and a country-style door knocker are individualized decorative features that can personalize your entrance. Interior barn door designs continue to gain popularity in a variety of decors. They are an ideal choice for a rustic décor.

Expressive, Impressive and Functional Lighting
Ambient lighting helps set the mood in a room. Chandeliers are a popular form of ambient lighting. To help create a rustic atmosphere in a room, you could include chandeliers that are constructed of wood and wrought iron.

Faux antler chandeliers help accentuate a rustic woodland décor. Pendant lights are another lighting option that helps set the mood in a room. There’s an extensive number of pendant light designs that complement a country décor. Let your personality guide you in the decision-making progress.

Task lighting is a second form of lighting a room needs. This type of lighting is used to illuminate specific areas of a room to maximize the efficiency of that area. Rustic-style wall sconces, desk and table lamps and floor lamps can be used as task lighting. Accent lighting is a vital decorative component in setting the mood in a room. This type of lighting is used to draw attention to wall art, a special piece of furniture or an impressive indoor plant.

The Soothing Glow of a Fire
Even though people have different visions of a country decor, almost everyone’s image includes a warm, glowing fire. Expansive farm houses and rustic log cabins are not as common as they once were.

Smaller homes and an increase in urban housing makes the addition of a large fireplace difficult. Smaller gas, wood or pellet stoves fit well into today’s housing trends. Vent-free stoves make it possible for anyone to enjoy the beauty and warmth of a cast iron stove.

Color and Texture
The colors and textures you include in your décor play a significant role in creating the atmosphere in the room. You can find inspiration and ideas for color choices in home décor on Pinterest. Colors and textures related to nature are generally the best choices for a rustic décor.

Think of woodland areas and country gardens when choosing a color palate for your rustic home. Rely on the animals of the forest or farm to help you with texture choices. Faux fur, faux cowhide rugs, leather furniture and animal print upholstery are possible options for creating a country feel within your home.

As with any decorating theme, the accessories you choose play a large role in creating the atmosphere you desire in a room. Candles, wrought iron and wood are key components of a rustic décor. You can use wall art to personalize your décor and to accentuate the theme of a room. Rugs, throws and pillows can help you create the coziness that epitomizes a rustic atmosphere. Reach peak coziness with blanket ladder in farmhouse style.

Anica is a professional content and copywriter from San Francisco, California. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she's used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. If you are looking for stoves in Woodinville or elsewhere to add to your rustic-themed home, Anica suggests you check out the quality stoves available at Aqua Rec’s.

Photo Credit: kirkandmimi via pixabay