What is Rustic? How to Create a Room that Enjoys the Feeling of Materials

Updated

"Rustic", with its simple and warm atmosphere, is an interior design style that is gaining popularity, especially among those who want to create a natural space.

However, many would-be homeowners wonder how to create a rustic-style interior and how to enjoy the rustic look.

In this article, we will show you seven examples of rustic style with materials and how to create them. By the time you finish reading, you will be able to visualize the house you desire.

<Table of Contents>

  1. 1.What is the "rustic style" with its simple impression?
    1. 1-1."Rustic Modern", a fusion of modernity, is also popular
  2. 2.7 examples of rustic styles
    1. 2-1.Natural space felt through beams utilizing the natural shape of the wood
    2. 2-2.A house combining the dry impression of "concrete" and the warmth of "wood"
    3. 2-3.Beautiful rustic pattern, calm house
    4. 2-4.Concrete beams tighten the atmosphere of the living room
    5. 2-5.A house where you can feel nature all over with its beautiful wood grain
    6. 2-6.Nostalgic house with a sense of reminiscence
    7. 2-7.Eye-catching house with rustic-patterned flooring
  3. 3.How to make rustic style
    1. 3-1.Incorporate rustic oak flooring for a sense of age
    2. 3-2.Enjoy the bare materials
    3. 3-3.Unify colors with gentle earth tones
    4. 3-4.Choose furniture with a vintage feel
    5. 3-5.For existing rooms, use interior decorations and other accessories
    6. 3-6.Asking an architect (design firm) for total coordination is also an option!
  4. 4.Summary

1. What is "rustic style" with its simple impression?

ATELIER minette (旧Bateau-Lavoir バトー・ラヴォワール) (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 ATELIER minette (旧Bateau-Lavoir バトー・ラヴォワール) (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 ATELIER minette (旧Bateau-Lavoir バトー・ラヴォワール) (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像
ATELIER minette (旧Bateau-Lavoir バトー・ラヴォワール) ( architect:Ryu Mitarai )

Rustic style is an interior style created by retaining the texture and feel of materials as they are.

"Rustic" means "unadorned," "simple," or "country-like" in English. For example, it refers to the creation of a space that makes use of the original atmosphere of the materials as they are, for example, using an abundance of wood to create a natural feel like being in nature, or using plain concrete to give a sophisticated impression.

It is a style that has been gaining attention in recent years, especially among those who like a natural atmosphere and handmade texture.

1-1. "Rustic Modern", a fusion of modernity, is also popular

Apartment, Higashiyama (建築家 : 澤田 航 ・ 橋村 雄一) の作品画像 Apartment, Higashiyama (建築家 : 澤田 航 ・ 橋村 雄一) の作品画像 Apartment, Higashiyama (建築家 : 澤田 航 ・ 橋村 雄一) の作品画像
Apartment, Higashiyama ( architect:Wataru Sawada & Yuichi Hashimura )

"Rustic Modern", a combination between "rustic" and "modern", is another popular style.

Rustic modern refers to a space that retains the tasteful materiality and yet is functional and livable in style. For example, a modern interior with straight lines can be combined with rustic wood furniture and decor to create a contrast between two different styles.

It has a unique atmosphere that crosses the best of both worlds, and is recommended when you are worried that modern alone is too plain, or conversely, rustic alone is too rough.

2. 7 examples of using rustic styles

Next, we present seven architectural examples of rustic styles. If you are interested in incorporating rustic into your home, please refer to these examples.

If you would like to speak with or be introduced to an architect who can design a rustic-style home that meets your needs and requirements, japanese-architects.com's architect referrals are also useful.

2-1. Natural space felt through beams utilizing the natural shape of wood

House of Shiotomido (建築家 : 澤田 航 ・ 橋村 雄一) の作品画像 House of Shiotomido (建築家 : 澤田 航 ・ 橋村 雄一) の作品画像 House of Shiotomido (建築家 : 澤田 航 ・ 橋村 雄一) の作品画像
House of Shiotomido ( architect:Wataru Sawada & Yuichi Hashimura )

In this house built in a certain residential area, each room is designed with beams that accentuate the natural shape of the wood. When you lie down on your bed, the natural beams will catch your eyes and lead you to a healing time.

