DIY projects are a great way to add a personal touch to your home’s décor. If you’re after a rustic look, there are plenty of ways to create it with a few extra materials and a few creative ideas. Here are just a few suggestions for bringing that cozy vibe into any room.
For a simple approach, try a modestly-sized pallet. Upcycle an old pallet and hang it on a wall. You can paint it, string lights and hang plants from it, or use it for storage. Pallets add an instant rustic aesthetic to any room, and they’re versatile enough for you to customize in whatever way you like.
Paint it, refinish it, or distress it. Transform an old chest of drawers, sideboard, or table set into a rustic statement piece. You can use an abrasive tool to wear away at the edges of your furniture to create a distressed look, or paint it white or another light color and apply a few artistic touches with a sponge.
Upcycle old bottles. Repurpose vintage bottles into vessels that can be used in a vignette, bathroom, or your kitchen. Whether you’re displaying greenery, dried flowers, or a liquid of some kind, the bottles themselves can be a great way to add rustic charm to a room.
Create an artwork. If you’re creative, make a piece of art yourself. Hang it up with wire or string and be unconventional. Wall hangings with nature-inspired prints or industrial-like sketches are great rustic décor options.
Add a bit of faux fur. Bring some texture into the room with throw pillows, blankets, and rugs that have a faux fur design. It’s a great way to add a cozy, rustic look that’s still inviting and comfortable.
Hang wall sconces. Another simple hack for creating a cozy ambience in any room is to hang a wall sconce on either side of your sofa or bed. It adds a rustic element to the décor, while still being quite practical.
Light it up. Candles are key when it comes to achieving a rustic look. Add a few to your mantel, bookshelf, or breakfast nook, or fill a vintage lantern with tea lights and hang it in a hallway corner.
Try some textured accessories. By adding a few accent pieces like baskets, rope bowl, and lanterns to your décor, you can add a rustic theme to the room. Mix and match different textures to create a unique look.
String lights. Whether indoors or outdoors, string lights will give your space a homely, rustic charm. Hang them up in a room or wrap them around a tree or fence in your garden.
Introduce some brick. For a dramatic and rustic statement, opt for a brick wall inside the house. Complete the look by introducing wooden furniture and a few natural elements.
Bring nature home. Live plants and flowers are an easy solution for bringing life into any room. Place them in vintage-style and rustic-style containers to complete the look.
Mix and match. If you’re going for a specific theme, make sure to mix and match different styles to achieve a cohesive look. Wall decorations, furniture, and other décor pieces should all be complementary.
Create a gallery wall. Collect up all your rustic-style and vintage-style frames and hang them up on a wall. Mix and match frames and incorporate photographs, postcards, and any other favorite mementos.
Go for an open-plan kitchen. Remove the walls between your kitchen and living room for an open plan – it adds a nice touch of rustic, even if your décor is quite modern.
Upcycle old furniture. If you don’t have the budget for shiny new furniture, why not go for something a bit antique-style? Upcycle old wardrobe, bookcase, shelves, or chairs to the design you love.
Bring forth the wood. Wood furniture is another key component when introducing a rustic vibe. Whether it’s a dining table, shelves, or cabinetry, don’t be afraid to try something in reclaimed or distressed wood.
Intro some color. Play with color – this will bring warmth to the room. Choose colors such as pastel green, mustard, or lavender mixed with some shades of wood for the furniture pieces and decorations.
Introduce a vintage-look mirror. A vintage mirror will give your room a more rustic feel. Hang it somewhere prominent for everyone to see – it may even be statement enough on its own for a few rooms.
Painting furniture. If you have wooden furniture that needs a refresh, why not use it as an opportunity to add a rustic element to the room? Paint it a few shades of white or sand, and even add some distressing for an antique look.
Antique items. Collect items such as antique candlesticks, scissors, or any other wooden items you can find and incorporate them into the décor. Group them together and place them somewhere prominent.
Makeover your furniture. Don’t be scared to go for a full makeover. Once you have your furniture sanded down, you can apply rustic-style varnishes and finishes, such as whitewash or glaze.
Watercatch pots. Utilize water-jug-style catch pots (motta pots). Hang them on the walls or place them on shelves for a unique rustic flavor.
Wicker baskets. Wicker baskets will bring texture and personality to the design. Use them to store books, plants, and other items and hang them from the ceiling or walls.
Create a statement wall. Paint an entire wall in a dark shade – it will become the focal point of the room and set the tone for the rest of the décor.
Old window frames. Change your window frames to something with a rustic vibe – whether it’s made of wood or a vintage design.
Make it your own. Don’t forget to customize your design as much as possible. Your rustic home decor should be a reflection of you and nobody else.