Ever Wonder What Rustic Really Means?Written by Pat Stelzer
Decorating terminology can be daunting. Everyone has a preconceived definition of terms used to describe home décor. Early American, Colonial, Victorian, contemporary, and list goes on, each one supposedly designating a very different style. Probably one of most misunderstood words in home decorating is “rustic”. Visions of log cabins, rough-hewn wood beams, rural farmhouses or lakeside cottages immediately jump to fore when something is called rustic. Those are rustic, but so are many other styles and decorator choices. Rustic incorporates those touches that help create a feeling of simplicity. Rustic style is artless or unpretentious, and it has a warmth and sincerity that transcends being categorized or limited to any particular time period. Folk art pieces are examples of that which fit into specific periods, but can also be classified as rustic, Cigar Store Indian or a child’s wooden pull toy. Early American décor benefits by addition of rustic touches like iron skillets or pewter, poor man’s silver. During Colonial times, homes very often contained objects or useful items, quilts, tin wall sconces or earthenware jugs, now considered rustic or folk art pieces. Victorian homes had touches that today would be termed rustic or countrified. Baskets, tin matchbox holders or comb receptacles, were as much a part of Victorian home as flounces, ruffles and lace. The trick is in selecting ‘rustic’ that fits decorating theme. A replica of a boot maker’s sign goes well with Colonial or Country, while one that is flowery, light and sentimental fits into more romantic Victorian.
| | Make That Small Room a "Lodge Look" Home OfficeWritten by Pat Stelzer
The most important thing to remember is that room is small, and keep furnishings on a par with room. In other words, no huge pieces, nothing that dwarfs room. Go for wood framed furniture in pine or maple with loose cushions, simple, plain and comfortable. Use clean lines, and give room that lodge feeling with wall hangings and curtains that carry out motif. Stay clear of frills, and use braid rugs, unless you have carpeting. The key is use of wood, rather than overstuffed pieces. Take a look at furniture catalogs like those put out by Ethan Allen or Yield House, both of which should have web sites. Also, T.David Smith in Ohio manufactures reproduction colonial furnishings, everything from deacon's benches to tables, to accent pieces. Bring lodge theme to it subtly, as I said, with signs, other wall hangings (mounted old pistols--usually replicas), pictures of wild life (keep them small), and use fabrics in both upholstry and curtains that have a small outdoorsy print or simple, small check.
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