Design Elements to Add Rustic charm to Your Home

Imagine waking up in the morning with the smell of fresh coffee, a glowing fire in the fireplace, and your furry little best friend (aka: dog) to greet you at the foot of your bed. This is what rustic charm evokes in my mind; it's just all-around coziness. We may not all have large country houses that feature a fireplace and cozy armchairs, but anyone can add this essence of charm to their home.

Whether your style is farmhouse chic or you're simply looking for ways to add some charm and comfort to your home, these 5 design elements are sure to do the trick!

1. Antiques Repurposed

By adding a vintage antique with a new purpose, you will give instant rustic charm to that room. If a piece of furniture is worn out, try painting it or changing out hardware to make it feel new again. Look for unique pieces like an old trunk that can be used as extra seating or coffee table, or even an old ladder repurposed as shelving.

Here's a list of some examples:

-A wooden desk with iron wheels acts as an island in your kitchen.

-A worn leather trunk at the end of your bed can serve as a seat or storage for extra pillows and blankets.

-A handmade wooden bench brings old-world charm to your entryway.

-An old window frame can be used as a mirror above your dresser.

2. Warm up Your Home

Warm up your home with these design elements for a cozy, charming vibe:

Warm colors: Rustic décor is usually warm and inviting as if it were beckoning you into a cozy cabin in the woods. Warm colors on the wall, floor, or textiles will create that feeling of warmth. Some good colors to use include browns and creams, as well as earthy tones like olive green.

Exposed brick: Exposed brick has been popular for a long time for its versatility. Brick has an almost rustic feel already, so it’s easy to incorporate it into a rustic design. It can be used in many different ways, from the walls of a kitchen to an accent wall in the living room.

Wood accents: Wood naturally lends itself to rustic décor because it’s one of the most versatile materials out there that can be easily transformed into just about anything you want.

3. Layer with Materials

The best way to add rustic charm to your home is to layer it with materials. You want a wide variety of materials in your space, including wood on the ceiling, brick as a backsplash, and wooden floors. You'll find that the more materials you include in your room, the more rustic it will feel.

You can also add warmth by incorporating rugs into your design scheme. Rugs are great for layering with furniture and adding color to your room. There are so many options available these days—from natural fibers like jute to synthetic materials like seagrass—that you're sure to find something that fits your style and budget!

4. Add Wooden Swinging Doors and Trim

Adding wooden swinging doors and trim can give your home an instant transformation from an ordinary house to an inviting cottage. You can find wooden doors and trim at most hardware stores or online at sites like Etsy. Keep in mind that it's generally preferable for the wood to be naturally finished with a clear coat of lacquer. This way, you have complete control over the look and feel of your home without having to worry about taking on a major renovation project. When installing a new door also include door trim to the opening to enhance the rustic charm.

5. Artwork

Adding artwork to your home is a great way to show off your personality and style, but you don't have to wait for the weekend trip to the gallery to find something that really speaks to you (and actually fits your budget).

Here are a few ideas:

-Add plates in staggered rows on the wall. This is super easy if they're vintage—they often have pre-drilled holes and chains ready to hang. If they don't, just grab some chain and a drill and get creative!

-Tie a rope horizontally with knots that are equidistant from one another. Hang pictures, signs, or even actual dishes and cups along the rope.

-Get some wooden signs and paint them yourself with cute sayings on them (think "Bless this Mess" or "Kiss the Cook").