Back to Basics: Rustic Interior Trends for 2023

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“No matter how taste may change, the basics of good decorating remain the same: We're talking about someplace people live in, surrounded by things they like and that make them comfortable. It's as simple as that.”

-Billy Baldwin

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Rustic interior design continues to be charming in a world of modern aesthetics and fast change. In 2023, the trend is returning more strongly than before as people find comfort in the cosiness and minimalism of rustic interior design. Continue reading to learn about the rustic interior design trends for 2023 if you want to add a touch of timelessness and cosiness to your house.

What is rustic interior design style?

A vast array of styles are included in rustic interior design, all of which highlight the organic, worn, aged, and casual elements of design. There are many different interpretations of this broad category, such as Tuscan, coastal, cottage, and modern rustic. Whatever the particular variation, embracing the unprocessed and raw beauty of materials is a key component of rustic design.

Fundamentally, rustic design is a throwback to an era when people made things by hand out of easily accessible materials, frequently taken straight from the natural world. This method yields an authentically natural and rugged look. When a rustic design was first created, it could seem cluttered and dark. But a more contemporary take on rustic style has evolved in recent years, distinguished by an airy, light aesthetic.

Key elements of rustic interior design

There is a wide range of styles that fall under the category of rustic design, from the traditional and dark to the bright and sophisticated. Even though every distinct iteration of this design style might have its own distinct look, there are some basic design components and décor selections that are universal. To get you started, consider these typical rustic style components and decorating ideas.

Natural Materials

Natural materials are emphasised in rustic design and are considered the mainstay of the aesthetic. Choose furnishings and accent pieces made of real materials, such as leather upholstery, stone countertops, and solid wood tables. These materials give your house a grounded, earthy look that perfectly captures the style's rugged charm. They give your place a genuine, cosy feel by tying it into the outdoors. These materials have character due to their imperfections and distinctive qualities, which give them a distinct appeal and add to the overall appeal of your rustic interior.

Imagine a rooftop restaurant interior adorned with natural materials like weathered wood, rustic stone, and authentic leather, creating an inviting ambience that seamlessly blends the rugged charm of rustic design with a touch of urban sophistication.

Earthy Colour Palette and Cosy Textures

Use an earthy colour scheme to add rustic design elements to your house. When painting your walls, go for warm terracotta, rich brown, or deep olive green hues. These earthy hues create a comfortable, grounded atmosphere that links your room to the outside environment.

These colours' richness and cosiness create a cosy ambiance that transforms your house into a rustic getaway. These hues bring the outside in and inspire harmony and cosiness. They harmoniously connect the various components of your rustic design by providing the ideal background for organic materials and antique furnishings.

Textured Surfaces

Your interiors will have more depth and tactile appeal if you incorporate textured surfaces into your rustic design. To create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, think about using woven area rugs, knitted throws, or textured wallpaper. These textures add to the overall rustic atmosphere by offering comfort as well as visual appeal. They give your room a cosy, lived-in feel that is ideal for people who prefer a simple, organic style.

Vintage & Handcrafted Elements

Rustic design is synonymous with vintage and distressed furniture pieces that lend character and history to your house. Aged dressers, worn farm tables, and antique leather sofas all have an air of authenticity. These antique-style pieces add to the rustic appeal of your decor while narrating historical tales. They offer a distinctive and classic appeal while fostering a sentimental and friendly atmosphere.

Elevate the charm of rustic design by incorporating an artwork and accessory design selection service. This personalized touch ensures that each piece, whether vintage-inspired artwork or carefully chosen accessories, complements the rustic aesthetic, telling a cohesive and compelling story within your decor.

Handcraftings

In rustic design, handcrafted objects like textiles, wooden crafts, and pottery are crucial. They celebrate originality and craftsmanship while adding a personal, handmade touch to your environment. Authenticity and conversation starters are provided by handcrafted pieces that enhance your decor. These pieces add a sense of pride and artistry to your rustic interior while demonstrating the attention to detail and commitment of the artisans who made them.

Indoor Greenery

Adding indoor greenery to your rustic design, like hanging ferns or potted plants, gives it a revitalising, natural feel. These living components give your home a feeling of openness and connect it to the outside world. Your home will feel more alive and inviting with the addition of indoor plants, which also improve the overall ambience.

