Weekend project: layer on a little rustic chic
Living room lacking personality? Give it a characterful and classic country update in six simple steps...
This look blends traditional country elements, like rugged flooring, sheepskin throws and wooden furniture, with a modern colour mix of denim blues and touches and burnt oranges. Un-arranged displays of unusual accessories and books give the room character without being contrived. Choose simple furniture in weathered, grained wood and formal, tight upholstery - period and style don't matter here. Combine texture-effect walls, warm oak accessories and netural fabrics in a mix of prints for a warm, country look.
1. Look for lovely linen
A natural weave feels cosy in winter and cool in the summer. The pale grey colour is the perfect match for country-style furniture and accessories.
Ready-made curtains in Woodcroft 100% cotton, from £75, Natural Curtain Company
2. Go back to nature
Ideal for adding an atmospheric feel and cosy warmth, these rustic bark candles will also add natural colour and texture.
For similar, Try Birch Bark tealight holder, £9.95, Nordic House
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
3. Show a little skin
Draped over seats, sheepskins add colour, luxe and Scandic-style credentials.
For similar, try Skold sheepskin, £130, Ikea
4. Pick rugged good looks
Choose a statement piece in reclaimed wood and metal for a little rough luxe. A ladder shelving unit is a great way to display your pretty accessories, curios and family photographs.
Pisa ladder shelf, £295, Loaf
5. Hang a texture-effect wallpaper
Wood-panelled walls can transform a room so why not do it the easy way with a trompe l'oeil wood-effect wallpaper? Get a log-cabin look with a peeling-plank feature wall. Remember you don't have to fill whole rooms - you can create a wood feature wall, a cosy corner or a bold chimney breast for a fraction of the cost of floor-to-ceiling coverage.
For similar, try Cabin Wood Wallpaper, £6.98 per roll, Wallpaperdirect
6. Try a touch of orange
Orange is an easy accent colour that brings both browns and greys to life.
Murray rug (L200 x W140cm), £120, Habitat
Will you be giving this wonderful weekend project a go?
Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
-
Pink Christmas decor is trending - here’s where you can snag the brightest and best decorations
Pink Christmas decor is making us excited for the festivities
By Kezia Reynolds
-
4 ways to recycle plastic plant pots – clear out garden mess and stay green in the process
How to sustainably dispose of old, unused pots
By Holly Reaney
-
5 things I keep in my stylist's kit for decorating at Christmas
These have-to-have items are essential for making sure seasonal shoots and event set-ups go without a hitch
By Laurie Davidson