To add a sense of unity to the space, the doors and closets are also made of materials that accentuate the wood grain tone, which is also a major attraction.

2-2. A house combining the dry impression of "concrete" and the warmth of "wood"

slash house キッチンから生まれるリノベーション (建築家 : 松尾宗則 ・ 松尾遥) の作品画像 slash house キッチンから生まれるリノベーション (建築家 : 松尾宗則 ・ 松尾遥) の作品画像 slash house キッチンから生まれるリノベーション (建築家 : 松尾宗則 ・ 松尾遥) の作品画像
slash house キッチンから生まれるリノベーション ( architect:Munenori Matsuo & Haruka Matsuo )

This is a house renovated from a 50-year-old used condominium. The ceilings and walls are made of bare concrete to give a dry impression, but the floors and furniture combine warm wood to create a relaxing space.

Another feature of this house is that the kitchen and living room are connected to each other, creating a sense of continuity throughout the rooms. This makes it easy for family members to communicate with each other, making it a comfortable house to live in.

2-3. Beautiful rustic pattern, calm house

Juraku (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 Juraku (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 Juraku (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像
Juraku ( architect:Ryu Mitarai )

This house, renovated from a property in Tokyo, features rustic-patterned flooring that lets you feel the texture of the materials underfoot. The walls and ceilings are unified in a gentle shade of white, creating a simple yet familiar space with nature. Wooden frames are used for doors and small windows on the walls, and nature is scattered throughout the house.

2-4. Concrete beams tighten the atmosphere of the living room

やわらかウォールのある家 (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 やわらかウォールのある家 (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 やわらかウォールのある家 (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像
やわらかウォールのある家 ( architect:Ryu Mitarai )

In this house in a housing complex, gentle wood and plain concrete are matched to create a rustic space. The concrete beams, which have a strong presence, give each room well-accentuated feel.

It is also have the features that each room is separated by a unique, gently curved wall. It is a truly one-of-a-kind residence.

2-5. A house where you can feel nature all over with its beautiful wood grain

軽井沢の家 (建築家 : 松田 仁樹) の作品画像 軽井沢の家 (建築家 : 松田 仁樹) の作品画像 軽井沢の家 (建築家 : 松田 仁樹) の作品画像
軽井沢の家 ( architect:Yoshiki Matsuda )

This mansion is made of wood with a beautiful grain that stands out on the floors, walls, and ceilings. The spaciousness and large openings make you feel as if you are in the great outdoors. You can sit comfortably on the sofa and enjoy the beautiful scenes of the four seasons through the large windows.

2-6. Nostalgic house with a sense of reminiscence

Y and A Place (建築家 : 田畑 洋人) の作品画像 Y and A Place (建築家 : 田畑 洋人) の作品画像 Y and A Place (建築家 : 田畑 洋人) の作品画像
Y and A Place ( architect:Hiroto Tabata )

This house in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was renovated with a focus on the kitchen. It has an appealing retro impression with a sense of nostalgia. The house is based on deep brown wood, with blue-green painted walls, and abundant use of natural materials.

In addition, the spacious kitchen counter, which serves as a work area, is constructed of wood and concrete, and the sink is made of copper. Brass is used here and there to give the interior a natural look and feel that can be enjoyed over time.

2-7. Eye-catching house with rustic patterned flooring

三国の住宅 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 三国の住宅 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 三国の住宅 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像
三国の住宅 ( architect:Akiyoshi Nakao )

In this house in Osaka Prefecture, the entire house has rustic-patterned flooring as shown in the photo. You will feel the beauty of the material on your skin in every room.

The kitchen counter and dining table, which was designed to make the living room larger, are also attractive. The architect's original furniture, with its well-thought-out materials and sizes, makes the house much more livable.

If you are interested in a kitchen counter and dining table, please refer to the following article for more details.

3. How to create rustic style

Here we will show you how to create the popular rustic style. Those who yearn for a natural atmosphere in their rooms by taking advantage of the texture of the materials, please take a look at this page for reference.

