What do you imagine when you hear the words “rustic design”? You probably think about cozy cabins in the woods, snowy peaks and hot cocoa in your hand. Or you might think about tiny cottages surrounded by orchards and wildflowers. However, you don’t have to live in the Swiss Alps or English countryside to enjoy this level of comfort and peace. You can introduce rustic design into your home and surround yourself with relaxing décor and comforting peace.

Reimagine your walls with stone wallpaper 

If you don’t want to tear down walls or do any major work on your home, you can simply grab some rustic wallpaper, pick a wall and create a beautiful nature-inspired statement item in your living room. Today, you can find all sorts of practical wallpaper designs that are easy to put up and take down in case you get bored with one look. Combine your statement wall with some faux wood beams and you’ll feel like you stepped into a fairytale cabin every time you enter your home (and all that without too much work).

Warm up the space with wood accents

One of the key elements in rustic interiors is the use of wood. This is the best way to give your home a rustic vibe, even if you’re aiming for a more modern approach to this style. You can go for anything from wood art installations to heavy coffee tables and warm wood accessories. There’s only one rule to wood: try to use the same wood tones throughout the space to achieve a coherent look. For that warm feel to your space, focus on rich colored accents when matching accessories to your wood, and if you prefer a cooler atmosphere, opt for grey tones.

Add a few nature items 

Rustic design is very closely connected to nature, so make sure to include a few items that come straight from the outdoors. For instance, you can brighten up the space with a wicker or driftwood chandelier or create a gorgeous fall-inspired centerpiece for your coffee table. If you want to go a little bit darker and mysterious when it comes to your design, you can look into taxidermy and mount a hand-carved animal skull onto your wall. If this idea tickles your mind, you can learn more about it and include a gorgeous conversation-starter piece into your home.

Get cozy in front of a fireplace 

A fireplace is a staple in rustic design, so if you have any means to include it into your home, don’t hesitate to invest in this item. Of course, a fire-burning hearth is tricky to construct and maintain, so if you want to avoid the fuss, you can opt for one of those gas fireplaces. These are easier to install and require zero effort when it comes to maintenance and getting the fire going. Just turn it on, enjoy the dancing flames and curl up to your loved ones (pets are a great replacement for humans too).

Soften up the vibe with textiles

No rustic home is complete without plenty of cozy textile elements. No matter if you’re aiming for a traditional look or you want to achieve the fusion between rustic and modern design, textiles will balance out the space, so they are a must. Integrate softness and texture into your space with pillows and throws, but don’t neglect your window treatment. Besides these elements, you can also pay attention to your furniture pieces—a mix of upholstered and bare furniture is a great way to achieve the harmony between warmth, coziness and elegance. 

Rustic design is perfect for everyone who craves comfort and relaxation but is not willing to sacrifice any style. Incorporate some of these interior design elements into your home and you’ll fall in love with your space all over again!

Guest Contributor: Michael