Rustic Done Right

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THE BEST OF

RUSTIC

DONE RIGHT

1. Mix masculine and

feminine: Here, a delicate gilded table faces a massive stone hearth, and oversized hickory chairs top a floral-patterned rug.

WE SEARCHED OUR 18-YEAR ARCHIVE TO FIND THE BEST EXAMPLES OF RUSTIC DESIGN—AND THE EXPERT ADVICE YOU NEED TO GET THE LOOK

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afraid to go big. Stones of varying shapes and sizes—some weighing more than 2 tons— make this 28foot-tall fireplace appear older than it really is.

3. Add instant patina.

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Rough new logs up a bit before installing them, or try an application of ferrous sulfate, which creates a pleasing weathered gray tone—without the wait.

PHOTO, LEFT: GIBEON PHOTOGRAPHY; PHOTO, RIGHT: TIM MURPHY

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2. Don’t be

4. Work with local artisans.

A dramatic iron railing like this can’t be found in stores. A talented craftsman created each delicate aspen leaf by hand.

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When the view is this spectacular, keep the furnishings simple. You can’t go wrong with a classic Adirondack chair.

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5. Warm things up. Adding a fireplace or fire pit to a porch lends a cozy vibe and allows you to enjoy the space well past sundown.

6. Try something new.

We’ve seen hide upholstery on couches and chairs, but on the walls? Well, why not?

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9. Create vantage points.

This porch’s simple wraparound bench offers plenty of space to kick back, relax and take in the view.

10. Add texture and

depth. Swap out smooth sheetrock for the rugged appeal of raw wood and natural stone.

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PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: GIBEON PHOTOGRAPHY, EMILY MINTON REDFIELD, JAMES RAY SPAHN

ROGER WADE

8. Sweat the small stuff.

It’s the little details that bring a home to life.

Find them at antique malls, flea markets, even garage sales.

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PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: HEIDI LONG, GIBEON PHOTOGRAPHY, AUDREY HALL, EMILY MINTON REDFIELD,

7. Have some fun! Surprising patterns and bold colors—like this geometric rug and orange velour polka-dot chairs—take a rustic room in a fresh direction.

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11. Change directions.

..........Wood paneling set in a herringbone pattern gives a rough-and-tumble material a sophisticated edge.

12. Think outside the bath. The addition of art, antiques and a vintage rug makes this bathroom feel intimate, inviting and oh so elegant.

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PHOTO, THIS PAGE: AUDREY HALL; PHOTOS, FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ROGER WADE, JAMES RAY SPAHN, DAVID SWIFT

13. Add polish. Every rustic space

needs a bit of shine. This white soaking tub and chrome fixtures create the perfect balance.

14. Fake it. Don’t own a

log cabin? Adhere log skins (pictured here) to conventional framing to get the look.

15. Cozy up with (faux) fur—but don’t overdo it. A throw pillow here or blanket there is all you need.

16. Keep it simple. In a

small space like this bedroom, avoid using too many different materials and colors. Here, a palette of gray, black and cream lets the red accents pop. ○

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