These rustic spaces demand curling up with a good book under a warm throw.
Written byJess ChamberlainOctober 18, 2016
Share this story
Thomas J. Story
1 of 10Thomas J. Story
Healthy mix
Like varying hues in a color palette, multiple wood grains work well together. In this room, while the sleek lines of the wood-paneled walls and cabinetry feel modern, the live-edge table and felt pendant lights soften the aesthetic.
Thomas J. Story
2 of 10Thomas J. Story
Layered textiles
A rustic living room isn't complete without some material warmth. Layer textiles—blankets, pillows, rugs—in warm colors and bold patterns for a cabin-like look wherever you may live.
Thomas J. Story
3 of 10Thomas J. Story
Emphasize Natural Light
Whenever possible, let natural light dominate a space. When designing a home, or remodeling, take every opportunity to let in more light from the outdoors—add windows, raise the roof, add a skylight.
Photo by Lisa Romerein; styling by Miranda Jones. Written by Laure Joliet
4 of 10Photo by Lisa Romerein; styling by Miranda Jones. Written by Laure Joliet
Lightened up
Mix rustic materials with light hues for an organic-modern look. In this room, pine from reclaimed shipping palettes cover the walls. To offset the darkness, the space is lightened with white paint and curtains.
Thomas J. Story
5 of 10Thomas J. Story
Decor by nature
Make any space—even the most modern—feel rustic with decoration from the outdoors. This lush woodland scene includes eucalyptus- and olive-branch garland, birch vases, a string of pine cones, and a wreath of shed dear antlers.
Photo by Thomas J. Story
6 of 10Photo by Thomas J. Story
With the elements
A pure rustic living room is space outdoors. This tiny off-the-grid cabin in Wallowa County, Oregon invites communing with nature any time of year.
7 of 10
Raw structure
In this living space, old and rough-hewn walls, floors, and ceiling beams create interest and dimension—and a rustic wood palette unto itself.
Lincoln Barbour
8 of 10Lincoln Barbour
Nature as art
Let natural utility elements—like this firewood framed like a work of art—take center stage. The stacked wood is beautiful surrounded by the contrasting white-washed brick, creating an organic-material-meets-modern-construction still-life.
Thomas J. Story
9 of 10Thomas J. Story
Great outdoors
This Montana ranch home's cedar deck puts an outdoorsy spin on a rustic living space, with its rich woods and slatted "sun visor."
Photos by John Clark; prop styling by Molly Hurd
10 of 10Photos by John Clark; prop styling by Molly Hurd
Material delight
The foundation of rustic design is letting natural materials speak for themselves. Here, the simple and beautiful grain of fir plywood means this cabin living room requires no artwork.