Decorating
10 Rustic Rooms that Nail the Neutral Look
Introduce welcome warmth to your pastel palette with refined rustic elements
This tempting combination of neutral décor with soft wooden, woven and leather accents is rustic ‘lite’ for those who crave delicacy. Tactile materials enhance the appeal of smooth tiles and painted surfaces, often providing the warmth and cosiness that can elude pale, neutral spaces. Take a look at these 10 inspiring examples to see if your home would welcome a subtle rustic refresh.
Go beyond the pale
Busy zigzag tiles might have you thinking that this bathroom doesn’t belong in this story. However, when teamed with just grey, off-white and wooden elements, the scheme is both neutral and beautifully balanced. A copper pipe towel rail is an innovative (and economical) way to heat the space and makes a rustic, on-trend feature.
Busy zigzag tiles might have you thinking that this bathroom doesn’t belong in this story. However, when teamed with just grey, off-white and wooden elements, the scheme is both neutral and beautifully balanced. A copper pipe towel rail is an innovative (and economical) way to heat the space and makes a rustic, on-trend feature.
Amplify your entryway
Spacious hallways can be dressed to impress with the addition of a simple console and some well-chosen accessories. The distressed wooden table brings rustic charm to this otherwise crisp, New England-esque panelled stairway. A few foraged twigs add an ace autumnal accent and are easy to replicate.
Worried a pale palette is boring? See how to add interest by colour-blocking neutrals
Spacious hallways can be dressed to impress with the addition of a simple console and some well-chosen accessories. The distressed wooden table brings rustic charm to this otherwise crisp, New England-esque panelled stairway. A few foraged twigs add an ace autumnal accent and are easy to replicate.
Worried a pale palette is boring? See how to add interest by colour-blocking neutrals
Look to leather
If you’re considering a rustic refresh, don’t forget that leather imbues a similarly relaxed tone to timber. Vintage pieces have a weathered patina that works well with neutrals. Try a pair of matching armchairs in your living room or study for an easy addition.
If you’re considering a rustic refresh, don’t forget that leather imbues a similarly relaxed tone to timber. Vintage pieces have a weathered patina that works well with neutrals. Try a pair of matching armchairs in your living room or study for an easy addition.
Crave country chic
Who can resist the hot, homely hug of a traditional Aga? This cream scheme feels contemporary and fresh thanks to some modern country styling and a monochrome palette. The large potted plant brings vibrancy and life to the pared-back neutral interior.
Want the ultimate country kitchen? Follow these 10 style rules to get the look
Who can resist the hot, homely hug of a traditional Aga? This cream scheme feels contemporary and fresh thanks to some modern country styling and a monochrome palette. The large potted plant brings vibrancy and life to the pared-back neutral interior.
Want the ultimate country kitchen? Follow these 10 style rules to get the look
Temper with timber
Avoid an all-white kitchen washout by introducing worn wooden elements. Here, the salvage-style flooring adds personality, while a vintage-looking table takes the place of a kitchen island. Without these warm, rustic elements, the abundance of tiles and marble could result in a cold and clinical effect.
Avoid an all-white kitchen washout by introducing worn wooden elements. Here, the salvage-style flooring adds personality, while a vintage-looking table takes the place of a kitchen island. Without these warm, rustic elements, the abundance of tiles and marble could result in a cold and clinical effect.
Ensure sweet dreams
Turn your child’s bedroom into a soothing sanctuary using neutral tones and wooden accents. This sleep space has a vintage feel thanks to the stately bed and decorative bird cage lamp. Shop for similar antique accessories at flea markets or online auction sites.
Turn your child’s bedroom into a soothing sanctuary using neutral tones and wooden accents. This sleep space has a vintage feel thanks to the stately bed and decorative bird cage lamp. Shop for similar antique accessories at flea markets or online auction sites.
Combine chalk and charcoal
Dark grey and off-white walls help to create a suitably atmospheric air for this cosy cottage. Shaggy rugs and upholstery in linen and velvet make for luxurious lounging, while the jewel-like mustard accessories will please those who crave colour.
Dark grey and off-white walls help to create a suitably atmospheric air for this cosy cottage. Shaggy rugs and upholstery in linen and velvet make for luxurious lounging, while the jewel-like mustard accessories will please those who crave colour.
Triple the texture
Any interior can be made more rustic by piling on tons of texture. This all-white living room includes rattan blinds, a natural fibre rug and fuzzy faux-fur throw to increase the sensory appeal and overall cosiness.
Any interior can be made more rustic by piling on tons of texture. This all-white living room includes rattan blinds, a natural fibre rug and fuzzy faux-fur throw to increase the sensory appeal and overall cosiness.
Warm up with woollens
Soften your bedroom with a supersized knitted blanket that invites an early night. Wooden side tables and wicker baskets add texture and personality to the otherwise neat and neutral décor.
Which rustic elements would you pick to introduce into your home? Share your favourites in the Comments below.
Soften your bedroom with a supersized knitted blanket that invites an early night. Wooden side tables and wicker baskets add texture and personality to the otherwise neat and neutral décor.
Which rustic elements would you pick to introduce into your home? Share your favourites in the Comments below.
The natural beauty of a Douglas fir floor is all the decoration needed in this relaxing living/dining area. The hypnotic wood graining brings warmth to the soft, neutral palette of white and grey, while touches of delicate pale pink emphasise the subtle tones in the timber. A matching dining table and window seat ensure characterful cohesion.