08 Jan Urban Culture – The Principles of Rustic Design
One of the core identities of Urban Culture is rustic design. Urban Culture’s emphasis on naturalism expresses itself in the rustic elements characteristic in its products, materials, textures and design philosophy. But what are the principles of rustic design?
In short, rustic design is to “return to the forest”. The English term “rustic” is derived from the Latin “rusticus”, which means “peasant”, as distinct from urban. And so rustic design has a tremendous emphasis on the natural, utilizing materials like wood, wrought metals, stone, and in some variations of rustic design, plenty of plants. These alternative variations of rustic design may emphasize wonderfully bright natural colours too, but the main aim in the rustic design philosophy is to create an interior that resembles the simplicity and beauty found in the outside world of nature.
Rustic Elements
The primary element of rustic design is wood. Reclaimed or distressed wood is ideal as distinct from using processed wood or wood with very clean textures. The earthy and natural look of reclaimed wood is prized and used in tables, chairs, sofas and flooring. Preferred are woods of a lighter shade, like pinewood for example. Click through to our article on the different types of wood used in furniture for more information!
Wrought metals and unfinished iron are often used as accents and highlights. Depending on your tastes, these metals can be exposed n chandeliers, ceiling lamps, door knobs, faucets, as the trimming on the edges of furniture, and so on. This is especially used in rustic farmhouse-type designs.
Big windows that allow in large amounts of natural lighting do wonders for the rustic aesthetic. Go for high ceilings and linen curtains during the day, then move to warm, flame-yellow lighting in the evening.
Alongside wood, uncut stone panels or tiles are used to balance the interior and complete the rustic design. Stone is usually used for exposed feature walls or floor tiles.
In certain variations of rustic design, plant use is heavily emphasized. Tropical rustic is a variation where plants are used to further emphasize the element of naturalism. In these other variations, especially when plants are used, interior designers tend to introduce a wider pallette of colors into the otherwise soft-toned classical rusticism.
Rustic Color Palette and Textures
When it comes to color, the rustic aesthetic offers a high amount of versatility. The color palette employed in rustic interior design ranges from the cooler, pastel tones of classical rustic or farmhouse rustic designs, to the bright, striking colors of tropical or Oriental rusticism. In any case, colors are so chosen for their natural flavors and organic affinity.
Wicker is a great element to add, especially in arm chairs or wingchairs, to the rustic aesthetic, as it adds a distinct, handmade and natural atmosphere into the setting.
When it comes to textiles, textures such as leather, furs, linen and weave are excellent additions to add accent, flavor, and quality of life to any setting. These textures can be expressed in the form of throws, curtains, cushions and other accessory items.
Rustic Furniture
Rustic furniture makes liberal use of raw wood. Distressed and reclaimed wood make solid, aesthetically beautiful furniture that looks handmade and natural. Other wood elements like branches, twigs and driftwood are often employed as accessories to complement furniture. Together with this wood, pastel, cream, white or beige fabric are often used to soften the coarseness.
Rustic furniture uses a wide variety of recycled or upcycled material to give it that handmade feeling. Unlike the modern and contemporary styles of interior design, rustic furniture has no defined or predictable lines or patterns, preferring instead to resort to the patterns of nature. Unrefined pieces of raw material are often used to create entire pieces of furniture.
Rustic Oriental – The Urban Culture Identity
Urban Culture specializes in a very specific type of rustic design. With so many traditional, handmade and specialized products being imported from Indonesia and India, it is without a doubt that Urban Culture’s rustic identity has a tendency toward Oriental features, especially that of India.
Urban Culture carries complex, hand-carved wooden furniture with powerful cultural character, adding an additional layer of sophisitication to classic rusticism. Wood is not painted, but often carved instead of being left to its natural patterns. If it is painted, the paint is often left to ripen or mature wonderfully, creating beautiful natural textures and shades.
Due to Urban Culture’s Oriental slant, the associated rustic identity comes in a smattering of color. Especially in accessories like cushions and accent cabinets. This further reinforces Urban Cultures character in fusing the best of West and East together in the highest of tastes.
Visit Urban Culture at https://www.facebook.com/UrbanCultureFurniture/ to find out more!
