Use Rustic Home Furnishings to Create a Country Home in the City (down)

Rustic used to mean 'rickety and cheap', but rustic style is all grown up and now borders on sophisticated and trendy. Beautiful woods, polished logs, and twiggy charm has made rustic one of the most popular styles in the market today. Steven Spielberg has some. So does Sharon, Rick, and Rosanna. And even with all of that popularity and charm, it is, thankfully, one hot trend that is still easily affordable.



Other natural materials that can worked into the overall design are stones, perhaps for a fireplace, flagstones for an entry way, and such items as evergreen branches and pinecones. The evergreen is especially popular for Christmas decorating, though pinecones are interesting accents for rustic home furnishings at anytime of the year. The outdoors can be brought into the house by potting native plants in stoneware or earthenware crockery, pottery, or terra cotta containers.

When Solomon, the wise king of the Old Testament, built the Temple of God, he used many precious stones and much fine gold. But he also used natural materials. "Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. . . . . And the greater house he paneled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains. And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim" (2 Chronicles 3:3, 5-6).

Find lots of decorative accessories for a rustic interior, including lamps, clocks, candle holders, and much more. AND Bring color, texture and charm to your home with rustic furniture for the 21st century.

The Temple of God was uniquely designed and magnificently furnished. The royal style will never be confused with rural elements. But the design incorporated motifs and themes that were significant to the Israelites. This significance can be incorporated into country home furnishings by using items that invoke memories and traditions. Family photographs, treasured heirlooms, and cherished mementos can be artfully and tastefully displayed to invoke tradition and heritage. Needlework created by beloved family members can be transformed into creative wall hangings.

Even a quilt, if properly handled, can be displayed as a work of art. Many people make a hobby of finding unique items to add to their rustic home furnishings by visiting flea markets, antique stores, online auction sites, or thrift shops. Yard sales (known as tag sales in some parts of the country) are a great source for finding that perfect piece at a discounted price. For lots of people, the hunt is as much fun as acquiring something new.

No matter where a person lives, in an urban high-rise, a suburban ranch house, a rural farmhouse, or a wilderness log cabin, country decorating can create a relaxing and comfortable environment for family and friends. Natural materials, treasured heirlooms, and unique collectibles add to the rooted ambience of both country and rustic home furnishings.

Other furniture, such as tables, bookshelves, and an entertainment unit may be weathered or painted pine or perhaps crafted from aspen logs. Some pieces may be lightly painted in neutral colors or blues or greens. A red-barn color palette is also popular for country home furnishings. Coarse and unfinished pieces are perfect choices for this decorating style.

One of the fastest ways to add a dose of interest to a home is to bring in some textures. Rustic furnishings do that with charm and style.