Adding rustic wood to your home decor is a natural choice.

Rustic wood creates a feeling of comfort and tradition in today’s fast-paced world.

Wood is a natural and beautiful design element.

Often we opt for smooth and refined wood for our homes, and that’s a good choice. Also think about using rustic wood for an even more natural and woodsy feel that’s comforting because it reminds us of the past.

Rustic wood comes in many varieties, including pine, fir, mahogany, oak, walnut and really almost any type of wood. And it comes in many looks, from boards recycled from American barns to wood reclaimed from Asian temples or Latin American homes. Even logs, driftwood and tree stumps can be used in your home’s interior look!

Since rustic wood is all about the rough feel, keep texture in mind when you select your other home furnishings. A nubby, rough texture like linen complements rustic wood or use a smooth texture like silk as a contrast. Other home fashions that go well with rustic wood include cowhide rugs, Southwestern carpets, leather upholstery and textured stone.

Rustic wood looks fabulous with white or light beige as a neutral because the light, clean color brings out the beauty and grain of the wood. Effective accent colors include sage green and rusty red. Or pair rustic wood with a black and white color scheme to add drama.

Consider the following elements for adding rustic wood to your home:

• Coffee tables, end tables and dining tables
• Flooring
• Lamps and artwork
• One wall or a sliding door taken from an old industrial building
• Bookshelves
• Kitchen or bathroom cabinets
• Bed frames
• Fireplace mantels or surrounds
• Wood beams in the ceiling or the ceiling itself

If you like texture, nature and a warm, earthy look, decorating with rustic wood may be just the style for you!

Copyright Hunter Douglas.