Exposed Woods

A key component of rustic design is exposing exposed wooden beams or rustic hardwood floors. These elements of natural wood turn into focal points, displaying their true beauty and texture. An integral part of rustic interiors, exposed wood offers warmth, character, and a strong connection to the natural world.

Open Shelving

Adding open shelving to your living room or kitchen is a useful and stylish rustic design option. These shelves offer a place to showcase antique cookware, rustic tableware, and decorative accents. Open shelving gives your space personality and accessibility by fusing practicality with a rustic aesthetic. It enables you to highlight and celebrate the authenticity and charm of your favourite rustic pieces, adding a distinctive and eye-catching design element to your house.

Statement Lighting

Selecting statement lighting fixtures is essential for rustic design. As striking focal points, wrought iron chandeliers, pendant lights with a vintage feel, or distinctive rustic lamps can be used. These fixtures give your room flair and individuality in addition to lighting. Statement lighting fixtures capture the spirit of rustic design by adding a sense of authenticity and history to your space.

Stone Accents

Your interior will have a touch of rugged elegance if you incorporate stone accents into your rustic design, like a stone veneer accent wall or fireplace. These components develop into potent visual anchors that give your room an air of genuineness and unspoiled beauty. Stone accents add to the overall appeal of the rustic design style and evoke its timeless charm.

Mixing Styles

In order to create a truly unique interior in 2023, don't be afraid to combine rustic elements with other design elements. Interior design trends for this year are embracing the combination of modern, industrial, and Scandinavian aesthetics with rustic elements. Through trial and error with these arrangements, you can create an environment that expresses your unique aesthetic.

Combine the industrial materials' raw edge, the Scandinavian decor's minimalist elegance, or the cosiness of rustic elements with the clean lines of modern design. The end effect is a balanced, harmonic space that honours the classic charm of rustic design while bringing in the newness and creativity of modern trends.

Mixing Rustic Styles with Mid - Century Modern

Although they might not seem to go together, mixing rustic and mid-century modern styles can create a distinctive and eye-catching interior. The warmth and allure of rustic elements can be expertly combined with the clean lines, minimalism, and dash of retro flair that define mid-century modern design.

Choose a neutral colour scheme that complements both aesthetics as the first step in combining these two styles. Select a dining table or sofa from the mid-century modern era that has distinctive shapes and clean lines. Then, match it with reclaimed wood coffee table or rustic wooden chairs. The sleek and the worn-out are strikingly contrasted by this arrangement.

Combine rustic accents like a barnwood accent wall or a jute rug with vintage mid-century modern pieces like an Eames chair or a teak sideboard. Lighting is essential; mid-century modern-style pendant lamps can be hung over a rustic dining table. The end effect is a unique interior that combines mid-century modern sophistication with rustic cosiness.

Mixing Rustic Styles with Elegant Style

A well-balanced blend of the rough and the refined can be achieved by combining elegant modern with rustic elements. Sleek lines, high-end materials, and an air of sophistication define elegant modern design, which contrasts beautifully with the more laid-back rustic style.

Keep your colour scheme muted and neutral while fusing the earthy, rich hues of rustic design with the subtle elegance of modern furnishings. For texture, start with a modern sofa with clean lines and a neutral colour scheme. Then, add soft, rustic throw pillows.

Select sophisticated contemporary lighting fixtures to hang above a rustic dining table, like sleek, metallic pendant lights or crystal chandeliers. This contrast, which combines luxury with rustic charm, elevates the area.

To embrace the rustic element, incorporate refined materials like reclaimed wood floors or exposed wooden beams in the kitchen, or go for a sleek, minimalist fireplace surround. Additionally important are accessories and art; for a cohesive look, choose modern sculptures and artwork with rustic frames. The end effect is an elegant yet warm interior that highlights the best aspects of both worlds.

As the year draws to a close, the rustic interior design trend provides a cosy haven from the stress of everyday life and is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget. To make your house feel cosy and welcoming, embrace the rustic décor's natural materials, earthy hues, and classic charm. There's a place for rustic elements in every home, regardless of your taste in vintage finds, do-it-yourself projects, or contemporary takes on rustic design.

Author: Simran Patel & Aarya Dhumal (Interior Designer)