Saturday, June 21, 2008

Achieving That Rustic Look

Perhaps you're like a lot of us: you want to get away from those recent trends in home décor that can often leave a living room looking well, unlivable. You may want a warmer feel to your home, a touch of rustic charm. Well, there are a lot of others who feel the same way, but are unsure where to start - redecorating ones home can be a big job and it is certainly possible to overwhelm the look of your home by overdoing the rustic look. Don't worry; there are a lot of ways to add just the right touch to your home without going off the deep end. Read on for a few hints on getting a start on this endeavor. Soon enough, you can sit back and enjoy your home's new look.

1.Rugs

A rug can really dress up a hardwood floor and make an entire room seem warmer and more inviting. Try adding a rug to your kitchen or bathroom; you'll be surprised how this small step changes the entire feel of the room. A flea market or estate sale is a good place to look for rugs - however, if you are going for the rustic look stay away from rugs with ultramodern styles such as geometric patterns. Instead, opt for oval or circular shaped rugs.

2.Blankets

Blankets on your chairs and couches can add a very lived-in welcoming feel to your home. Try to select blankets which are hand woven, or at least have the appearance of being homespun. Natural fibers are a must here; try wool, hemp or mohair. Not only warm and homey in appearance, they are very practical when it gets a bit chilly or you feel like a nap.

3.Coat Racks

The humble coat rack is often overlooked, but can be a fantastic accent in your home and a charming addition to your rustic décor. Look for a coat rack which is made of wood, especially unfinished wood if you are going for an all-out rustic look.

4.Shopping for antiques

When we say antiques, we do not necessarily mean items which will break the bank. Far from it; you can pick up antique pieces which will nicely complement your rustic look at quite reasonable prices. Estate and garage are good places to look for antiques. Farm equipment can be especially attractive as long as it is not overdone in your home. Another good choice if the idea of farm implements is simply too rustic for what you had in mind is antique household items which are still functional - think mugs, tea kettles and the like.

As you see, there are a lot of options open to you to give your home that rustic, welcoming feel. Shop around and explore all the possibilities - after all, it's your home.