3-1. Incorporate rustic oak flooring for a sense of age

丘の上ハウス | A house in the middle of a hill (建築家 : 伊原 孝則) の作品画像 丘の上ハウス | A house in the middle of a hill (建築家 : 伊原 孝則) の作品画像 丘の上ハウス | A house in the middle of a hill (建築家 : 伊原 孝則) の作品画像
丘の上ハウス | A house in the middle of a hill ( architect:Takanori Ihara )

The rustic oak floor, where the knots and grains of the wood are clearly visible, gives the impression of the strength of wood that has lived for many years.

Simply by incorporating rustic oak floors, you can enjoy the powerful yet gentle texture that only wood can provide. In order to fully enjoy the benefits of the wood, it is best to keep the floor clear and uncluttered with things to create a space that is full of warmth.

The different knots and grains in each piece give this flooring material a more natural look than ordinary flooring.

3-2. Enjoy the bare materials

oNoff (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 oNoff (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 oNoff (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像
oNoff ( architect:Ryu Mitarai )

The exposed concrete and beams in the design provide a rough, urban atmosphere that is different from that of wood.

Concrete is great when used as an accent as shown in the photo, or it can be used for an entire wall to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Another popular ceiling design is to show the beams that support the building. Rough-hewn beams are a great way to create a dynamic design and give the ceiling height and a sense of spaciousness.

3-3. Unify colors with gentle earth tones

向陽ロッジアハウス | SUNNY LOGGIA HOUSE (建築家 : 金野 千恵) の作品画像 向陽ロッジアハウス | SUNNY LOGGIA HOUSE (建築家 : 金野 千恵) の作品画像 向陽ロッジアハウス | SUNNY LOGGIA HOUSE (建築家 : 金野 千恵) の作品画像
向陽ロッジアハウス | SUNNY LOGGIA HOUSE ( architect:Chie Konno )

Gentle earth colors are reminiscent of nature and can be easily incorporated to create a rustic style.

Earth colors are soft colors such as beige, brown, khaki, and moss green that are inspired by natural objects. The colors of furniture and interior decorations, including floors, walls, and other furnishings, should be unified with earth colors in mind to approach rustic style.

It will create a calm and comfortable space as if you were in nature.

3-4. Choose furniture with a vintage feel

空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像 空掘の家 (建築家 : 中尾 彰良) の作品画像
空掘の家 ( architect:Akiyoshi Nakao )

Furniture with a vintage feel is perfect for creating a rustic style.

Some people may have an impression of "old" when they hear the word "vintage. However, it is not just old, but a product that has been used carefully for a long time, creating a unique texture, is called vintage.

Create a unique and original space by arranging furniture with a vintage feel that creates a nostalgic atmosphere.

3-5. For existing rooms, use interior decorations and other accessories

Stir (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 Stir (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 Stir (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像
Stir ( architect:Ryu Mitarai )

If you have already built a house or are renting, create a rustic style with accessories and decor.

If it is difficult to make the floors and walls rustic style, try placing shelves, desks, and chairs made of wood, or enjoy the natural texture of linen curtains and other materials. Even if your current interior decoration is not rustic, you can still enjoy the contrast of different styles by combining them with accessories and interior design.

The rustic style is easy to fit into any style, which is why it is so appealing to try.

3-6. Asking an architect (design firm) for total coordination is also an option!

Rib (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 Rib (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像 Rib (建築家 : 御手洗 龍) の作品画像
Rib ( architect:Ryu Mitarai )

If you are not sure how to create a rustic style, one way is to ask an architect (design firm) for total coordination.

Professional architects take the client's requests into account in detail and coordinate them according to the client's wishes. They also have a thorough knowledge of the qualities and characteristics of building materials, and can create a space that brings out the best in the materials. In addition, they can also request furniture that matches the atmosphere of the house, creating a more unified and fashionable coordination.

If you are not sure what kind of furniture and interior design should be matched, ask a professional architect (design office) for total coordination.

Summary

In this article, we have selected seven examples of simple and gentle rustic style and introduced how to create them. The natural atmosphere that makes the most of the quality of the materials has a unique charm that makes us feel nostalgic.

If you actually want to incorporate rustic style, you can ask an architect who knows the characteristics of the material for total coordination. Take advantage of their professional knowledge and experience to create your ideal home.

japanesse-architects.com offers free consultations with architectural advisors who are first-class architects and can introduce you to the right architects and design firms based on your needs.

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