One of the hottest trends to recently emerge in home décor is urban rustic. It’s a look that’s built on contrast – traditional mixed with modern, rugged blended with elegant and texture against smoothness. While many of us may feel our homes don’t have the lofty look that we often associate with urban rustic, fear not! It’s very accessible – just a few touches will help your home radiate the comfort and casualness of this décor style. Here are a few easy ideas:

Keep It Natural. A huge element of urban rustic is bringing the outside into your home by creating a feeling of expansiveness. Natural wood beams on the ceiling and distressed wood floors… brick walls that look weather worn… large windows with little ornamentation… everything should feel open and relaxed.

Add Furniture Pieces. Keep your primary furniture pieces transitional or contemporary, adding smaller elements in urban rustic – tables and chairs, accent tables, lamps, a wall hanging. Remember, it’s all about contrast. A sleek modern sofa is perfect with a rough, distressed urban rustic cocktail table, for example. Or a live-edge dining table with more contemporary chairs can be stunning.

Let Texture Be the Star. Urban rustic is not about bright splashes of colour or even soft pastels; it’s decidedly neutral. Greys, beiges, black, browns and taupe are the palette; metals are typically without sheen. What stands out in this style is texture, lots and lots of it. Brick, distressed wood, nubby fabrics, sisal rugs – and once again, contrast is key. Within a piece of furniture, look for smooth metal legs paired with worn wood or an industrial base on a lamp with an elegant shade.

Include Vintage to Soften the Look. If you worry urban rustic may be too harsh for your space, keep in mind that true vintage items will add softness. Integrate a beautiful turn of the century armoire or a cushy wingback chair or an Impressionist style painting with soft colours. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing with urban rustic – a small touch of antique is welcome.

Choose Accessories Wisely. Accessories can make or break the urban rustic look, so give them lots of attention. The details do make the difference. For example, choose vintage table fans, sculpture made of stone or metal, plain white dishware and cushions and bed linens with minimal pattern. Simplicity reigns and larger statement items are on theme rather than small fussy pieces.

Did We Already Mention Contrast? Have the word contrast front and centre in your mind as you decorate in urban rustic. One of the best ways to juxtaposition hard and soft is with fabric. Remember, stay within neutrals. Now, imagine a perfect white duvet with abundant pillows against a large headboard made of distressed wood. Or consider panels of ivory lace curtain on a rod made of tubing reclaimed from a long-ago foundry. You get the idea!

Urban rustic is a fun and inviting style. And remember, it’s far easier to achieve than you may think.  Mix old and new, think industrial, keep it simple and you’re on your way.

Tags: decor, design tips, how to, trends